S...contrary to many people's thoughts....you may harvest your tomato as soon as it starts to color with no loss of quality in taste. Put it on the counter and watch it color up. Then enjoy the marvelous fruit. (even though it is a fruit....do not put it in a fruit salad). haha

Yes, I started harvesting most of mine once the color breaks to ripen inside after reading about it here. In a dry spell, like we're having now, the birds get a little crazy and peck everything red, and beyond that it does seem like the ripe ones are extra attractive to bugs. I still wonder if there might be a slight flavor difference between counter ripened and vine ripened (can't help myself) but now I get to enjoy tomatoes that aren't previously sampled.

Many discussions here about when to pick, picking at blush, what does 'color break' mean, etc. that the search will pull up for you if interested.

Bottom line - there is no reason to leave fruits on the vine to fully ripen so there is no reason to risk them to pest damage much less spray them with Sevin or something else.

Pick at color break and ripen them indoors, on the kitchen counter, out of the direct sun.

Dave

skyclad, I took Dave's advise and am just amazed how well it works to let them finish ripening inside on the counter. (out of direct sunlight...so NOT on the window sill). When they are ripe, it sure seems like they are just the same as vine ripened. The birds haven't had a sample yet. woo hoo!

Has anyone actually tried tomatos in a fruit salad??...Just asking.

Has anyone actually tried tomatos in a fruit salad??...Just asking.

This, picking after color break, is the best idea since the invention of the ball point pen. This way you beat the birds, squirrels, rats, and the rest.