Tomatoes that have cracks or splits in the skin are still safe to eat as long as certain precautions are taken. Here are quick answers to some common questions about eating tomatoes with splits:
What causes splits in tomatoes?
Splits or cracks in tomatoes are caused by the tomato absorbing water faster than the skin can expand. This can happen after heavy rainfalls or inconsistent watering. The tomato swells and the skin splits open. Cracks and splits allow entry points for disease and rot to start.
Are splits only cosmetic damage?
No, splits in tomatoes are more than just superficial damage. The cracks allow entry points for bacteria, mold and other pathogens. Tomatoes are susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases through openings in the skin, which can cause the tomato to rot from the inside out.
When are cracked tomatoes unsafe to eat?
Tomatoes with cracks or splits can be unsafe to eat if the cracks are deep and the flesh inside looks damaged. Also, if there are signs of rotting like mold, sliminess or a foul smell, the tomato should be discarded. Shallow cracks on the surface may be safe if the flesh inside still looks healthy.
What precautions should be taken with split tomatoes?
If the split in the tomato skin is shallow and the inside still looks and smells fresh, take these precautions before eating:
- Wash the tomato thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt and bacteria from the cracks
- Cut out any cracked/damaged areas of skin
- Cut the tomato open and inspect the inside flesh – discard if rotten
- Consume soon and don’t let sit at room temperature for extended periods
- Cook thoroughly before eating as the cooking process kills bacteria
Can you prevent splits in tomatoes?
Proper watering techniques can help minimize cracking and splitting. Some tips:
- Maintain consistent soil moisture – don’t let the soil completely dry out between waterings
- Water at the base of the plant, not from overhead
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses for a steady supply of water
- Avoid over-watering which can cause fast expansion
- Mulch around the base of tomato plants to maintain soil moisture
When should you throw away cracked tomatoes?
You should discard tomatoes that have any of these characteristics:
- Deep cracks or splits that penetrate far into the flesh
- Obvious mold or rotting on the skin or inside the cracks
- Very soft texture and foul odor indicating advanced rotting
- Significant damage from insects, worms, birds, rodents, etc
- Unusual coloring or textures that indicate disease
If the damaged area is small and localized, you can cut it out and eat the rest of the tomato. But if the cracks are too large or too deep, it’s safest to discard the whole tomato.
Conclusion
Tomatoes with minor cracks or shallow splits can be safely eaten if proper precautions are taken. Thoroughly wash, trim damaged skin, inspect the interior flesh, cook thoroughly, and consume soon after harvesting. Deep cracks or any signs of rot mean the tomato should be thrown away. With proper harvesting and watering techniques, splitting can be minimized in tomatoes. When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe and discard very damaged or questionably damaged tomatoes.
Detailed Analysis on the Safety of Eating Split Tomatoes
Let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the potential risks and precautions regarding eating tomatoes with splits or cracks in the skin.
Risks of Bacterial Infections
One of the main risks with damaged tomatoes is potential contamination with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Cracks in the tomato skin allow these bacteria an entry point into the inner flesh and juices. Once inside, bacteria can rapidly multiply if the tomato is left at room temperature for extended periods. Some common bacteria that can contaminate cracked tomatoes include:
- Salmonella – Causes salmonellosis food poisoning with symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
- E. coli – Can lead to severe food poisoning. The O157:H7 strain causes more than 36% of produce-related outbreaks.
- Listeria monocytogenes – Causes listeriosis which can be fatal in high risk groups like pregnant women and the elderly.
- Staphylococcus aureus – Leads to intoxication with vomiting and diarrhea symptoms.
The danger is increased if contaminated tomatoes are later used fresh in foods like salsa, salads, sandwiches, etc. Bacteria can spread to other ingredients and survive there. Always cook tomatoes with splits thoroughly to kill potential bacteria.
Dangers of Mold and Fungal Growth
In addition to bacteria, cracked tomatoes are also vulnerable to mold and fungal growth. Spores of mold can easily get lodged in tomato cracks and start spreading. Fungal diseases like early blight, leaf mold, fusarium, and Verticillium wilt are all more common in tomatoes with skin splits. Some harmful types of mold that can grow on damaged tomatoes include:
- Alternaria – Produces mycotoxins that can cause infections and allergic reactions.
- Aspergillus – Causes allergic responses and is potentially toxic.
- Cladosporium – Triggers asthma attacks and other lung issues.
The mycotoxins produced by molds are not destroyed by cooking temperatures. So tomatoes with advanced mold growth are best discarded. Monitor cracked tomatoes closely for any fuzzy mold starting to grow.
Increased Risk of Insect and Rodent Damage
Cracks and splits make tomatoes very vulnerable to infestations and damage from insects, worms, slugs, rodents, and other pests. Some potential risks include:
- Fruit flies and gnats – Lay eggs in cracks which turn into infestations of maggots.
