Reap the benefits of rotten tomatoes: Seeds and soil enrichment
Mouldy tomatoes should be discarded. It's a well-known fact that even with minor mould traces, they are no longer fit to eat. However, if you have a garden, there are ways to utilise them productively, helping to fortify plants for the winter. This is a tried-and-tested method from my grandfather.
10 November 2024 19:46
Tomatoes spoil very rapidly; they are incredibly delicate. While we might not purchase them in bulk like during the summer, it is crucial to store even a single tomato properly. If mould appears, you'll find my grandfather's method invaluable.
How to harvest seeds from a rotten tomato?
Spoiled vegetables can be beneficial in the garden. If mould develops only on the skin, the seeds can still be salvaged for planting, allowing you to enjoy the vegetables' taste in the following season. Here are two of my grandfather's methods:
- First, extract the seeds from the mouldy tomato and discard the rest.
- Then, place the seeds in a jar, cover them with water, and set them aside for a few days. This initiates the fermentation process that removes the gelatinous coating, which is crucial as this part can impede germination.
- After about 3 to 5 days, the seeds should be ready. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them completely, then store them in a safe place until spring.
A rotten tomato can strengthen other plants
This vegetable can also be used to prepare fertiliser. Simply toss the mouldy tomatoes onto the compost, and soon, combined with other plant waste, they will create a natural nutrient. In this case, it's essential to adhere to strict composting practices to prevent mould from spreading to other components in the fertiliser. Key measures include thoroughly shredding the waste, ensuring proper air circulation, and regularly sprinkling the compost with lime or dolomite.
How to store tomatoes so they don't mould?
It's best not to place tomatoes in the refrigerator, as the humidity accelerates mould growth. Leaving them on the kitchen counter or in an open bowl allows for even ripening, keeping them fresh for several days. Hence, ventilated containers are effective. Mesh baskets or ceramic bowls with holes are ideal solutions, as they prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to rotting. Another way to extend the freshness of tomatoes is to store them with their stems intact, as they help maintain the good condition of tomatoes and delay wilting.
