Harvest and Ripen Tomatoes

What happens here

Begin by harvesting tomatoes from your garden. It's recommended to pick them when they are mostly ripe but still have some green. Lay the picked tomatoes out on a kitchen counter for a few days to allow them to fully ripen to a deep red color. This process allows the flavors to develop and ensures the best quality for your sauce. Prioritize Roma tomatoes, also known as paste tomatoes, as they are less watery and ideal for making a thick sauce. Larger slicing tomatoes can also be used, but they contain more water and will require longer cooking time to reduce.

Goal: Gather ripe tomatoes, ideally Roma, suitable for sauce making.