Most people know how frustrating it is to come home from the grocery store and find damaged produce like bruised tomatoes. Moreover, sometimes people buy more produce than families can eat and things go bad. However, you don’t have to throw them away. Instead, you can try one of these methods including some interesting recipe ideas for overripe tomatoes.
Eating a Bruised Tomato
First and foremost, you can still eat a bruised tomato. However, the texture may not be enjoyable and it will likely be soft and squishy. To combat this, simply cut off the bruised part and eat the rest as you would normally.
Cook with a Bruised Tomato
Secondly, you can use a bruised tomato in several recipes and in many cases, you won’t notice the soft spot. However, a moldy tomato is a different story.
Advice from a Tomato Expert
“Don’t let this go on too long before you do that, or the entire fruit will be spoiled. A slight bruise won’t hurt as you cook and prepare them, but a super-soft or moldy section is just no good,” explains Scott Daigre, founder of Tomatomania. For reference, Tomatmania is an annual gardening event and competition. Held for over 20 years, the event has become widely popular and has given Diegre a vast amount of knowledge.
Try Composting
Although a moldy tomato should not be consumed, you can compost it. Alternatively, you can discard the moldy tomato. Either way, the most important thing is to handle a moldy or bruised tomato as soon as possible to prevent damage from or spoilage in other tomatoes, and the rest of your produce.
Tomato on the Vine
Furthermore, Diedre explains to EatingWell, that the common belief of tomatoes lasting longer on the vine may not be entirely true. Rather, it protects the tomato from moisture or bacteria but it doesn’t slow the ripening process. Regardless, sometimes we get overly enthusiastic on our grocery run or trip to the Farmer’s Market and come home with more produce than we can eat before it is overripe or spoiled.
Overripe or Bruised Tomato
Luckily, like a bruised tomato, you can still use an overripe tomato to make delicious meals and no one will know the difference. For example, slow roasted tomatoes are incredibly easy and delicious. Simply, cover them with olive oil and your favorite blend of herbs and roast them at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll only need about 2 and half hours for cherry tomatoes, while plum tomatoes take about 5 hours. Larger tomatoes like heirlooms should be cut into slices to make them easier to eat and roast properly.
Versatile Snacks
Roasted tomatoes can be made using an overripe or bruised tomato, and make a versatile snack and addition to salads and sandwiches. Furthermore, they’re packed full of vitamins, but should be consumed in various ways to ensure your body gets access to all the benefits, according to VeryWellHealth.
Other recipe ideas include marinara sauce, soup, or salsa.
Wash Your Produce
Although you can still use an overripe, moldy, or bruised tomato for various things, making the right choices from buying to storing them, will make a difference in preventing your family from getting foodborne illnesses. Firstly, always wash your produce before consuming to wash away any bacteria that may have gotten in during the transport process.
Buying and Storing Tomatoes
Furthermore, you should buy them when they’re firm but not hard, according to the Canadian government. They should be stored unwashed, uncovered, and at room temperature until they’re ripe. However, they should be kept out of direct sunlight and stored in the refrigerator after they’ve ripened. Additionally, they should be used within 3 days. However, if you don’t want to use them right away you can chop, slice, or dice and then freeze them for several months.
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