Can I Eat Tomatoes from Plants with Blight?

Tomatoes are a favorite food for many people, whether eaten fresh or cooked into a dish. However, if you are growing your own tomatoes, you may be concerned if your plants are affected by a disease called blight. This fungal disease can quickly spread and damage your tomato crop. But can you still eat the tomatoes from plants with blight? Let's find out.

What is Blight?

Blight is a fungal disease that affects tomatoes and other plants in the nightshade family, such as peppers and potatoes. There are two types of blight that affect tomatoes: early blight and late blight. Early blight starts as small brown spots on the lower leaves and progresses up the plant. It can also cause sunken spots on the fruit. Late blight is a more severe form of the disease that causes leaf and stem damage and can quickly kill the whole plant.

Is it Safe to Eat Tomatoes from Plants with Blight?

If your tomato plants have blight, you may be wondering if it's safe to eat the fruit. The good news is that blight doesn't typically affect the tomato fruit itself. Although you may see some dark spots on the skin, these are usually just cosmetic and can be removed by cutting them off. However, if the fruit is severely damaged or rotten, it's best to discard it.

It's also worth noting that eating tomatoes from plants with blight won't make you sick. The fungal spores that cause blight are spread by rain, wind, and insects, and they mostly affect the leaves and stems of the plant. So, even if you eat a tomato from a plant with blight, you're not at risk of getting an infection.

Preventing Blight

While it's safe to eat tomatoes from plants with blight, it's best to prevent the disease from affecting your crop in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing blight:

Choose blight-resistant tomato varieties

Plant tomatoes in well-drained soil with good air circulation

Avoid overhead watering and water at the base of the plant

Remove infected leaves and stems immediately

Clean up plant debris at the end of the growing season

Conclusion

In conclusion, it's generally safe to eat tomatoes from plants with blight as long as the fruit is not severely damaged or rotten. However, it's best to prevent blight from affecting your tomato crop in the first place. By following the tips above, you can reduce the risk of blight and enjoy a healthy and delicious tomato harvest.