The Best Green Tomato Catsup
A flavorful green tomato catsup with sweet peppers and spices, perfect as a condiment for meats, fries, or sandwiches, offering a tangy, sweet, and spicy taste.
Ingredients
- 12 cups onion ⓘ
- 12 cups green tomatoes ⓘ
- 36 green sweet peppers ⓘ
- 18 cups sugar ⓘ
- 6 teaspoons mustard seed ⓘ
- 12 cups cabbage ⓘ
- 12 cups vinegar ⓘ
- 18 red sweet peppers ⓘ
- 12 cups celery ⓘ
- 4.5 teaspoons turmeric
- 1.125 cups salt ⓘ
- 1 gallon peeled, chopped or grated zucchini ⓘ
- 1 large can unsweetened pineapple juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Pack the hot mixture into sterilized jars and seal.
- Process the jars in boiling water bath for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker catsup, consider adding more zucchini or cooking it longer to reduce excess liquid. If you want a spicier kick, you can substitute some of the sweet peppers with jalapeños. To enhance flavor depth, try adding a dash of smoked paprika. This recipe makes a great base for variations like Green Tomato Jelly.
Serving Suggestions
This green tomato catsup pairs beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, or as a condiment for sandwiches. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for fried appetizers or drizzled over roasted vegetables. For a delightful twist, serve it alongside Brandied Fruit Sauce to create a sweet and savory combination.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the catsup to cool completely before sealing it in sterilized jars. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep the catsup in the refrigerator, where it will last for several weeks. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Best Green Tomato Catsup contains roughly 2962 calories, with 64g protein, 518g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (1111% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (230% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (200% 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 this recipe is specifically for green tomatoes, you can use ripe tomatoes if you prefer a sweeter taste. However, the resulting catsup will have a different flavor profile and consistency, so adjustments in sugar and cooking time may be necessary.
How long does the catsup need to sit before it's ready to eat?
It's best to let the catsup sit for at least a week after making it. This allows the flavors to meld and develop fully. If possible, try to wait even longer for the best taste experience, but it can be consumed sooner if you're eager to try it.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to suit your taste. However, keep in mind that sugar not only adds sweetness but also acts as a preservative. If you reduce the sugar, consider using additional vinegar to maintain the acidity and preservation qualities.
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).