Tomato vendors in Tema Community One market has advised Ghanaians to take advantage of the current tomato surplus by preserving them for future use.

They noted that the abundance of tomatoes recently is a rare opportunity, as availability can fluctuate.

To extend the shelf life of tomatoes, they suggest several preservation methods including freezing, drying, and boiling.

Tomatoes can be frozen after washing and blending, or steaming with vegetables like carrots and beetroot for added flavor.

Drying involves pre-heating the tomatoes before drying them in the sun or a dehydrator, then blending them into a powder.

This powder can be stored in airtight containers or wrapped and kept in the fridge or freezer to prevent moisture absorption.

For optimal storage of fresh tomatoes, it is recommended to place them in a well-ventilated area such as a basket or on a tiled floor.

The cool, airy environment helps prevent spoilage. Additionally, sprinkling camphor on the floor can deter insects that might otherwise damage the tomatoes.

Madam Theresa Adu emphasized that tomatoes thrive in the current weather conditions, and proper storage can keep them fresh for several days.

Juliana Owusu highlighted that adding garlic during the steaming process can enhance the flavor of the tomatoes when they are eventually used.

“This weather is good for tomatoes; they don’t like heat, so they can stay for days without getting spoilt if it has access to air; so you can keep it in a basket or open floor, especially with the floor; it doesn’t get soiled,” Madam Theresa Adu, a tomato seller, said.She stated: “If you keep it on the floor or basket, you have to sprinkle camphor on the floor; it sacks the insects that feed on the tomatoes, which makes it to spoil.”“It stays for long when you dry and blend it, but when you add garlic while steaming, it gives it a very fresh taste anytime,” Juliana Owusu, another tomato seller said.