It’s a tough situation on the ground right now. When the price of a crate of fresh tomatoes starts looking like a luxury down payment, it’s completely understandable why people are looking for ways to stretch their Naira.
​However, “Ata Esha” (the mushy, burst, or moldy tomatoes sold at a discount) is a dangerous shortcut. While it feels like a bargain at the market, the health costs can be significantly higher.
​It isn’t just “ugly” produce; it is actively decaying. These organisms called Fungal Mycotoxins aren’t destroyed by heat. Even if you boil the life out of the stew, toxins produced by molds specifically Aflatoxins can remain. These are linked to long-term liver damage and increased cancer risk.
The cracks in the skin allow Salmonella and E. coli to penetrate deep into the fruit. Spoiled tomatoes often host larvae or flies that carry additional pathogens.
​If fresh tomatoes are off the table, you don’t have to resort to spoiled produce. Concentrated sachets are often more cost-effective during a scarcity. Look for brands with high tomato solids and minimal coloring.
Many Nigerian cooks blend boiled garden eggs (the white ones) with their pepper mix. It provides the bulk and texture of tomatoes without the high price tag.
If you can find sun-dried tomatoes (common in some northern markets), they can be rehydrated. They have a very intense flavor, so a little goes a long way. Sometimes the “imported” or canned aisle stays price-stable even when the open-market prices skyrocket.
​If you must buy tomatoes that are slightly bruised (but not yet “Esha”), check If it smells fermented or sour, put it back and If it’s leaking fluid or has visible white/black fuzz (mold), it’s a no-go.
If there is a tiny bruise on an otherwise firm tomato, you can cut out that section with a wide margin but if the tomato is soft all over, the toxins have likely spread through the water content.
​Stay safe and keep that pot of stew healthy! It’s better to have a “colorless” stew made of peppers and onions than a red one that leads to the hospital.