- Stink bugs – Eat through tomato skin leaving openings for disease.
- Cutworms – Feed on tomatoes after emerging as adult moths from soil.
- Rodents – Can carry foodborne illnesses and contaminate tomatoes they eat through.
Always check split tomatoes closely for any evidence of tunnels, holes, chew marks, or insect infestations. Damage from rodents and larger pests is especially hazardous.
Risk Mitigation Tips
Here are some good practices for minimizing risks if you plan to eat fresh tomatoes with splits:
- Remove any damaged areas and surrounding skin
- Check for signs of mold growth or insect infestation
- Wash thoroughly under cool running water
- Sanitize using diluted vinegar if needed
- Cook thoroughly – boiling, baking, stewing etc.
- Refrigerate after harvesting to slow bacteria growth
- Consume as soon as possible, within a day or two
- Avoid letting sit at room temperature for extended periods
With proper precautions, tomatoes with minor splits or shallow cracks can be safely consumed. But deep cracks or evidence of rot necessitate discarding the tomato entirely.
Can Splits Be Prevented in Tomato Crops?
While some splitting in tomatoes may be unavoidable, gardeners can utilize certain methods to minimize cracks and splits:
- Consistent watering – Irregular watering often triggers splits. Water at the base of plants, not from overhead.
- Afternoon watering – Watering in mornings can lead to splits as fruit expands rapidly. Wait until afternoons instead.
- Mulching – Much around plants preserves soil moisture so fruits swell gradually.
- Calcium sprays – Calcium strengthens cell walls. Foliar sprays can reduce splits.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen – Too much nitrogen leads to fast growth and cracking.
- Pick ripe tomatoes promptly – Leave overripe fruit on the vine and it is prone to splitting.
Variety selection also plays a role. Paste tomatoes have thicker skins and tend to split less. Cherries, grapes, romas and some heirlooms also have good split resistance.
Safe Uses for Split Tomatoes
Rather than discarding damaged tomatoes, there are many uses that make them safely edible. Here are some ideas:
Cooked Dishes
Cooking tomatoes thoroughly destroys bacteria, mold and other pathogens. Here are some dishes that work well:
- Pasta sauce or pizza sauce
- Soups, stews and chili
- Casseroles and bakes
- Crumbles, compotes, and braises
- Roasted tomatoes
- Fried green tomatoes
Canning and Preserving
Tomatoes with splits can be safely canned or preserved since the process involves cooking tomatoes for an extended period of time. Ideas include:
- Whole or diced canned tomatoes
- Tomato sauce, ketchup, salsa
- Tomato jam or marmalade
- Tomato chutney
- Pickled tomatoes
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Juicing
Removing skins eliminates much of the contamination risk. Split tomatoes can be juiced and made into:
- Tomato juice
- Bloody mary cocktails
- Gazpacho
- Vegetable juice blends
Feed for Livestock
Surplus or very damaged tomatoes can be fed to livestock animals who are less affected by potential bacteria or mold. Chickens, pigs, goats, and cows can obtain useful nutrients from blemished tomatoes.
Safe Tomato Handling and Storage
To get the most use out of fresh tomatoes and prevent foodborne illnesses, keep these safe handling tips in mind:
- Pick tomatoes when fully ripe. Unripe fruits are more prone to splits.
- Avoid crushing or cracking fruits during harvest and transport.
- Do not place tomatoes in direct sunlight which heats and damages the fruit.
- Store unwashed tomatoes at 45-50°F with high humidity.
- Wash hands, utensils and surfaces before and after contact.
- Refrigerate cut tomatoes and use within a few days.
Handle cracked tomatoes carefully separate from undamaged produce. Use food prep gloves if dealing with multiple damaged tomatoes.
Freezing Tomatoes
Freezing is a good preservation method for split tomatoes since it stops mold growth and bacterial activity. To freeze:
- Wash, peel and core split tomatoes.
- Place in freezer bags or airtight containers, leaving headspace.
- Seal and freeze, using within 8-12 months.
- Use frozen tomatoes only for cooked dishes, not raw.
Canning Safety
When canning damaged tomatoes, take these precautions:
- Use a pressure canner, not water bath method.
- Inspect jars carefully for chips or cracks before using.
- Wash jars, lids and bands thoroughly in hot, soapy water beforehand.
- Only use recipes from trusted sources, like universities or extensions.
- Allow to cool completely before storing.
- Check seals before storage – lids should not pop up or down when pressed.
Conclusion
Tomatoes with cracks or splits can still be safely consumed if proper precautions are taken. Discard tomatoes with deep cracks that penetrate the flesh or any obvious mold/rotting. Shallow splits can be used in cooked dishes, canned/preserved items, juices or animal feed. Prevent splitting by consistent watering and harvesting ripe fruits promptly. With careful handling, thorough cooking, and proper storage, damaged tomatoes don’t need to go to waste.
