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tomatoes with brown spots on the skin. #853432

Asked October 18, 2023, 3:43 PM EDT

Many of my tomatoes are developing brown spots on the skin. I suspect anthracnose, but am not sure. If it is, can I still use/eat the tomatoes if I peel off the outer skin layer?

Ottawa County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Judith, thanks for the question.

You are probably correct: however, some sources this is just a bruising or the fruit in the later stages of ripening (blowing sand) which then become open to the disease. These spots can become larger sunken spots of Anthracnose.  

The safety of eating these tomatoes is mixed.  Some sources indicate you should not eat infected fruit, whereas other sources indicate that you can eat them by simply removing the infected area. Check out the following links for more information.

Tomato anthracnose: When those prized, ripe tomatoes go bad - MSU Extension

hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/tomato-diseases-disorders/ (Anthracnose)

Anthracnose of tomato​ (purdue.edu)

Can Sick Plants Make People Sick? | Horticulture and Home Pest News (iastate.edu)

I hope this helps.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 20, 2023, 10:56 AM EDT

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