How to Spot a Bad Tomato at the Store: 5 Warning Signs

Experts advise checking tomatoes for dents, spots, or damage before buying, as these can indicate rot that penetrates deeper than visible. Avoid overly soft or too-hard fruits, and choose ones that feel heavy and yield slightly to pressure. A ripe tomato should have a slightly sweet, earthy smell; a lack of aroma suggests a watery taste, while an unpleasant odor is a warning sign. Most store-bought tomatoes are bred for durability, not flavor, so seasonal ones are more likely to be naturally ripened. Proper storage at home helps keep tomatoes fresh longer. The advice comes from Simply Recipes, with additional tips from UNIAN on ripening green tomatoes after harvest.