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Easy Homemade Green Tomato Relish Recipe

A spoonful of chunky, bright yellow and green tomato relish being lifted from a small white plate.

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Make this simple, old-fashioned green tomato relish using unripe tomatoes. This recipe focuses on straightforward steps for a reliable, flavorful condiment perfect for canning or immediate use.

Ingredients

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  • 3 lbs firm green tomatoes, cored and chopped
  • 2 large yellow onions, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard seed
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tomatoes and vegetables: Chop the green tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers into small, uniform pieces.
  2. Combine ingredients: Place the chopped vegetables, vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric into a large, non-reactive pot.
  3. Cook the mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and prevent sticking.
  4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the relish has thickened and the vegetables are tender. Stir frequently during the last 20 minutes.
  5. Test for doneness: The relish is ready when a spoon drawn across the bottom leaves a trail that takes a few seconds to fill in.
  6. Jar or cool: For canning, ladle the hot relish into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Wipe rims and process according to standard water bath canning procedures for 15 minutes. For immediate use, let the relish cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Select firm, completely unripe tomatoes for the best texture in this vinegar packed green tomato relish.
  • For a spicy green tomato relish variation, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes during cooking.
  • This recipe yields a sweet and sour green tomato relish; adjust sugar up or down by 1/4 cup if you prefer a different balance.
  • Proper canning ensures safe long-term storage for your homemade green tomato relish recipe.

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