Cracked Fruit on the Vine: Are Split Tomatoes Safe to Eat?
You know the old saying, don’t cry over split tomatoes? Or something like that…
Tomatoes commonly split on the vine, creating an open gash. But are these still safe to use and eat?
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Let’s find out. We’ll take a look at the following:
Why Do Tomatoes Split?
Fruits may split while they’re growing due to changes in their hydration status.
Much like when our skin is dry, when a plant lacks water, the skin of the developing fruit may crack. After a big rainstorm, when the tomatoes rehydrate and swell, that crack bursts and causes a larger crack in the fruit.
While you can’t control the weather, you can try to water as consistently as you are able to. A steady state of hydration keeps your plants happy and can prevent splits and cracks from occurring.
Water at the soil level, and keep an eye on local rates of precipitation with a rain gauge. Summer crops are sure to need some extra help in terms of irrigation during periods of hot and dry weather.
Keep in mind that container-grown plants will need more frequent watering, since the soil will dry out more quickly than it does for plants grown in the ground.
Using drip irrigation and setting a timer on your sprinkler system when you go on vacation can help to keep your plants hydrated and happy.
You can read more about watering tomato plants here, and learn more about what causes fruit to split and how to prevent cracking. (coming soon!)
Can You Eat Cracked Tomatoes?
Yes, but not always.
Confusing, right?
If a split is small and fairly superficial, affecting only the surface of the fruit, it is likely safe to eat.
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