Why and how of Green Tomato Pickles

Apr 5, 2022

Recipe for Green Tomato Pickles

The why and how of Green Tomato Pickles

My red tomatoes become Tomato Relish. At the end of tomato growing season, there are always tomatoes that do not ripen and go red. The green tomatoes become Green Tomato Pickles. This Green Tomato Pickles Recipe is a welcome compliment for cold meat .

Why do Tomatoes turn Red?

Tomato plants are planted in Spring – in Australia that means in September. With good soil and regular watering the plants will thrive and grow quickly. As the weeks pass the night-time average temperature increases. It is the night-time temperature that is the important part of tomato ripening and turning from green to red.

Why do Tomatoes stay Green?

If the night-time temperature is too cool, your otherwise healthy tomatoes will refuse to turn red. Perhaps you planted the seeds or seedlings later in late Spring? Warm summer nights that end too soon or a late crop of new tomatoes will also cause the tomatoes to remain green.

How to use an Over-supply of unripened Tomatoes

Green Tomato Pickles is a perfect solution for excess Green Tomatoes. Add to cold meats in a sandwich or salad for an alternative to Tomato Relish or Beetroot Relish. Here is my recipe.

Green Tomato Pickles RecipeRecipe for Green Tomato Pickles

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Knife
  • Silicone spoon
  • Pillowcase or bag made of muslin
  • Jug
  • Tin mug
  • Saucepan or pot
  • Teaspoon with long handle
  • Saucer

IngredientsIngredients for Green Tomato Pickles

  • 4.65kg of green tomatoes
  • 1.36kg of onions
  • 1 ½ cups Plain Flour
  • 8 cups of Sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons of Mustard
  • 1 Tablespoon of Tumeric
  • 1 Teaspoon Curry powder
  • ½ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
  • 2.27 litres vinegar
  • 226g salt

Method

Cut up tomatoes and onions in a pot. Put salt over the mixture and cover with water overnight.

Next day put on stove and scold very well (that means cook until very soft) and then strain through bag very well.

While doing that, put vinegar and sugar on and bring to boil.

Mix mustard, turmeric, curry, Cayenne pepper and flour in a little water to thicken the vinegar and sugar, as you would for a stew

Now add tomatoes and onion and let cook well for a while, then set aside until cool and put into jars. Preferably ones with plastic lids

 

Green Tomato Pickles Single Jar made by WendyMaking Green Tomato Pickles is also a feel-good activity. You will be making something from produce that would otherwise be wasted AND you get to share the end result with your family and friends. Enjoy