Zingy Green Tomato Relish: A Recipe for Late-Season Harvests

As the days shorten and the first nip of frost hangs in the air, your tomato plants might be laden with beautiful, yet stubbornly green, tomatoes. Don’t despair! These unripened gems are far from a loss. Instead, they’re the perfect ingredient for a tangy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile condiment: Green Tomato Relish. This relish is a delightful way to use up your end-of-season harvest, adding a burst of zesty flavor to sandwiches, burgers, tacos, grilled meats, and so much more. It’s a preservation project that rewards you with a taste of summer long after the leaves have fallen.

This article will guide you through a detailed recipe for making a delicious green tomato relish, complete with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your relish turns out perfectly every time. We’ll also explore variations and serving suggestions to help you make the most of this wonderful condiment.

Why Green Tomato Relish?

Green tomato relish offers a unique flavor profile that’s distinct from its red tomato counterpart. It boasts a tart, slightly acidic flavor with a satisfying crunch. While not as sweet as ripe tomato products, green tomato relish brings a delightful zing to any dish. Here’s why it’s worth making:

• Uses Up Late-Season Tomatoes: Prevents food waste by transforming unripe tomatoes into a delicious and useful product.
• Unique Flavor: Offers a tangy and savory flavor profile that complements a wide range of foods.
• Versatile Condiment: Enhances sandwiches, burgers, tacos, grilled meats, eggs, and more.
• Preservation: Allows you to enjoy the taste of summer throughout the year.
• Easy to Make: The process is relatively simple and doesn’t require specialized equipment.

The Essential Green Tomato Relish Recipe

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 pint jars of relish. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs and the amount of green tomatoes you have available.

Ingredients:

• 5 pounds green tomatoes, cored and chopped
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 2 bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
• 2-3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for added heat)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups apple cider vinegar (5% acidity)
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
• 1 tablespoon celery seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (for color and flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for added warmth)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice (optional, for added warmth)

Equipment:

• Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sterilized canning jars and lids (pint or half-pint jars)
• Canning pot with rack (or a large pot with a trivet)
• Jar lifter
• Ladle
• Clean kitchen towels
• Optional: Food processor or meat grinder (for chopping vegetables)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Wash all vegetables thoroughly.
   • Core the green tomatoes and chop them into small, even pieces. You can use a knife or a food processor to achieve the desired consistency. Be careful not to over-process them; you want them chopped, not pureed.
   • Chop the onions and bell peppers into similar-sized pieces.
   • If using jalapenos, remove the seeds and membranes for a milder heat. Finely chop the peppers. Remember to wear gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid skin irritation.
2. Combine the Vegetables and Salt:
   • In a large bowl or pot, combine the chopped green tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and jalapenos (if using).
   • Add the kosher salt and mix well.
   • Cover the mixture with a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and let it sit for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. This process, called maceration, helps to draw out excess moisture from the vegetables, resulting in a thicker relish with a better texture. The salt also helps to inhibit the growth of undesirable bacteria.
3. Rinse and Drain the Vegetables:
   • After the maceration period, drain the vegetables in a colander. Rinse them thoroughly with cold water to remove the excess salt.
   • Squeeze out as much remaining moisture as possible. You can use your hands or a clean kitchen towel to do this. Removing excess water is crucial for achieving the desired relish consistency.
4. Combine Ingredients in the Pot:
   • In the large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the drained vegetables, brown sugar, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, cloves (if using), and allspice (if using).
   • Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Cook the Relish:
   • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the relish has thickened to your desired consistency. The cooking time will vary depending on the moisture content of the vegetables and the size of your pot.
   • The relish is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and a line drawn through it holds its shape. Be careful not to overcook the relish, as it will thicken further as it cools.
6. Prepare the Jars and Lids:
   • While the relish is simmering, sterilize your canning jars and lids. There are several methods for sterilization:
     • Boiling Water Bath: Place the jars and lids in a canning pot filled with water, ensuring they are completely submerged. Bring the water to a boil and boil for 10 minutes. Remove the jars and lids carefully using a jar lifter and place them on a clean kitchen towel to dry.
     • Dishwasher: Run the jars and lids through a hot cycle in your dishwasher. Leave them in the dishwasher until you are ready to fill them.
     • Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the clean jars on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven for 20 minutes. Boil the lids in a separate saucepan for 10 minutes.
7. Fill the Jars:
   • Remove the sterilized jars from the boiling water or dishwasher, one at a time.
   • Using a ladle, carefully fill each jar with the hot relish, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace (the space between the top of the relish and the rim of the jar).
   • Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the jar on the counter or using a non-metallic utensil to run along the inside of the jar.
   • Wipe the rim of each jar with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills or drips.
   • Place a sterilized lid on each jar and screw on a sterilized band until it is fingertip tight (not too tight, not too loose).
8. Process the Jars:
   • Place the filled jars in a canning pot fitted with a rack. Ensure the jars are completely covered with water, with at least 1-2 inches of water above the top of the jars.
   • Bring the water to a rolling boil and process the jars for 15 minutes for pint jars (adjust processing time for altitude, see below).
   • Turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the hot water for 5 minutes before removing them. This helps to prevent siphoning.
   • Carefully remove the jars from the canning pot using a jar lifter and place them on a clean kitchen towel, spaced apart, to cool completely.
9. Check the Seals:
   • As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal.
   • After the jars have cooled completely (usually 12-24 hours), check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t flex or move, it is properly sealed.
   • If any jars did not seal, you can reprocess them with new lids or store them in the refrigerator and use them within a few weeks.
10. Store the Relish:
    • Label the jars with the date and contents and store them in a cool, dark place. Properly sealed and processed green tomato relish can be stored for up to one year.

