You're slicing into a fresh, juicy tomato when—uh oh—you notice a small hole in the skin. Your first thought might be: Is this still safe to eat? Don't be too quick to toss it in the trash. A hole in your tomato doesn’t always mean it’s ruined. In fact, understanding what causes these holes can help you decide whether to salvage, cook, compost—or say goodbye.

---

🐛 Why Are There Holes in My Tomatoes?

Tomatoes are surprisingly vulnerable to a variety of threats that can leave holes behind. Here are the most common culprits:

1. Insect Damage

One of the most frequent causes of tomato holes is pest activity—particularly from insects like the tomato hornworm or beetles. These little invaders chew their way through the skin, leaving behind noticeable marks or small holes. If the hole is surrounded by chewed or rough areas, bugs are the likely source.

2. Handling Damage

Tomatoes are delicate. A bump or scrape during harvesting, packing, or transport can puncture the skin. These types of holes are generally shallow and don’t indicate spoilage—they’re just surface-level bruises from rough handling.

3. Growing Conditions and Nutrient Issues

Holes can also form due to problems inside the plant, not from the outside. For instance, calcium deficiency may lead to blossom end rot, which weakens the fruit and causes surface damage. Inconsistent watering, extreme heat, or cold spells during growth can also cause cracks and small splits.

---

🍅 Can You Still Eat a Tomato with a Hole in It?

Yes—often, you can. A tomato with a small hole is not automatically unsafe, but it does need a quick check.

✅ Safe to Eat If:

• The flesh inside looks fresh and firm

• There are no dark spots, mold, or sour smells

• You can easily cut around the damaged area

❌ Toss It If:

• The hole is surrounded by mushy, discolored flesh

• There’s visible mold or a bad odor

• The tomato feels slimy or has liquid oozing out

When in doubt, trust your senses. If something looks or smells off, it's safer to compost it.

---

♻️ Smart Ways to Use Tomatoes with Minor Damage

Instead of throwing away a tomato with a small hole, try one of these practical options:

1. Cook It Down

If the majority of the tomato is still intact, chop off the damaged section and toss the rest into a:

• Pasta sauce 🍝

• Soup 🍲

• Stew 🍛
  Cooking eliminates most concerns about surface bacteria, and your tomato still serves a delicious purpose.

2. Compost It

If the tomato is beyond saving, don’t toss it in the trash—compost it instead. Tomatoes are rich in nitrogen and help create fertile, nutrient-dense soil for your next round of garden veggies.

3. Save the Seeds

Got a hole but the seeds are untouched? You can scoop them out, rinse, dry, and store them for next planting season. Growing tomatoes from your own saved seeds is both sustainable and satisfying.

---

🌱 Bottom Line: A Hole Doesn’t Always Mean Spoiled

Finding a hole in your tomato can be unsettling, but it’s not always bad news. A little damage—especially from pests or handling—doesn’t necessarily ruin the whole fruit.
By inspecting the inside and using your tomato creatively, you can reduce waste, save money, and still enjoy delicious meals.

So next time you spot a small hole in your tomato, don’t panic. Pause, inspect, and see if that tomato might still be destined for greatness—in your skillet, soup pot, or even your garden.