In most cases, split tomatoes are safe to eat as long as they don't show signs of rot or decay. Here are some key points about eating split tomatoes:
Tomatoes often split due to inconsistent watering, especially if it's been very dry and then heavy rain arrives. The sudden influx of water causes the inside of the tomato to grow faster than the skin can expand.
Shallow cracks or splits, especially around the stem end, are usually minimal and often heal themselves. These are fine to eat.
Deeper radial cracks that run the length of the tomato open the fruit up to potential insect infestations, fungus, and bacterial infections. If the split looks severe or infected, it's best to discard that tomato.
If the split looks fresh and there are no signs of rot, you can still eat the tomato. Just cut out the area around the crack.
It's best to eat split tomatoes right away rather than letting them linger on the vine. If you pick tomatoes that are just starting to split, let them finish ripening indoors.
Freezing split tomatoes is a good option if you have a lot. You can later thaw and use them to make sauce or other cooked dishes.