Altitude Adjustments for Processing Time:

It’s important to adjust the processing time based on your altitude to ensure proper sealing and food safety. If you live at an altitude above 1,000 feet, increase the processing time as follows:

• 1,001 – 3,000 feet: Add 5 minutes
• 3,001 – 6,000 feet: Add 10 minutes
• 6,001 – 8,000 feet: Add 15 minutes
• 8,001 – 10,000 feet: Add 20 minutes

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique green tomato relish:

• Spice it Up: Increase the amount of jalapenos or add other chili peppers like serranos or habaneros for a spicier relish.
• Sweet and Sour: Add more brown sugar or granulated sugar for a sweeter relish. You can also use a combination of apple cider vinegar and white vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Add Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or dill for added freshness and flavor. Add them during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Include Other Vegetables: Add chopped carrots, celery, or corn for extra texture and nutrients.
• Fruit Additions: Consider adding chopped apples or pears for a touch of sweetness and complexity.
• Indian-Inspired Relish: Add grated ginger, garlic, and Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala for a flavorful and aromatic relish.

Serving Suggestions

Green tomato relish is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways:

• Sandwiches and Burgers: Spread it on sandwiches or burgers for a tangy and flavorful kick.
• Tacos and Burritos: Use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, and nachos.
• Grilled Meats and Fish: Serve it alongside grilled meats, chicken, or fish for a complementary flavor.
• Eggs: Top scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast burritos with a spoonful of relish.
• Cheese and Crackers: Serve it as an appetizer with cheese and crackers.
• Deviled Eggs: Mix it into the yolk mixture for a unique twist on deviled eggs.
• Hot Dogs: A classic topping for hot dogs, adding a burst of flavor and texture.
• As a Dip: Serve with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks.
• Mix into Salads: Add a spoonful to potato salad, pasta salad, or coleslaw for extra tang.

Tips for Success

• Use Firm Green Tomatoes: Choose firm, unblemished green tomatoes for the best texture and flavor. Avoid using tomatoes that are starting to turn color or are overly soft.
• Don’t Skip the Maceration Process: The salting and draining process is crucial for removing excess moisture and achieving the desired relish consistency.
• Adjust Sweetness and Spice to Your Preference: Taste the relish during the cooking process and adjust the amount of sugar and spices to suit your taste.
• Use the Right Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is recommended for its flavor, but you can also use white vinegar or a combination of both. Ensure the vinegar has at least 5% acidity for proper preservation.
• Cook to the Right Consistency: The relish should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but not so thick that it becomes a paste. Remember that it will thicken further as it cools.
• Sterilize Jars and Lids Properly: Proper sterilization is essential for preventing spoilage and ensuring food safety.
• Leave the Correct Headspace: Leaving 1/2 inch of headspace allows for proper sealing during the canning process.
• Process Jars for the Correct Time: Follow the recommended processing time based on your altitude to ensure proper sealing and food safety.
• Check Seals Before Storing: Make sure all jars are properly sealed before storing them.

Troubleshooting

• Relish is too watery: Make sure you drained the vegetables thoroughly after salting. You can also simmer the relish for a longer time to evaporate excess liquid.
• Relish is too sweet: Add more vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
• Relish is too bland: Add more spices, herbs, or jalapenos to enhance the flavor.
• Jars didn’t seal: Reprocess the jars with new lids within 24 hours, or store them in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Green tomato relish is a fantastic way to make the most of your late-season tomato harvest and add a unique, tangy flavor to your meals. With its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s a condiment that you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. So, gather your green tomatoes, follow this recipe, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade green tomato relish!

Enjoy the process of creating this delightful relish and sharing it with friends and family. It’s a taste of summer captured in a jar, ready to brighten up your meals all year long.