Green Tomato Recipes For Canning

Inge Malstrom

6 min read

·

Aug 04, 2024

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Green Tomato Recipes for Canning: Turn Unripe Tomatoes into Delicious Treats

Green tomatoes, often seen as a culinary afterthought, can be transformed into delicious and unique culinary delights. Canning green tomatoes is a fantastic way to preserve their flavor and enjoy them year-round. From tangy relishes to sweet and spicy pickles, the possibilities are endless!

Why Can Green Tomatoes?

• Unique Flavor Profile: Green tomatoes offer a distinct tangy and slightly tart flavor that's different from ripe tomatoes.
• Preservation: Canning allows you to preserve the bounty of your garden and enjoy green tomatoes long after the season ends.
• Versatility: Green tomatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to sauces and chutneys.

Essential Tips for Canning Green Tomatoes:

• Choose the Right Tomatoes: Select firm, unripe green tomatoes with no blemishes or bruises.
• Sterilize Jars and Lids: Ensure your jars and lids are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage.
• Follow Canning Instructions Carefully: Use a tested recipe and follow the instructions precisely for safe and successful canning.
• Use Proper Equipment: Invest in a good quality pressure canner and other necessary canning equipment.

Here are some popular green tomato canning recipes:

1. Green Tomato Relish

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds green tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup chopped green bell peppers
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon mustard seed
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pack hot relish into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
4. Wipe jar rims clean, add lids and rings, and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.

2. Spicy Green Tomato Pickles

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds green tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup pickling spice
• 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1 tablespoon mustard seed

Instructions:

1. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, pickling spice, red pepper flakes, and mustard seed in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Pack green tomato slices tightly into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
3. Pour hot brine over tomatoes, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
4. Wipe jar rims clean, add lids and rings, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

3. Green Tomato Chow Chow

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds green tomatoes, chopped
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon mustard seed
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pack hot chow chow into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
4. Wipe jar rims clean, add lids and rings, and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.

Beyond These Recipes:

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Experiment with different spices, herbs, and ingredients to create your own unique green tomato canning recipes. Enjoy the delicious and flavorful bounty of your garden, even after the tomatoes have ripened!