When is the prime time to pick tomatoes from the vine?

Question

At what stage in tomato growth should I pick them? I know they can continue ripening off the vine, but when is the ideal time to harvest?

Answer 1

For the best taste let them ripen on the vine. Never refrigerate them because they get a grainy texture and lose their flavour.

Answer 2

If you want to eat them immediately, there is nothing better than a fully ripe tomato fresh from the vine.

Usually though, it is best to pick them when they are no longer yellow, not yet red, but orange.

Tomatoes still green (slightly yellow) are best for frying.

Overripe and slightly mushy tomatoes make the best spaghetti sauce.