Good Eats: Green Tomato Salsa

April 7th, 2016 • BY Morgan Tilton

Calling all tomato-maniacs: you are not alone. The community-focused organization Tomatomania—founded by Scott Daigre, owner of Powerplant Garden Design—connects tomato lovers via classes and social gatherings to learn about (and taste) varieties of tomatoes. Straight from the book, Tomatomania! A Fresh Approach to Celebrating Tomatoes in the Garden and in the Kitchen, authored by Daigre and Jenn Garbee, is this refreshing spring recipe for green tomato salsa.

Green tomatoes are bursting with nutritional benefits. The fruit is high in vitamin A, which is comprised of two forms: retinol and beta-carotene. While studies are ongoing, vitamin A may play a role in cancer, age-related macular degeneration and measles according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin A is 900 mcg for males and 700 mcg for females, ages 14 years old and higher. One large fruit provides 1168 IU: the equivalent of 350 mcg of retinol and 700 mcg of beta-carotene.

For an afternoon snack or a garnish on eggs or chicken, that’s not a bad ratio! Not to mention the vitamin C, vitamin B, iron and potassium that are all mixed into this dip, too. Enjoy!

Green Tomato Salsa

Ingredients: Makes about 1¼ cups

1 large green tomato, on the softer side, chopped (about 1 cup)

¼ cup thinly sliced red onion, chopped

¼ to ½ jalapeño, seeded and finely diced

¼ cup cilantro leaves, chopped

Juice of ½ lime (or more to taste)

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Combine the tomato, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and additional lime juice to taste.

Tip:

Frozen green tomatoes are too soft to chop up for salsa. If you’re making this dish in the winter, substitute cucumbers or whatever other salsa-friendly veggies you have on hand.

Learn more:

Check out the Tomatomania iPhone App!