Can I Eat a Tomato with Blossom End Rot? Understanding, Safety, and Usage
In short, yes, you can eat a tomato with blossom end rot. While the affected area is often unpalatable and should be removed, the remaining healthy portion of the tomato is perfectly safe to consume.
Understanding Blossom End Rot
Blossom end rot (BER) is a common affliction of tomatoes (and sometimes other fruits and vegetables like peppers, squash, and watermelons) characterized by a dark, leathery, sunken area at the blossom end of the fruit. Despite its name suggesting a disease, BER is primarily a physiological disorder resulting from a calcium deficiency within the developing fruit itself.
The Science Behind Blossom End Rot
While the soil may contain adequate calcium, BER typically occurs due to issues with calcium uptake and transport within the plant. This can be influenced by several factors:
- Inconsistent Watering: Fluctuations in soil moisture levels can disrupt calcium absorption. Drought conditions followed by heavy watering are particularly problematic.
- Root Damage: Damaged roots, whether from pests, diseases, or physical disturbances, impede calcium uptake.
- High Salt Levels: Excessive fertilizer application can lead to high salt concentrations in the soil, hindering calcium availability.
- pH Imbalances: Extremely acidic or alkaline soil pH can interfere with calcium absorption.
- Rapid Plant Growth: Rapid vegetative growth can outpace the plant’s ability to transport calcium to the developing fruits.
Identifying Blossom End Rot
The symptoms of BER are usually quite distinctive:
- Initial Appearance: A small, water-soaked spot appears on the blossom end (the bottom) of the tomato.
- Progression: The spot expands and darkens, becoming brown or black and leathery.
- Texture: The affected area feels sunken and may become hard and dry.
- Location: BER always occurs on the blossom end of the fruit.
- Severity: In severe cases, the entire bottom half of the tomato can be affected.
Preventing Blossom End Rot
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to blossom end rot. Here are some key strategies:
- Maintain Consistent Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses to ensure consistent soil moisture.
- Soil Testing: Test your soil pH and nutrient levels before planting. Amend the soil as needed to ensure proper nutrient balance and pH (ideally between 6.0 and 6.8).
- Calcium Amendments: If a calcium deficiency is confirmed, incorporate calcium-rich amendments like lime or gypsum into the soil before planting.
- Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Use fertilizers according to label directions. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which can promote rapid vegetative growth and exacerbate calcium deficiencies.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around tomato plants to help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Choose Resistant Varieties: Some tomato varieties are more resistant to BER than others. Consider selecting these varieties when planting.
Using Tomatoes with Blossom End Rot
While the affected portion is usually discarded, the unaffected part of the tomato is still perfectly edible.
- Carefully Cut Away the Affected Area: Use a sharp knife to remove the dark, leathery portion of the tomato.
- Inspect the Remaining Fruit: Check the remaining tomato for any signs of rot or spoilage. Discard the entire tomato if you find any.
- Use the Healthy Portion: The remaining healthy portion can be used in salads, sauces, or any other recipe.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming BER is a Disease: As mentioned earlier, BER is a physiological disorder, not a disease caused by pathogens. Treating it with fungicides is ineffective.
- Over-Fertilizing: Applying excessive fertilizer in an attempt to “fix” the problem can actually worsen BER by increasing salt levels in the soil.
- Ignoring Soil pH: Neglecting to test and adjust soil pH can limit calcium availability, even if the soil contains adequate calcium.
- Inconsistent Watering: Erratic watering practices are a major contributor to BER. Maintain consistent soil moisture levels to ensure proper calcium uptake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is blossom end rot contagious to other plants?
No, blossom end rot is not contagious. It is a physiological disorder caused by calcium deficiency and is not spread by pathogens like bacteria or fungi. Therefore, it will not spread to other plants in your garden.
Can I use a tomato with blossom end rot to make sauce?
Yes, you can use the healthy portion of a tomato with blossom end rot to make sauce. Simply cut away the affected area and use the remaining flesh as you normally would. Ensure the remaining flesh shows no signs of rot or spoilage before using it.
Does adding eggshells to the soil prevent blossom end rot?
While eggshells do contain calcium, they decompose very slowly and may not release calcium quickly enough to benefit developing tomatoes. Direct calcium amendments like lime or gypsum are more effective. Finely crushed eggshells can be a supplemental addition, but should not be the sole source of calcium.
Are some tomato varieties more susceptible to blossom end rot?
Yes, certain tomato varieties are more prone to blossom end rot than others. Large-fruited varieties, such as Roma, and heirloom varieties are often more susceptible. Choosing more resistant varieties can help minimize the risk of BER.
Can I prevent blossom end rot by spraying calcium on the leaves?
Foliar calcium sprays can provide a temporary solution, but are generally less effective than addressing the underlying soil and watering issues. They can help deliver calcium directly to the developing fruit, but they don’t correct the root cause of the problem.
Is blossom end rot caused by a lack of calcium in the soil?
Not always. Often, the problem is not a lack of calcium in the soil, but rather the plant’s inability to absorb and transport calcium to the developing fruit due to inconsistent watering, root damage, or pH imbalances. Soil testing is important.
Can blossom end rot affect green tomatoes?
Yes, blossom end rot can affect tomatoes at any stage of development, including green tomatoes. The symptoms are the same: a dark, leathery spot on the blossom end of the fruit. It is usually more noticeable on green tomatoes.
Will all my tomatoes get blossom end rot?
Not necessarily. While one or two tomatoes on a plant may develop BER, it doesn’t mean that all the fruits will be affected. Addressing the underlying issues, such as inconsistent watering or nutrient imbalances, can help prevent further occurrences.
Is blossom end rot the same as sunscald?
No, blossom end rot and sunscald are different problems. Blossom end rot is a calcium deficiency issue, while sunscald is caused by excessive exposure to sunlight, resulting in white or yellowish patches on the fruit.
Can I compost tomatoes with blossom end rot?
Yes, you can compost tomatoes with blossom end rot. The affected area will decompose along with the rest of the organic matter. The calcium in the tomato will eventually be released back into the soil.
How often should I water my tomato plants to prevent blossom end rot?
The watering frequency depends on several factors, including soil type, climate, and plant size. In general, aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
If I add lime to my soil, how long will it take to correct the calcium deficiency?
The time it takes for lime to correct a calcium deficiency depends on the type of lime used and the soil pH. Powdered or hydrated lime will act more quickly than agricultural lime. It may take several weeks to months for the soil pH to adjust and for the calcium to become available to the plants.