How To Tell If A Tomato Has Gone Bad

Since tomatoes have a limited shelf life, they get spoiled quickly, so recognizing the signs of spoiled tomatoes will save you from culinary disappointments and other potential health risks.

Spotting a bad tomato isn’t always a straightforward task, so here are some of the telltale signs that will help you determine whether the tomatoes are good or you need to toss them out of your kitchen window.

Join us as we explore the key indicators of spoiled tomatoes and ensure that your meals are delicious.

Also, read: How To Take Care Of A Tomato Plant? [Detailed Guide]

What Are The Signs Of A Bad Tomato?

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These clear signs will indicate and save you from unpleasant smells and tastes. Below are some of the visual cues that will help you to avoid culinary disappointments:

Overly soft, squishy, or mushy texture
Black spots and white fuzzy patches
Extensive wrinkling or shriveled skin
Mold growth
Watery or slimy exterior
Sour, foul, or unpleasant odor
Brown or black streaks outside the tomato
Slimy or powdering coating on the surface

Is A Bad Tomato Still Good For Consumption?

A bad tomato isn’t good for consumption purposes and can pose a health risk. But slight imperfections are okay for using a tomato instead of throwing it away.

If the tomato has slightly wrinkled skin and isn’t leaking, then it is fit for consumption. A finely-smelled tomato without any leaking but with slightly wrinkled skin can easily be used for cooking.

Fresh-smelling tomatoes with soft spots are also edible, as the spots can be cut off and can then be used. The same is the case with tomatoes containing small bruises or blemishes.

Remember, consuming rotten or moldy tomatoes will lead to foodborne illness, so it is always better to discard tomatoes that show signs of spoilage.

Signs Indicating The Freshness Of Tomatoes

Several key signs indicate the tomatoes are ripe and are ready to eat. Here are some of the indicators of freshness:

Vibrant color across the surface
Firm and slightly yielding texture
Smooth and unblemished skin
Green and intact stem attached to the tomato
A pleasant and sweet aroma
Plump and round
No soft spots or bruises

Here, is a detailed guide about the conditions that lead to mealy tomatoes.

Tips To Extend The Shelf Life Of Tomatoes

If you don’t want your tomatoes to get spoiled fast, then storing them properly will play a very significant role in extending the shelf life of tomatoes.

Here are some of the ways:

Store the underripe tomatoes at room temperature by placing the stem side down and ensuring they are kept away from direct sunlight.
Refrigerate the fully ripened tomatoes to slow down the process of ripening and spoilage.
In case of leftover or cut tomatoes, wrap the cut side with a paper towel so that the excess moisture gets absorbed, and then store it in the refrigerator by placing it in an airtight container.
Preserving the tomatoes by drying them significantly enhances the flavor and extends their shelf life when stored in an airtight container with olive oil.
Avoid storing the tomatoes in plastic bags, as they trap moisture and accelerate the process of decay.
Make sure the tomatoes aren’t washed before storing, as it will help them to stay fresh longer.