Preserve Summer’s Harvest with Traditional Green Tomato Pickles
Green Tomato Pickles are a Southern canning favorite, transforming firm, unripe tomatoes into a sweet, tangy, and flavorful preserve. Seasoned with mustard seed, celery seed, onions, and vinegar, these pickles develop a delicious balance of acidity and sweetness that pairs perfectly with barbecue, fried foods, sandwiches, and hearty country meals.
Featured in Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon, this classic recipe celebrates the Southern tradition of preserving late-season garden vegetables, ensuring that nothing from the harvest goes to waste.
Ingredients
- 10 pounds green tomatoes
- 2/3 cup salt
- 6 cups water
- 4-1/2 pounds onions (white)
- 4 cups vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 Tablespoons mustard seed
- 2 Tablespoons celery seed
Instructions
- Slice the green tomatoes and white onions into thin, even slices.
- In a large crock or non-reactive container, alternate layers of tomatoes and onions.
- Sprinkle each layer generously with the salt.
- Cover the vegetables and let them stand overnight to draw out excess moisture.
- The next day, drain the vegetables thoroughly.
- In a large stockpot, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, mustard seed, and celery seed.
- Bring the pickling liquid to a gentle boil.
- Add the drained tomatoes and onions, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly tender but still hold their shape.
- Pack the hot pickles into sterilized jars and seal immediately using safe canning practices.
Pro Tip
Choose firm, unripe green tomatoes for the best texture. Allow the jars to rest for at least two weeks before opening so the flavors have time to fully develop.
Closing Summary / Pro Tips
- A traditional Southern recipe for preserving green tomatoes.
- Sweet, tangy, and lightly spiced with classic pickling seasonings.
- Perfect alongside barbecue, fried chicken, burgers, sandwiches, and country dinners.
- Makes an excellent pantry staple and thoughtful homemade gift.
About the Creator
Ethel Rayson Dixon, a Louisiana native, shares recipes inspired by generations of Southern home cooking. Her cookbook highlights comforting dishes rooted in Black culinary traditions and celebrates the warmth of homemade meals prepared with simple ingredients and care.
Ethel Rayson Dixon | Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon.
Find more amazing recipes like this in the book, available through local booksellers and online retailers.
