Subject - Seed discoloration - canned tomatoes
QUESTION - A consumer brought in a jar of home canned tomatoes to the office Canned last year)- Some, but not all of the seeds have turned black. Is there any danger in using these tomatoes?
ANSWER - If the seeds began to discolor during storage, it is probably not a sign of spoilage as long as the product was processed correctly and a vacuum, indicating a tight seal, has been maintained. It may be a reaction of harmless polyphenol compounds in the seeds with iron or other minerals in the water.
