Gherkins in brine

Green tomatoes in brine – A traditional recipe full of flavor

Every year, when summer makes its presence felt, it brings not only sunshine and warmth but also the bounty of seasonal vegetables. Green tomatoes, those meaty red fruits that couldn't wait to ripen, become the perfect ingredient to create a delicacy that will delight the taste buds throughout the winter. Today, I will present you with a simple and quick recipe for preserving green tomatoes in brine, a method that not only preserves the flavor of the vegetables but also intensifies and enriches them with a spicy note.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 2 large jars (5 kg and 3 kg) or many small jars

Ingredients:

- 2.8 kg green tomatoes (choose firm and healthy ones)
- 6 l water
- 6 tablespoons salt (coarse salt preferred)
- Spices:
- Mustard seeds
- Black peppercorns
- A few pieces of horseradish (cut into sticks)
- Celery leaves (fresh, for a fragrant taste)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the green tomatoes: Start by washing the green tomatoes well under cold running water. Make sure no impurities or dirt remain on their surface. If you want to add a splash of color and texture, cut a few cucumbers into pieces and prepare them to add to the jars.

2. Arranging in jars: Choose clean and dry jars for preservation. Arrange the green tomatoes in the jars, leaving a little space between them. Add the cucumbers to provide a contrast of color and texture. Sprinkle mustard seeds and black peppercorns among the green tomatoes, adding the pieces of horseradish for a spicy note and the celery leaves for aroma.

3. Preparing the brine: In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Once it starts boiling, add the salt and stir until completely dissolved. Allow the brine to boil for 10-15 minutes to concentrate the flavors.

4. Pouring the brine: Once the brine is ready, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Here is an important tip: to avoid cracking the jars, place a few knives or a strip of cloth under them. This will allow the heat to dissipate more evenly.

5. Filling the jars: Carefully pour the brine over the green tomatoes until they are completely covered. Make sure not to leave air bubbles in the jars, as they can affect the fermentation process. Leave a small space of 2-3 cm at the top.

6. Cooling and storing: Let the jars cool to room temperature, then cover them with cellophane sheets to prevent contamination. Store the jars in a cool, dark, and dry place. The green tomatoes in brine will be ready to taste after a few weeks of fermentation.

Practical tips:

- Ingredient selection: Choose firm green tomatoes, without spots or damage. Fresh celery leaves are essential for a vibrant taste.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding other spices, such as allspice or garlic, to customize the flavor of the brine.
- Serving: Green tomatoes in brine are excellent as a side dish to meat dishes, in salads, or simply as a healthy snack.

Nutritional benefits: Green tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, providing a boost of antioxidants. Vegetable preserves in brine are also a good source of probiotics, beneficial for digestion.

Frequently asked questions:

- How long can green tomatoes in brine be stored? If stored properly, they can last up to a year.
- Can I use table salt instead of coarse salt? It is recommended to use coarse salt, as it dissolves better and helps maintain the texture of the vegetables.

Personal story: I fondly remember my childhood when my grandmother would put jars of green tomatoes in brine every fall. The smell of the combined flavors of horseradish and celery brought me a sense of well-being, and each jar opened during the winter felt like a small celebration in our family. These green tomatoes united us, were served at festive meals, and brought a touch of summer to the cold winter days.

So, I warmly invite you to try this recipe for green tomatoes in brine and enjoy the flavor of this culinary tradition. Enjoy your meal and don't forget to share your experiences!