Green Tomato Pickles
Green tomato pickles offer a tangy, spicy crunch that enhances sandwiches, salads, or snacks. Made with fresh green tomatoes, garlic, hot peppers, and dill, they deliver bold flavors perfect for summer preservation or as a flavorful condiment for those who enjoy a bit of heat and zest.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and prepare 3 quarts of small green tomatoes.
- Place the tomatoes in clean quart jars.
- Add garlic cloves, celery, hot green peppers, and dill sprigs to each jar.
- In a pot, combine 2 quarts of water, 1 quart of white vinegar, and 1 cup of salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then pour the hot brine over the tomatoes and spices in the jars.
- Seal the jars and let them cool before storing in a cool, dark place for pickling to develop.
Tips & Substitutions
Make sure to choose firm, small green tomatoes for the best crunch in your pickles. You can substitute garlic cloves with garlic powder if you're in a pinch, and feel free to adjust the amount of hot green peppers based on your spice tolerance. For an added flavor twist, consider adding mustard seeds or coriander seeds to the brine.
Serving Suggestions
These green tomato pickles are a delightful addition to a charcuterie board or served alongside sandwiches. They pair beautifully with Wild Rose Jelly for a sweet and tangy contrast. Enjoy them as a zesty condiment or snack on their own, and consider serving them with some hearty Pinto Beans (German Style) for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in a cool, dark place to allow the flavors to develop over time. Once opened, keep the jars in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks for the best taste. Ensure the brine fully covers the tomatoes to maintain their crunch and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Tomato Pickles contains roughly 1246 calories, with 47g protein, 182g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (1111% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (241% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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
How long do green tomato pickles take to develop flavor?
Typically, green tomato pickles will need at least 2-4 weeks to fully develop their flavors. The longer they sit, the more intense the taste will become, so be patient and give them time to marinate.
Can I use ripe tomatoes for this recipe?
While this recipe is designed for small green tomatoes to achieve that unique tartness, you could use slightly underripe tomatoes as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will differ from traditional green tomato pickles.
What can I do if my pickles are too salty?
If your pickles turn out too salty, you can soak them in fresh water for a few hours to help reduce the saltiness. Rinse them well afterward and then enjoy them with meals that have milder flavors to balance the taste.
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).