Ever found black seeds in your tomato and wondered whether to toss it or just eat it? If not, you’re probably not eating as many tomatoes as I do. I love tomatoes — whether in salads, homemade paste, or various recipes — so it’s not uncommon for me to come across black seeds from time to time.
Some people are put off by these black seeds and might throw them out, while I usually just ignore them as long as the tomato itself looks fine. But, what exactly causes these black seeds, and should you worry about them? Is it safe to eat the tomato, or should you toss it? Let’s dive in.
What Causes Black Seeds in Tomatoes?
Typically, healthy tomato seeds are a greenish-yellow color. But occasionally, you may slice open a tomato and find darker seeds. Here are a few possible reasons for this:
1. Over-ripening
One common reason for black seeds is that the tomato is overripe. Similar to watermelon, as tomatoes ripen past their peak, the seeds inside can darken. Overripe tomatoes may even cause some seeds to start sprouting. This happens because, as the fruit ripens, a plant hormone called Abscisic acid, which prevents seed germination, decreases. With the reduction in this hormone and the high moisture inside the tomato, the seeds might begin to sprout, leading to the darker color.
2. Tomatoes Picked Too Early
Sometimes, black seeds show up in tomatoes that were picked before they were fully ripe, like green tomatoes that are left to ripen indoors. Even if you let these tomatoes ripen on a windowsill, the seeds may turn black due to changes in the plant hormones as it’s no longer attached to the plant.
3. Blossom End Rot (BER)
Blossom end rot is a common tomato issue, often caused by irregular watering or a lack of calcium in the soil. You can usually spot this condition by the dark area at the bottom of the tomato, where the flower originally was. Tomatoes affected by BER often have black seeds too. While there’s no conclusive scientific study about whether eating these tomatoes is completely safe, many people, myself included, still eat them after cutting away the affected parts. Just be sure to remove any damaged areas before consuming.
4. Unknown Causes
In some cases, you might find just one or two black seeds in an otherwise healthy tomato. If none of the previous causes apply, it could be due to the seeds failing to develop properly or being undernourished while the tomato was growing.
Conclusion
So, what’s the takeaway? Finding a few black or brown seeds in your tomato doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad. If the tomato smells fine and tastes good, it’s usually safe to eat. Some people prefer to remove the black seeds, but if there aren’t too many, I tend to ignore them.
❓ FAQs: Black Seeds in Tomato
Q1: Can black seeds in a tomato be harmful?
👉 Black seeds in tomatoes are usually harmless. They often indicate overripeness, early picking, or blossom end rot, but if the rest of the tomato is healthy, it’s safe to eat.
Q2: Should I remove black seeds before eating?
👉 It’s not necessary, but if the black seeds are bothering you, you can always remove them. It’s more about personal preference.
Q3: Are tomatoes with black seeds still edible?
👉 Yes! As long as the rest of the tomato looks and smells fine, you can safely eat it. Just cut away any affected areas if you notice any spots or rot.
Q4: Can black seeds affect the taste of my tomato?
👉 In most cases, the black seeds don’t affect the taste of the tomato, though an overripe tomato may taste sweeter or more acidic than expected.
Q5: How can I avoid black seeds in my tomatoes?
👉 To avoid black seeds, ensure tomatoes ripen fully on the plant and avoid picking them too early. Also, manage watering and provide sufficient calcium to prevent blossom end rot.
If you’re growing tomatoes in your garden or buying them at the store, finding black seeds isn’t something to panic about. It’s just nature’s way of showing us that the tomato has been through some changes. Keep an eye on the overall quality of your tomatoes, and you’ll be able to tell when it’s safe to eat or when it’s time to toss it. Happy tomato growing! 🍅
