The best way to preserve your tomato harvest? Save seeds for next season. Watch as Row 7 research farmer Morgan demonstrates how to save seeds from your Midnight Romas, so you’ll be set for purple paste tomatoes next summer. What you’ll need: -Cutting board -Sharp knife -Water -Quart container -Sieve/fine-mesh strainer -Paper towel -Tape -Pen/marker -Envelope/paper bag/glass jar -Mesh produce bag (optional) 1. Collect 3-4 tomatoes; you’ll want to choose fruit that’s free of disease or blemishes. 2. Working lengthwise, use a sharp knife to cut 1⁄3 of the way into the tomato, then scrape out the seeds with your fingers into the quart container. Alternatively, cut the very top off and squeeze out the seeds. 3. Pour in some water, swirl it around, and pull out the big fleshy bits. Strain your seeds through a sieve, and pull out any other large bits you can find. 4. Shake your seeds back into the quart container. Pour in enough water so they’re completely covered and there’s some space for them to float around. 5. Let the seeds ferment for 1-4 days at room temperature; be sure to keep the container covered with a piece of paper towel or coffee filter to prevent bugs from getting in. You’ll know the seeds are ready when a moldy layer settles over the surface of the water. 6. Remove the layer of mold (it can be composted!) then strain your seeds through the sieve. Hold the sieve under running water to clean them as thoroughly as possible, and pick out any remaining fleshy bits. 7. Transfer the wet seeds to a plate and spread them around evenly with your fingers. Label the plate, and leave the seeds to dry in an area that’s out of direct sunlight, has good air flow and is free from pets/pests. Move them around every day or so with your fingers. You’ll know they’re dried completely when you can move them around easily and they feel papery. 8. If you’re using a mesh produce bag, transfer the seeds into the bag, spread them out as best you can and hang the bag near a circulating air source. 9. Once the seeds are completely dry, transfer them to a well-labeled envelope, paper bag or clean glass jar. #midnightroma #growdelicious