Can You Eat Tomato Leaves?

I selected my first-ever tomato plant from the Foothills Farmers Market in Shelby, North Carolina. I listened intently as the farmer described exactly how to care for it, and for the next three hours, I drove gingerly back to Atlanta, making sure the plant was secure in my passenger seat. As I made my way home, I couldn’t help but notice how wonderful the leaves smelled. Surely, there was something I could do with this plant beyond enjoying the plump red fruit, right? 

Are Tomato Leaves Safe to Eat?

Some may falsely believe that tomato leaves are toxic, but according to Dr. Camila Rodrigues, an assistant professor and food safety extension specialist at Auburn University, there really isn’t much cause for concern. “If people want to use tomato leaves for their recipes in the kitchen," he says, "go ahead and do it!”

Tomato plants are a part of the nightshade family which is known for high alkaloid levels, but the truth is, you would have to consume a ton of tomato leaves in one sitting for any effects. As such, foragers, cooks, and plant aficionados want you to know the humble tomato plant is completely edible. 

For chef William Dissen, owner of The Market Place in Asheville, tomato leaves are the secret ingredient that keeps his guests’ taste buds on their toes, and according to him, your imagination is only the beginning. “When I cook, I like to make dishes that are filled with surprising flavors. I think that's where tomato leaves come into play. People know the flavor, but since it’s not typically used, it piques curiosity.” he says. 

How to Cook with Tomato Leaves

If you’ve never cooked with tomato leaves before, Dissen suggests working them into sauces and salsas for aromatic pizzazz as you would basil. “Let’s say you’re making a Sunday gravy, cooking tomato sauce low and slow. Turn off the heat and fold in a few chopped tomato leaves. It fortifies and intensifies that tomato flavor.” 

Other great uses for tomato leaves include salsa verde, Indian chutney, and mojo sauce. “The tomato leaves will add a brightness and a little spice,” says Dissen. 

Cleaning Tomato Leaves

As with other fruits and veggies, Dr. Rodrigues says to make sure you are taking care to thoroughly clean the leaves first. “Wash them the same way you wash anything else that you're buying at the grocery store or growing at home,” she says.

How to Harvest Tomato Leaves

When harvesting tomato leaves, look for crisp green ones. Cut a leaf or two at a time, and use them as needed in a recipe. “It's actually great to prune and trim tomato plants because that helps the plant stay healthy and signals to send its energy to the places that are really thriving on the plant, like the fruit,” says Dissen.

And yes, that includes the flowers. Much like squash blossoms, these tiny flowers are the essence of the plant. “I love to make a tomato salad and use some of the flowers to garnish the top. They’re herbal; they’re floral, and they look beautiful too. After all, you're always eating with your eyes first.”