Question: Last week I cut open a tomato and found sprouts growing inside. At first I thought they were worms, but on closer inspection, I realized they were indeed sprouts. I had my son take a picture of it and I sent it out to family and friends to see if anyone else had ever seen anything like it. So far, no one seems to have any answers. I'm sure there is a simple explanation for this, but I'm just curious..., I've cut many a tomato open and I have never seen anything like it.

Answer: You are simply witnessing the results of modern technology and prolonged storage conditions for fruits and vegetables. After a length of time that the fruit has become physiologically mature, given the appropriate moisture and temperature, the seed will sprout. This often occurs in overly-ripe fruit which has been stored for long periods and over-mature tomatoes left on the vine after the garden has been abandoned. This tomato was by normal standards, over-ripe, but because of improved storage conditions, it still possesses an acceptable eating quality. Thus the seed reached the proper maturation and conditions were present to allow germination. These seedlings can be plucked from the tomato fruit and grown into producing tomato plants. And now you know, THE REST OF THE STORY!!!! It is not a common occurrence.