Bertha'S Ripe Tomato Relish
A vibrant, tangy tomato relish with sweet, spicy, and savory notes, perfect for adding zest to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a flavorful condiment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop tomatoes, onions, green and red bell peppers, celery, and hot peppers.
- Pour salt over the chopped vegetables and let set for 3 hours.
- Drain the mixture for half an hour.
- Add vinegar, sugar, and cinnamon to the drained vegetables and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Fill clean, sterilized jars with the hot relish.
- Pour hot paraffin over the filled jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier relish, consider adding more hot peppers or using different varieties like jalapeños. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can adjust the sugar to your liking. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added for an aromatic twist. Ensure your jars are sterilized properly to prevent spoilage, and consider using a mix of tomatoes for varied flavor. This relish complements 48-Hour Salad perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Bertha's Ripe Tomato Relish is fantastic as a condiment for grilled meats or as a topping for sandwiches. It also pairs beautifully with Homemade Cereal for a unique breakfast twist. Serve it alongside cheese and crackers for a delightful appetizer, or blend it into sauces for added flavor in dishes like pasta or tacos.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate the relish and use it within a month. To reheat, simply warm the desired amount in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid reheating directly in the jar to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bertha'S Ripe Tomato Relish contains roughly 1987 calories, with 45g protein, 336g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (286% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (232% of the Daily Value), and iron (192% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2692mg per serving (117% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. However, be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the relish. The flavor may differ slightly, but it will still yield a delicious result.
How long does the relish last once opened?
Once opened, Bertha's Ripe Tomato Relish should be refrigerated and consumed within one month for optimal freshness and flavor. Always check for signs of spoilage before use.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet relish, you can reduce the sugar to suit your taste. Just keep in mind that sugar also acts as a preservative, so lowering it may impact the shelf life.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).