How do I store tomatoes so they don't go bad?

The main thing is don't wash your tomatoes before storing them, because moisture speeds up rot and mold! Keep them stem-side down at room temperature (if they're ripe) or on the bottom shelf of the fridge (if they're overripe) - they'll definitely go bad faster in the fridge. Make sure they're not touching each other and they're sitting separate from other vegetables that give off ethylene. If they keep getting moldy anyway - it's probably just too humid in your fridge, try putting them in a paper bag or on a paper towel so the moisture can evaporate.

Mold on tomatoes is always a humidity problem, so the fridge can be the worst place to store them, especially if it's already damp in there. I had a similar experience: I'd put ripe tomatoes in the fridge, and a couple of days later they're already moldy. Then I realized it was all because of the condensation that builds up in a closed space.

They usually get soft either because they were too ripe to begin with, or you actually washed them before storing (water seeps through the skin and tomatoes start to rot from the inside). I started storing ripe tomatoes at room temperature in an open bowl on the kitchen counter, away from direct sunlight - they last way longer that way. If tomatoes are still a bit underripe, you can put them in a dark dry place (a cupboard, a pantry). But if they're already overripe and you need to eat them urgently - then yeah, the fridge, but only in a separate container or a plastic bag with holes for ventilation, so there's no direct contact with moisture from other foods.

The main rule that actually works: don't wash them before storage (only before eating), don't crowd them in sealed containers, and keep them somewhere air can circulate around them. If tomatoes are touching each other - they spoil faster, so it's better to lay them out in a single layer.

The refrigerator really isn't the best option for ripe tomatoes, but it's not just about humidity. The problem is often that we put tomatoes in there together with other vegetables and fruits that also release ethylene or absorb moisture. Plus they lose flavor and aroma in the fridge, so even if they don't go bad quickly - it's not worth it.

Try separating storage by ripeness level. Ripe tomatoes are actually best kept at room temperature, but not in direct sunlight and away from heating radiators - in a dark cool place, like a kitchen cabinet or a hallway shelf. Underripe ones can go in the fridge, just in a separate container or bag so they don't touch other vegetables. The key thing is not to wash them before storing - that really speeds up rotting.

And here's what a lot of people miss: before you put a tomato away for storage, check if there are already any tiny cracks or bruises on it. Even a small wound is an entry point for mold. If you find a damaged tomato, it's better to use it right away or throw it out so it doesn't infect the rest.