As we are approaching cooler weather, you may be losing hope that your tomatoes will turn red. Cooler weather is one of the causes for your tomatoes not turning red, resulting in a garden full of green tomatoes. When the temperature is between 50 and 85 degrees, tomatoes produce the chemicals lycopene and carotene which turn tomatoes red. So the colder the weather gets, the more likely your tomatoes will stay green. Of course you can throw your green tomatoes into the composter, but before you cut your losses why not try one of these recipes?
Fried Green Tomatoes
This classic recipe is the most common and delicious use of green tomatoes! This southern comfort food is a favorite in any home regardless of where you live. Give it a try and you’ll be surprised.
Ingredients:
Turn green tomatoes into the perfect comfort food!
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup flour, divided
- 1/2 cup stone ground cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic power (optional)
- 3 medium green tomatoes (cut into 1/3 inch round slices)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Directions:
In a shallow bowl, mix all the dry ingredients: 1/2 cup of cornmeal, 1/4 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional). In another shallow bowl, combine the egg and ½ cup of buttermilk. Then place the remaining 1/4 cup of flour in a shallow bowl. Place the skillet on medium heat and coat it with 1/2 cup of oil.
Like an assembly line, cover the tomatoes with the flour, dip in the egg mix, and then dip in the cornmeal mix. Once pan is hot, pan-fry the tomatoes. You want to cook the tomatoes for about 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Once the tomatoes are crispy on each side, carefully remove and place on paper towels or a rack to drain. Serve with hot sauce.