How to Determine if Tomatoes Have Been Treated with Hormones?
1. Appearance
Generally, tomatoes treated with hormones have a very uniform outer color, while those untreated ones have more varied colors due to differences in growth and sunlight exposure.
2. Stem End
Naturally ripened tomatoes have a concave stem end, while those treated with ripening agents tend to have a protruding, pointed stem end. Untreated tomatoes usually have more moisture and nutrients absorbed, resulting in a concave stem end.
3. Firmness
Untreated tomatoes will feel softer and have a slight bounce when pressed. Hormone-treated tomatoes, on the other hand, feel harder when squeezed, with a relatively empty middle layer and less moisture.
4. Stem Scar
When the stem of a hormone-treated tomato is removed, both the inner and outer rings will appear whitish with four indentations. In contrast, the stem scar of an untreated tomato will be significantly greener, with about five or six outward extending marks.
5. Observation After Cutting
Hormone-treated tomatoes have thick, whitish skins when cut open and generally fewer seeds. Untreated tomatoes, ripened naturally, tend to have more moisture and many seeds inside.
In conclusion, tomatoes are delicious and nutritious, whether as a vegetable or a fruit. With these methods, you can easily differentiate between treated and untreated tomatoes.
