Published in the
Contra Costa Times on
Q. My tomatoes are brown and hard on the bottom of the fruit. Can I eat them?
A. Your tomatoes are suffering from blossom
end rot, which is caused by a calcium deficiency. The first symptom is a small
soggy-looking area at the end of the fruit, which as the fruit grows becomes
larger, becomes blackened and leathery. This physiological problem can be
exacerbated by high nitrogen fertilizers, but most often it is a response to
erratic watering schedules. Calcium additive s have
had little value in improving fruit quality. Mulch your plants and make sure
the watering schedule is consistent. The damaged fruit is not bad for you, but
cut off the hard brown areas, and use the fruit as you would any other tomato.