Why Do My Tomatoes Have Strange Holes? Causes, Pests, and Are They Still Safe to Eat?

3. Would You Still Eat Tomatoes With These Holes?

This is the most important question, especially if you intended to use the tomatoes in sandwiches or salads.

A small, superficial injury does not automatically make a tomato unsafe. However, large, deep holes are more concerning because they expose the inner flesh to dirt and microorganisms.

When might a damaged tomato still be usable?

If the damage is small and localized, the tomato is otherwise firm, and there are no signs of decay or contamination, you may be able to cut away the affected area generously using a clean knife.

Wash the tomato under running water before cutting it, and wash your hands and utensils afterward.

When should you throw the tomato away?

1. The flesh is soft, mushy, or rotten

If the damaged area has become soft, slimy, or darkened, discard the entire tomato rather than trying to rescue it by cutting away only the visible spot.

2. You notice mold or an unpleasant smell

Discard tomatoes showing visible mold, an unusual odor, or extensive deterioration. Do not taste them to check whether they are safe.

3. The holes are large and deep

Deep openings make it difficult to judge how far the damage extends. When the interior is heavily damaged or its condition is uncertain, the safest choice is to discard the tomato.

4. The fruit may be contaminated by animal waste

Discard tomatoes that may have been contaminated with animal feces. Washing or cooking should not be relied upon to make every contaminated tomato safe.

What about the tomatoes in the picture?

Several tomatoes in the photograph have large openings that appear to extend into the flesh. The photograph does not reveal whether their interiors are firm and healthy or affected by decay.

My recommendation is to discard the tomatoes with the largest holes, especially if the flesh is discolored, soft, or deteriorating. Inspect the remaining tomatoes individually rather than assuming they are all safe or all spoiled.

When in doubt, throwing away a damaged tomato is a sensible precaution.

4. How to Prevent Holes in Your Tomatoes

If you grow tomatoes at home, several simple gardening practices can help protect your harvest.

Inspect your plants regularly

Examine the leaves, stems, flowers, and developing fruit at least several times a week. Look for eggs, caterpillars, feeding marks, and droppings.

Finding a pest early makes it easier to control the problem before the damage spreads.

Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly

Do not leave ripe tomatoes on the plant longer than necessary. You can also harvest mature tomatoes when they begin changing color and allow them to ripen indoors, provided they have developed sufficiently.

This can reduce their exposure to some garden pests, although it will not prevent every type of damage.

Use suitable protective netting

Insect netting can help exclude certain pests, while suitable bird netting can reduce pecking damage. Choose the right material for the pest you are dealing with and install it securely so that animals cannot become trapped.

Water consistently

Irregular watering can contribute to fruit cracking, which creates openings in the skin. Water deeply and consistently, adjusting the frequency to the weather, soil, and growing conditions.

Mulch can help maintain more even soil moisture.

Remove badly damaged fruit

Pick off tomatoes with severe damage or signs of decay. Dispose of them appropriately, and inspect nearby fruit for similar symptoms.

Avoid applying pesticides until you have identified the likely pest. Any product you use must be approved for the intended purpose, and you should follow its label and preharvest interval.

5. What Should You Do If Many Tomatoes Have the Same Holes?

If several tomatoes develop similar openings, investigate the problem before treating the entire garden.

1. Separate the damaged fruit. Do not store it together with tomatoes that are in good condition.
2. Inspect the inside of a discarded tomato. Look for feeding tunnels, larvae, discoloration, or soft tissue.
3. Check the plants at different times of day. Some pests are more active in the evening or at night.
4. Look for other symptoms. Examine leaves for chewing damage, eggs, droppings, or unusual discoloration.
5. Take clear photographs. Pictures of the holes, the cut interior, and any suspected insect can help a gardening expert identify the problem.
6. Choose a targeted response. Use physical removal, appropriate barriers, or a suitable approved treatment based on the pest you identify.

Do not automatically assume that all holes are caused by one insect. Different problems can occur at the same time, particularly in a vegetable garden.

6. Can You Use Damaged Tomatoes in a Sauce or Soup?

Cooking does not automatically make a spoiled or contaminated tomato safe.

If a tomato has extensive rot, mold, deep damage, or possible contamination from animal waste, discard it rather than trying to save it by boiling it into a sauce.

If a tomato has only a minor, localized injury and is otherwise sound, you may be able to remove the damaged area generously and use the remaining healthy flesh. Wash the fruit before cutting and cook it thoroughly if the recipe requires cooking.

Remember that cooking is not a substitute for selecting sound ingredients and handling food safely.

Conclusion: Would You Eat These Tomatoes?

Tomatoes with strange holes can be alarming, but the damage does not always mean that a serious plant disease is present. Caterpillars, slugs, birds, developmental disorders, and secondary decay are all possible explanations.

The most useful clues are the shape of the holes, the presence of feeding marks, and the condition of the flesh underneath.

• Small, localized injuries may sometimes be removed if the remaining tomato is firm, fresh, and free from contamination.
• Large, deep holes require greater caution.
• Tomatoes with mold, extensive rot, sliminess, or possible animal-waste contamination should be discarded.

For the tomatoes shown in the photograph, I would not use the badly damaged ones in a sandwich. The openings are substantial, and there is not enough information to confirm that the exposed flesh is safe.

A few discarded tomatoes are a small price to pay for peace of mind and food safety.