Question
My dad (82) insists on going to the garden where the plants have been removed for some 2-3 weeks and bringing in the tomatoes left behind.  I have heard that tomatoes begin to deteriorate once falling from the vine to the ground and one should be careful consuming them.  Please advise the time period one has for picking up tomatoes from the ground and remaining safe for consumption.

Thanks and regards,
Penny

Answer
Hi and thanks for your question. I am of the school of thought that common sense should play an important part of any activity. I feel that 2 to 3 weeks of tomatoes sitting in the soil, then harvesting is a bit long.

I am not a biologist or a scientist, but while there is a reduced possibility that bacteria will form because of the acid content in the tomato, there is still a possibility.

The time period you have to determine for safe consumption will depend on the climate, colder the better, and the physical condition of the tomato. If the tomato is broken, or the skin is pierced, I would pass on that one and look for one that is in tact.

I would suggest that in the future, when you remove your tomato plants from the garden, pick up any fallen tomatoes that you would consider good to eat. For the rest, till them under for fertilizer so there is no need to revisit this stressful situation.

Thanks

John