Ripe tomatoes are the key to many summer dishes! But what if your tomatoes aren't quite ready? If you picked your tomatoes a little early or if you want to speed up the ripening process here are a couple of tips to get those green tomatoes ripe in a jiffy.

First, the temperature is key - around 65-75 degrees is ideal for ripening tomatoes indoors. Keep them out of direct sunlight, as this will actually harm your tomatoes.

And whatever you do, don't put them in the fridge! This will stop the ripening process altogether and change the texture of your tomatoes to something mushy and unappetizing. Refrigeration also reduces the tomato's fragrance, producing a less flavorful result.

As for storing tomatoes, stem side down is best. This prevents air from getting to the stem.

Ripe tomatoes will only have a shelf life of a couple of days. So it is best to use them as soon as possible- enjoy them fresh, in sauce, or canned for later.

With a little patience (and maybe a little help from our tips), you can have the perfect tomatoes to enjoy all summer long!

Yes, you can still eat cracked or split tomatoes as long as there aren't pests or signs of tomato diseases. However, they will not last as long and should be used immediately.

Overripe tomatoes will be soft and have blemishes, or cracks in the skin.

Tomatoes can split for a number of reasons - too much water, not enough water, or sudden changes in temperature. If you notice your tomatoes are splitting, try to pick them as soon as possible.

Picked tomatoes should be stored stem side down in a warm (65-75 degree), dark place. Do not put them in the fridge!

Tomatoes ripen faster on the vine when the conditions are right - warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight. However, you can speed up the process by picking them early and ripen green tomatoes indoors.

The best time of day to pick tomatoes is in the morning, before the heat of the day sets in. This will help them to stay fresh longer.

If you can't get out to pick them in the morning, try to pick them in the evening when it's cooler. Avoid picking them during the heat of the day if possible.

Tomatoes should be picked every few days, or as needed. This will depend on the variety of tomato and how quickly they are ripening.

Check your tomatoes daily and pick them as soon as they are ripe. This will help to prevent them from splitting or getting overripe.

Now that you know when and how to pick tomatoes, go out and enjoy the fruits of your labor! Freshly picked tomatoes are one of the best things about summertime. There is nothing like a ripe, juicy tomato straight from the vine. So get out there and enjoy them while you can!