If the tomatoes are rotten (have mold or bad smell), they should not be used as they may contain harmful mycotoxins. However, if they are just soft or wrinkled without rotting, there are still benefits to using them instead of throwing them away, such as:
- Natural fertilizer for plants
Spoiled tomatoes are rich in organic matter and nutrients, and can be buried in the soil or added to the compost pile to improve plant growth.
- Nourishing mask for the skin
Tomatoes contain antioxidants and vitamin C, which helps lighten the skin and reduce dark spots. They can be mashed and mixed with honey or yogurt and applied to the face for 10 minutes before washing.
- Cleaning copper utensils
Thanks to their acidity, mashed tomatoes with a little salt can be used to scrub copper utensils and remove accumulated stains.
- Make homemade sauce or soup
If tomatoes are not rotten, they can be used to make sauce or soup instead of throwing them away, reducing food waste.
Here’s a great way to use up your spoiled tomatoes instead of throwing them away:
Make a delicious homemade tomato sauce
Ingredients:
Splintered tomatoes (as long as they’re not rotting or smelly)
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
A pinch of black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar (to reduce acidity)
Basil or thyme leaves (optional)
Method:
Wash the tomatoes well and cut them into small pieces.
In a pan, heat the olive oil and add the garlic until golden.
Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper and sugar, and let them cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes until smooth.
Pulse the mixture well with a hand blender or leave it as is, as desired.
Add the basil or thyme leaves and let the sauce cool slightly.
This sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or even as a dip with bread!