Mrs. Scott'S Crisp Green Tomato Pickles
Mrs. Scott's Crisp Green Tomato Pickles offer a tangy, sweet, and spiced flavor profile, perfect for those who love homemade condiments with a crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Tie the cloves, allspice, mace, cinnamon, and ginger in small bags or cheesecloth to create spice bundles.
- Slice the very green tomatoes without peeling them.
- Combine the sliced tomatoes and sugar in a large container, mixing well.
- Pour in the cider vinegar over the tomato mixture.
- Add the spice bags to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Allow the mixture to sit and marinate for several hours or overnight.
- Transfer the mixture to jars, removing the spice bags, and seal.
- Let the pickles mature for at least a few days before serving to develop full flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. If you don't have cider vinegar, white vinegar can be substituted, but it will alter the taste slightly. Make sure to use firm, unblemished green tomatoes for the best crunch in your pickles. For a unique twist, you could also try incorporating a few sprigs of fresh dill.
Serving Suggestions
These crisp green tomato pickles are perfect as a tangy side dish or condiment to elevate sandwiches and burgers. They pair wonderfully with rich meats like roasted pork or barbecue chicken. For a refreshing meal, serve alongside Rhubarb Royal Salad for a delightful contrast of flavors. Enjoy them straight from the jar for a quick snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in a cool, dark place for optimal flavor development. Once opened, keep them refrigerated and consume within a few weeks. Ensure jars are tightly sealed to prevent spoilage. If you notice any signs of fermentation or off smells, discard the pickles immediately.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Scott'S Crisp Green Tomato Pickles contains roughly 693 calories, with 15g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (356% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (140% of the Daily Value), and potassium (51% 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
Can I use ripe tomatoes instead of green tomatoes?
While ripe tomatoes can be used, they will not provide the same tartness and crunch that green tomatoes offer. The pickling process relies on the firmness of green tomatoes to maintain texture, so it's best to stick with the original ingredient for this recipe.
How long do these pickles need to sit before they are ready?
It's recommended to let the pickles marinate for at least a few days to develop their full flavor. The longer they sit, the more the spices will infuse the tomatoes, resulting in a more robust taste. Some enthusiasts even wait a week for optimal flavor.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar, but keep in mind that it will affect the sweetness and preservation of the pickles. Experimenting with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can be an option, but be sure to adjust the acidity as needed to maintain balance.
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).