If the hole looks more like a shallow scoop or a series of small pecks, you’re likely dealing with backyard wildlife.
- Birds: They love the juicy hydration of a ripe tomato. They usually take one or two pecks and move on to the next one.
- Squirrels and Rodents: They tend to take a single bite out of multiple tomatoes, just to taste them, leaving the rest to rot on the vine.
3. Environmental Cracks (Nature’s Own “Holes”)
Sometimes, what looks like a hole or a deep gash isn’t caused by a pest at all. If your tomatoes experience a heavy rain after a long dry spell, or if you water them heavily after they’ve been dry, the inside of the tomato grows faster than the skin. This causes the skin to split and crack open, creating a deep fissure that can look like a wound.
🍅 To Eat or Not to Eat? The Tomato Triage
The most common question when you find a holey tomato is: Can I still eat this? The answer is usually yes, but it depends on the damage.
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The Damage
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Is It Safe to Eat?
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What to Do
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|---|---|---|
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Bird Pecks / Squirrel Bites
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✅ Yes.
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Simply cut away the damaged area. The rest of the tomato is perfectly fine and delicious.
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Worm Holes (Fruitworms)
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✅ Yes.
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Cut a generous wedge around the hole. Check inside to ensure the worm (or its frass) is completely removed.
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Stink Bug Damage
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⚠️ Maybe.
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Stink bugs inject an enzyme that can make the surrounding flesh taste bitter or soapy. Cut away a wide margin. If it still tastes bitter after cooking, toss it.
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|
Deep Cracks from Watering
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✅ Yes.
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If the crack is fresh and dry, it’s safe. If the crack is old, dark, and has mold growing inside it, compost it.
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Mushy, Slimy, or Foul Smelling
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❌ No.
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If the area around the hole is rotting, slimy, or smells bad, bacteria have taken over. Do not eat it.
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