Every year I really look forward to harvesting vegetables from my garden. But without fail, I always come across a tomato with a small chunk missing, lettuce leaves with little holes, or a half-eaten cucumber. After all the effort to grow these veggies, are they a total loss if they've been sampled by local wildlife? Here's what gardening experts say about the possible risks to consider before trying to salvage what you can.
Why to Think Twice
The biggest concern regarding eating vegetables that critters have snacked on is germs that could potentially make you sick. "Wild animals, such as rodents, rabbits, raccoons, and deer can contaminate your garden by urine, feces, or saliva," says Corbin Scholz, Farm Director for Seed Savers Exchange.
These animals also could have diseases like rabies that could transfer to you, says Grace Stern, the State Coordinator of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program. And if there's a bite mark, chances are some contamination has happened because animals can carry bacteria and parasites in their saliva.
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When Nibbled Garden Produce Is Okay to Eat
Besides potential germs, there are a few other factors to consider before eating veggies or fruit from your garden that animals have munched. "Some garden produce that has critter damage may still be eaten if cooked or washed properly," says Scholz.
Consider these questions:
What type of critter has been snacking in your garden? Generally speaking it's probably safer to eat produce that's been nibbled on by insects versus wild animals since rabbits, deer, mice, and birds are more likely to carry bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. "It’s pretty easy to tell if it’s an insect feeding or a critter feeding; their mouths are very different sizes," says Stern. "Rodents and other animals take much larger chunks than insects do."
How extensive is the damage? If it's minimal, you can trim away the affected section. Be sure to do this generously; at least an inch past any bites. Then, wash the produce thoroughly under running water. Any fruits or veggies that have large or multiple holes should probably be tossed. The more nibbles there are, the more chances for bacteria.
How thick is the skin? Firm produce with thick skin (think cucumbers, zucchini, apples) are likely more edible, again, as long as you cut away the damaged section. "For example, if a watermelon is chewed a little on the outside, it's still safe to eat the inside. But if you're eating a tomato that has been chewed on, there's a higher risk of disease," says Scholz.
And remember that these are guidelines for produce that you're going to eat yourself. "From a food safety standpoint, if you’re gifting, donating, or selling, the produce needs to be free from nibbles or blemishes," says Stern.
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