What Is a Green Tomato?
A green tomato is the firm, tart, unripe fruit of the same plant (Solanum lycopersicum). Some varieties remain green when ripe, but in cooking, “green tomato” usually refers to an unripe tomato.
It makes its way into the kitchen when tomatoes still on the vine late in summer are picked and used before cold weather sets in and they can no longer ripen; pickles, fried dishes, and jam are the most common uses.
Green Tomato Nutrition Facts
Green tomato provides about 23 kcal of energy and 1.1 g of fiber per 100 g, and contains a notable amount of vitamin C (23.4 mg). Compared with ripe tomatoes, it has slightly more carbohydrates and a tarter taste.
What Are the Benefits of Green Tomatoes?
With its vitamin C and fiber content, green tomato can be included as part of a balanced diet. Because unripe tomatoes contain high amounts of solanine, avoid eating them raw or in excessive amounts; pickled and cooked forms are preferred.
This is general information; green tomato is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Green Tomatoes
Choose firm, light-green, plump tomatoes for pickling and frying; those starting to turn yellow will soften and are not suitable for these recipes.
- The tomatoes should be firm and heavy, and should not give much when pressed lightly.
- The skin should be light green and smooth, not starting to turn yellow.
- Discard cracked, blemished, or softened tomatoes.
How to Store Green Tomatoes
Green tomatoes left at room temperature will gradually turn red and ripen; if you want them to stay green, keep them in a cool, dark place to slow ripening. For longer storage, pickle them.
How to Use Green Tomatoes in Cooking
Green tomatoes are most often used to make pickles and jam, or sliced, coated in flour, and fried; their tart flavor adds a refreshing contrast to dishes.
How to Make Green Tomato Pickles
Arrange firm green tomatoes, whole or cut into pieces, in a jar; cover them with a mixture of garlic, salt, and vinegar and water, and leave them for a few weeks to make pickles.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Coat thick slices of green tomato in flour or cornmeal and fry them in hot oil until crisp on both sides; serve hot.
Which Recipes Use Green Tomatoes?
Green tomato pickles, green tomato jam, and fried green tomatoes are among the best-known uses; green tomato soup is also made in some regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat green tomatoes raw?
Because unripe tomatoes contain solanine, eating them raw or in large amounts is not recommended; processing such as pickling and cooking makes them safe to eat.
Why are green tomatoes tart?
As a tomato ripens, its acids turn into sugars. This change is not complete in an unripe green tomato, so its tartness is pronounced.
Can you make jam from green tomatoes?
Yes. Their firm texture and tartness make them suitable for boiling with sugar into a distinctive jam, a traditional late-summer recipe.
Will green tomatoes ripen at home?
Yes. At room temperature, they ripen faster when kept in the same container as a ripe fruit, such as an apple or banana, because of the effect of ethylene gas.
Are all green tomatoes unripe?
No. Some varieties remain green when ripe and taste sweet. However, in cooking, “green tomato” usually refers to an unripe tomato.