Most people know the frustration of coming home from the grocery store only to find that their tomatoes are bruised or that they’ve bought more produce than their family can eat before it spoils.

But before you throw them away, consider alternative uses. There are plenty of ways to make the most of bruised or overripe tomatoes, including delicious recipe ideas.

Can You Eat a Bruised Tomato?

Yes, a bruised tomato is still edible. However, its texture may not be the most enjoyable, as it’s often soft and squishy. To make it more appealing, simply cut off the bruised portion and use the rest as you normally would.

Cooking with a Bruised Tomato

Bruised tomatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, and in many cases, their soft spots won’t even be noticeable. However, if a tomato has mold, that’s a different issue—it should not be eaten.

Expert Advice on Using Bruised Tomatoes

“Don’t let this go on too long before you do that, or the entire fruit will be spoiled. A slight bruise won’t hurt as you cook and prepare them, but a super-soft or moldy section is just no good,” explains Scott Daigre, founder of Tomatomania. Tomatomania is a well-known annual gardening event and competition that has been running for over 20 years, providing Daigre with extensive knowledge on tomatoes.

Composting as an Alternative

If a tomato is moldy and no longer suitable for cooking, composting is a great alternative. Otherwise, disposing of it properly is the best way to prevent it from spoiling other produce. Acting quickly is key to keeping your tomatoes fresh and avoiding unnecessary waste.