Did you know that before the advent of the refrigerator, our grandparents used… wood ash to keep their tomatoes fresh? Natural, economical, and incredibly effective, this method is now making a comeback. And you’ll understand why.
Why use ash to preserve tomatoes?
It may seem surprising, but untreated wood ash has exceptional properties. It is alkaline , which inhibits the growth of mold and bacteria. Its fine particles absorb moisture and limit exposure to air—two major causes of food decay.
Another advantage: it’s a 100% natural solution , without waste , and free if you have a fireplace or a wood-burning stove.
What you need
Before you begin, all you need to do is gather:
- Firm, ripe tomatoes (neither too green nor too ripe, without spots or cracks )
- Clean, dry wood ash (never charcoal or treated or painted wood)
- An opaque container : stoneware pot, wooden box or thick cardboard with a lid
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