Have you ever noticed small holes or blemishes on your tomatoes and wondered if they’re still safe to eat? Before you toss them in the trash, it’s worth understanding what causes these imperfections and whether they affect the tomato’s quality.
Holes in tomatoes can result from a few common causes. Insects like tomato worms or beetles might nibble on the fruit, leaving small marks. Sometimes, the damage occurs during harvesting or transportation. In other cases, it could be due to a lack of calcium or other nutrients, which affects the tomato’s skin as it grows.
The good news is that tomatoes with small holes are usually safe to eat. If the inside of the tomato looks fresh, smells fine, and shows no signs of mold or rot, you can simply cut away the damaged part and use the rest. However, if the hole is surrounded by dark spots, mold, or a foul odor, it’s best to discard the tomato to avoid potential contamination.
Instead of throwing away imperfect tomatoes, consider using the healthy parts in sauces, soups, or stews. If the tomato is too damaged to eat, you can compost it to enrich your garden soil or even save the seeds to grow new plants.
By taking a closer look at your tomatoes, you can reduce food waste and make the most of these delicious fruits.
