Tomatoes can keep producing fruit well into fall, but they need temperatures of 75 degrees or more in order to reach full growth and optimum ripeness. Therefore, most tomatoes that start growing in the fall stay small and green. Don't throw them out, though.
Unripe green tomatoes are edible, and can be used to make all manner of tasty treats. Last year, we had a Green Tomato Contest where readers submitted their favorite green tomato recipes. The winner was Tonia's Eggs Benedict With Green Tomatoes. You can peruse the other contest recipes at this link.
Want more ideas? Try these recipes:
Fried Green Tomatoes
Green Tomato Relish
Green Tomato Cake
Green Tomato Pickles
Green Tomato Salsa
Green Tomato Soup
(Image: deeAuvil.com)
Fried green tomato BLT!!! I make this deconstructed one, but a traditional one with nice crusty bread would do just fine.
http://anolivetreegrows.blogspot.com/2008/08/deconstruction.html
view Laura (murray hill)'s profile
Green Tomato Marmalade is delicious
view azul's profile
I like to make this snappy sugar free green tomato relish. It's more like a salsa and can be used in all sorts of ways. Very easy to mix up and keeps in the fridge for several weeks without processing:
http://foodiefarmgirl.blogspot.com/2005/09/saving-harvest-green-tomato-relish.html
view Farmgirl Susan's profile
I was told you can put green tomatoes in a paper bag and they will ripen. An italian friend of my mother's makes pickled green tomatoes in vinegar and olive oil.
view PinkThumb's profile
I visited my grandmother this weekend and her neighbor brought over a few pieces of green tomato pie. I had never heard of such a thing, but it was pretty delicious with almost a sweet/sour flavor that reminded me of rhubarb pie. Has anyone else had this before?
view Wadeinh2o's profile