Should Cut Up Tomatoes Be Stored In A Refrigerator Or Left Out Overnight Before Canning

Question From: M. Montgerard - Danville, Illinois, United States
Q: My husband and I, along with friends, can tomato juice each year. We cut up around 350 pounds of tomatoes. We cut up a canned in one day. I would like to know if we cut the tomatoes up the day before could they be stored in sealed containers overnight at room temperature or do they need to be refrigerated.

A: I would definitely refrigerate them . Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy