Orange Tomatoes and Heat

Tomato color can be affected by heat. When temperatures rise above 95 degrees F, red pigments don’t form properly though the orange and yellow pigments do. This results in orange fruit. This doesn’t affect the edibility of the tomato, but often gardeners want that deep red color back. Though you can’t change the color of tomatoes that have completely ripened, you can pick them when they are just starting to turn and have them ripen in cooler temperatures (75 to 85 degrees F is best). Such tomatoes will develop normal coloration.

Articles reprinted from the K-State Research & Extension Horticulture Newsletter

Tags: Fruit, Tomatoes, Vegetable Gardening, Vegetables