Don’t Throw Away Rotten Tomatoes: 3 Surprising Ways to Turn Them Into Treasure (Page 2 ) | November 21, 2025
1. Make Homemade Tomato Sauce or Paste
Even tomatoes that are too soft to eat fresh can shine when cooked down.
How to do it:
- Remove any completely rotten spots and wash the tomatoes.
- Chop them and simmer on low heat with garlic, onions, herbs, and a pinch of salt.
- Once thickened, blend for a smooth sauce or cook further to make tomato paste.
This is a great way to reduce food waste while creating a rich, flavorful base for pasta, pizza, or stews.
2. Use as Natural Plant Fertilizer
Overripe tomatoes are packed with nutrients that plants love.
How to do it:
- Chop the tomatoes and bury them in your garden soil or add them to your compost pile.
- They’ll decompose and release essential nutrients like potassium and phosphorus, enriching your soil naturally.
Your garden will thank you, and you’ll be turning kitchen scraps into green gold!
3. Create a DIY Tomato Cleaner
Tomatoes contain natural acids that can help clean and polish surfaces like copper, stainless steel, and even kitchen utensils.
How to do it:
- Cut a slightly overripe tomato in half.
- Rub it gently on tarnished surfaces or stains, then rinse with water.
- The natural acidity works as a gentle, eco-friendly cleaner.
It’s a surprising and sustainable way to put those soft tomatoes to work outside the kitchen.
