- Tomato seeds can be saved casually through squeezing them out onto a paper towel and then air drying them,but the fermentation method is a better route.
- Through the fermentation route ,the tomato seeds which are stored can be viable for over 6 years.
- Fermentation assists in killing bacteria and any seed borne diseases which might be present in the tomato fruit and it also helps weaken the tomato seeds gelatinous sheathes and lastly removes the germination inhibitors.
- Fermentation method:It is important to use ripe tomatoes.Pick ripe tomatoes,wash them then cut them open and squeeze the seeds out onto a container.Use a container with a lid for fermentation.Leave the container with the tomato juice in a room temperature environment (around 21 degrees Celsius) for about 3 days.
- Note that fermentation should not be longer than 3days because it can have a negative effect on the germination process in later stage.
- Stir the fermenting juice once or twice a day so as to separate the seeds from the water or juice of the tomatoes(the seeds should be found on the bottom of the container).
- After 3 days,pour out the pulpy water out of the container and pour about 3 times more volume of water so as to wash the seeds .Repeat for twice or three times so as to ensure that the seeds are clean.
- Pour the seeds on a paper towel so as to allow to air dry,keep checking whether the seeds are dry.Once the seeds are completely dried up,one can store them and the seeds are ready for use(planting ).
#babes_we_farming #tomatoseeds #womeninfarming #tomatoproduction #growingownfood
Recent Comments