What to Do When You Spot a Hole in Your Tomato: Understanding the Cause and What to Do Next

Have you ever found small holes in your tomatoes while preparing them? It can be worrying, and your first instinct might be to discard the fruit, thinking it’s gone bad. However, before tossing it out, it’s important to understand what causes these holes and whether the tomato is still safe to eat.

What Causes Holes in Tomatoes?

There are several reasons why you might notice holes in your tomatoes. Not all of them indicate a serious problem:

Pests and Insects: Various insects, like the tomato hornworm and beetles, enjoy snacking on tomatoes. These pests can leave behind small punctures in the fruit’s skin as they feed.

Physical Damage: Tomatoes can get minor punctures during harvesting, handling, or transport. Sometimes, these holes occur due to rough treatment when the fruit is picked or moved from farm to store.

Nutrient Issues: A lack of calcium, which causes blossom end rot, can weaken a tomato’s skin, leading to cracks and holes. Environmental factors like inconsistent watering or temperature fluctuations can also contribute to these imperfections.

Is It Safe to Eat a Tomato with a Hole?

The good news is that in most cases, a tomato with a small hole is perfectly safe to eat. The key is to examine the inside for any signs of spoilage.

How to Check: