Split tomatoes safety - Ask Extension
Is it safe to eat tomatoes that have split while still on the vine? These are cherry and slightly larger tomatoes. Sometimes they also split after I b...
Knowledgebase
Split tomatoes safety #847350
Asked August 25, 2023, 7:17 PM EDT
Is it safe to eat tomatoes that have split while still on the vine? These are cherry and slightly larger tomatoes. Sometimes they also split after I bring them in the house. I am eating these fresh and not canning or freezing. Thank you!
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear David,
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension about tomatoes with cracks. Cracking usually occurs because of too much heat or a sudden increase in water available to the plant. So, to avoid this condition, try to give your plant some afternoon shade (perhaps with a light "tent" of floating row cover, and maintain consistent moisture so that the soil does not get completely dry and then soaking wet.
As for safety, it depends on whether you have applied any chemicals or other substances to your plants recently. Check all labels for safety information about consuming treated foods.
If you have not applied anything to the plant, you can treat the cracked fruit as you would with any other cosmetic blemish such as dark spots or small insect holes. Wash the fruit and then cut away any affected areas in case any airborne bacteria may have entered the wound. The remainder of the fruit is ok to eat.
I hope this information is helpful. Please write again if you have additional questions.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension about tomatoes with cracks. Cracking usually occurs because of too much heat or a sudden increase in water available to the plant. So, to avoid this condition, try to give your plant some afternoon shade (perhaps with a light "tent" of floating row cover, and maintain consistent moisture so that the soil does not get completely dry and then soaking wet.
As for safety, it depends on whether you have applied any chemicals or other substances to your plants recently. Check all labels for safety information about consuming treated foods.
If you have not applied anything to the plant, you can treat the cracked fruit as you would with any other cosmetic blemish such as dark spots or small insect holes. Wash the fruit and then cut away any affected areas in case any airborne bacteria may have entered the wound. The remainder of the fruit is ok to eat.
I hope this information is helpful. Please write again if you have additional questions.
