How To Quick Pickle Green Tomatoes

Preserving these unripe, delicious, and tangy tomatoes for future use by turning them into a homemade pickle is indeed an excellent way to savor the taste after the season ends. It acts as an excellent treat for food lovers and offers a burst of flavor in every bite.

Pickling the green tomatoes and then preserving them will give you the chance to later use them as an excellent side dish for burgers and sandwiches, or they can even be considered a stand-alone snack.

Here, we have discussed the entire process of pickling tomatoes, and below is a step-by-step guide for the same. It will help you to carry out the entire process of pickling conveniently and effectively.

So, dive in and go ahead with the whole process of creating this tangy masterpiece that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Also, read: When Do Green Tomatoes Stop Maturing On The Vine?

Pickling Green Tomatoes [Step By Step Guide]

Table of Contents

Green tomatoes are well suited for pickling due to their tangy flavor, and below is a step-by-step process of pickling green tomatoes:

Go through this article and learn the various ways of using end-of-season green tomatoes.

Ingredients

Firm, unripe green tomatoes
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Water
Pickling salt or kosher salt
Sugar (optional)
Garlic cloves
Dill sprigs or seeds
Mustard seeds
Black peppercorns
Red pepper flakes
Bay leaves
Coriander seeds
Celery seeds
Equipment
Mason Jars
Large Pot
Saucepan
Funnel

Jar Preparation

Jar preparation is an essential step before you go ahead with the process of pickling.

Follow these steps to prepare the jars for safe and effective pickling:

1. Firstly, inspect the jars carefully for cracks, leaks, or other physical damage and ensure the lids are secured.

2. Then, clean the jars and their lids with fresh and running water.

3. After you’ve cleaned the jars, wipe them with a clean towel and allow them to dry.

4. Now comes the sterilization process, in which you need to dip the jars completely in water and boil them for at least 10 minutes to remove the bacteria.

5. Allow the jars to remain warm until you’re filling them.

6. Finally, before sealing the lids of the jars, double-check the jars for any cracks or leakage and then place the lid tightly on it.

Pickling Method

Here is a straightforward process of pickling green tomatoes so that you can preserve them for months:

Step 1: Gather Essential Equipment And Tools

The first and foremost step involves gathering the essential equipment or tools before proceeding further with the process of pickling.

Step 2: Washing The Tomatoes

Wash the green tomatoes thoroughly under running water to remove the dirt or bacteria.

Step 3: Preparing The Tomatoes

If you’re keeping the tomatoes whole, prick them with a fork or slice them into halves, quarters, or small pieces.

Step 4: Prepare The Brine

Preparing the brine is an important step in the whole process, and for that, you need the required amount of water, salt, sugar, and vinegar. To carry out the process of brining, you need to combine the ingredients in a saucepan and bring the whole mixture to a boil.

Allow the mixture to cool slightly while you prepare the jars aside.

Step 5: Packing The Jars

After you are done with the preparation of the brine, it’s time for you to prepare the jars. To prepare the jars, you will need some garlic cloves, dill springs, mustard seeds, and other spices for adding those at the bottom of each jar.

Lastly, you’ll have to add the green tomatoes to the jar and ensure there’s at least 1/2 inch of space at the top of the jar. Finally, add more spices between the layers of green tomatoes for aroma and extra flavor.

Step 6: Add The Brine

The next step is to add the brine, and for that, take the help of a ladle or funnel and then pour the hot brine on top of the tomatoes. Ensure the tomatoes are completely submerged, but at the same time make sure there is 1/2 inch of headspace to prevent spillage or overflow.

Finally, when you close the jars, remove the air bubbles by gently tapping the jars. You can also take the help of a chopstick or spatula to get rid of the air bubbles.

Step 7: Seal The Sterilized Jars

Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the rims of the jar before placing the lids on top and then securing them with the rings and tightening them until they are tight.

Step 8: Process The Jars

Processing the jars is the most vital step, as it will help you preserve these delicacies for long-term storage.

For processing the jars, water bath canning is the ideal process. To carry out the process of a water bath, all you need to do is place the sealed jars in a large pot of boiling water. Ensure the jar is completely covered by water.

Next, comes the adjustment of the positioning of the jar, if required, and allow the jar to boil for at least 10-15 minutes.

After the stipulated period, you’ll have to lift the jar carefully and then place it on a towel and allow it to cool completely.

While you are on the verge of sealing the jar, check whether it is properly sealed and nothing is oozing out of it.

Step 9: Storage

Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for about a year. Wait for 2-4 weeks before you open it, allowing the flavors to develop fully.

Step 10: Savor The Taste

Now that your green pickled tomatoes are ready, use them as a topping for sandwiches and burgers or as an additional salad.

To ripen green tomatoes indoors, check out this detailed guide.

Benefits Of Pickling Green Tomatoes

Green tomato pickles offer several benefits and include some practical, culinary, and health-related benefits.

Some of those are mentioned below:

1. Pickling green tomatoes can be a very convenient and excellent way of increasing the shelf life of tomatoes.

2. Pickling the green tomatoes will also help to savor the tangy flavor even after the end of the growing season.

3. Food waste reduction is another benefit of pickling green tomatoes while transforming them into a delicious treat.

4. Pickling is also known to enhance the flavor of green tomatoes and helps you experiment with different spices and herbs.

5. Pickled green tomatoes support digestive health and also promote good gut health.

6. Pickling is an affordable and easy preservation technique that requires minimal effort.

Tips To Successfully Pickle Green Tomatoes

Below we have discussed some tips for successfully pickling green tomatoes:

Select firm, medium-sized green tomatoes that are free from blemishes
Since sterilization is an important process, sterilize the pickling jars for around 10 minutes in boiling water or the dishwasher
Select jars with tight lids and ensure you leave around 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jar
Seal the jars tightly and properly before boiling them in hot water for around 10-15 minutes
Keep the jars in a cool, dark place for at least 2-4 weeks before opening it fully
After opening, store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place properly for up to a year