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Using tomatoes with Blossom End Rot #211205

Asked September 07, 2014, 5:28 PM EDT

Unfortunately, I had significant Blossom End Rot (BER) on my tomatoes before I was able to find out what it was. I got a spray from the nursery but they said I should NOT can the tomatoes as they may not last. I was wondering if I could possibly still use them for canning tomato sauces or salsas?

Marion County Oregon

Expert Response

We do not recommend that people can tomatoes that have spoilage issues.  It could result in spoilage of the final product due to changes in pH (acid levels)  in the remaining portions of the tomatoes.  This includes sauces and salsas with other ingredients.

However, you could make the desired products and safely freeze them, since there are not safety concerns with acid levels in frozen foods, like there are in canned foods.

Be sure to cut away any spoiled portions of the tomatoes before use and cook the products well.  Check the instructions on the sprays you used to make sure they were followed correctly so no possible toxins from the sprays remain in or on the tomatoes. 


Jeanne Brandt Replied September 08, 2014, 7:32 PM EDT

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