Storing a tomato at room temperature (68 degrees F) allows it to maintain its existing volatiles (substances that give it its flavour) as well as produce more of them Storing a tomato at refrigerator temperature (39 degrees F) causes its volatiles to break down Volatiles associated with green and grassy notes were those hardest hit by colder temperatures, which explains why refrigerated tomatoes lack that fresh-picked flavour Storing tomatoes below 50 degrees F may also lead to changes in texture, premature softening, surface pitting, and increased decay (this is true even prior to harvest)