It does stink, but your mistake was adding water and stirring it. The mat will form if you leave it alone :-) I only add water if it looks a bit dry, and then only a few drips.

I have tried leaving my containers uncovered, but sometimes I have several batches brewing and the smell gets a bit much, plus I sometimes have fruit flies in my kitchen. I often cover the containers with plastic wrap and I don't bother to poke holes in it.....

Since you have lots of tomatoes, I would try again - unless you prefer to do a germination test, just to make sure that the seeds are still ok.

Linda

Agree with Linda as to the problems but I would expect your seeds to germinate fine. If you have additional fruit it always pays to save seeds from multiple fruit using your same methods but this time no water and don't stir, ok? :)

Dave

I grew Mortgage Lifter from saved seeds, but didn't go through the fermenting process - just dried them on a paper towel and put the bare seeds in labeled envelopes in a jar in the fridge until the following February. I grew Indigo Rose, Yellow Icicle and San Marzano the same way. I planted 2 of each and they all germinated. I sometimes save a few seeds when I go to a tomato tasting - just put a few on a napkin.

lgteacher, of course that will work. I even grew seeds straight from a tomato once without even drying them (when I was desperate to grow something over the winter and didn't have any tomato seeds handy). However, the whole reason for fermenting is to destroy any pathogens on the seed surface.

Linda

I ferment tom seeds and use a significant amount of water in the process. And I also stir once/day which serves to break up the clumps of agglomerated seed and tom flesh initially floating at or near the surface of the brew (to aid in the sinking of the "good" seeds).

Your choice of course but it does dilute the fermentation effects and benefits.

Dave

That is why ( adding water, stirring) inhibits/delays fermentation. Also if the water used is chlorinated it further can inhibit fermentation. You can add more fresh tomato juice to it instead of water , if you like. The purpose of fermenting is to break down and separate the gel from seeds. JMO

Sey