(Image credit: Shutterstock)
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homegrown tomatoes. And if you enjoy picking these straight from the vine and into your dishes (or mouth), it can be a letdown when your crop misses that bold, juicy flavor you had hoped for.However, even though it looks ripe and ready for the picking, you’ll need to know the best stage of ripeness for picking a tomato.What’s more, tomatoes on the vine are constantly at risk of damage from weather extremes, pests, and disease. Which is why identifying the ideal time to harvest is crucial for securing a high-quality, delicious yield.So if you want to avoid a bland and disappointing crop, here are the three tomato picking stages — to ensure they are bursting with the juicy flavor you crave.1. When your tomatoes are fully ripe and red
Tomato plants ready to harvest, abundant with tomatoes (Image credit: Shutterstock)This is when your tomato crops have reached their full size, red color, and are firm in texture. These signs indicate that your harvest is ready for consumption, and experts suggest eating or using them immediately after they are picked for maximum flavor.However, after harvesting, be sure you consume them within a day or two to enjoy them before their peak flavor begins to fade.It’s also worth noting that the kind of tomato plant you select is vital for its final flavor.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.“The variety of tomato can determine flavor,” states Jessica Mercer, Ph.D, horticulturist at Plant Addicts. “Some tomatoes are bred for shipping ease, firmness, disease resistance, or high yield. Others, like cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and many heirlooms, are known for good sugar-acid balance and aroma.”Before choosing which seeds to sow, you should investigate which particular cultivars align with your preferred flavor profiles.For top tips, check out Tom's Guide to tomatoes for everything you need to know about growing a juicy harvest.2. The ‘color break’ or turn stage
