Mary Berry Green Tomato Chutney Recipe

This Mary Berry Green Tomato Chutney is a tangy, sweet, gently spiced preserve that makes the most of unripe tomatoes. It’s an excellent way to avoid waste while creating a chutney that pairs beautifully with cheese boards, cold meats, sandwiches, and holiday platters. With onions, apples, spices, and vinegar simmered together, it develops into a thick, flavorful chutney that only improves as it matures.

What Is Mary Berry’s Green Tomato Chutney?

Mary Berry’s green tomato chutney is a slow-cooked mixture of firm, unripe tomatoes, apples, onions, sugar, and vinegar. It transforms into a rich, tangy condiment that’s perfect for storing, gifting, and serving throughout the year.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Apple Chutney
• Mary Berry Quince Jelly
• Mary Berry Lasagne with Crème Fraîche

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Great way to use unripe tomatoes at the end of the season.
• Long shelf life, perfect for preserving and gifting.
• Balanced sweet and tangy flavor with warm spices.
• Simple, one-pot method suitable for beginners.
• Pairs well with countless dishes, from cheese to roasted meats.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Green Tomato Chutney

• 1kg green tomatoes, chopped
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• 250g brown sugar
• 300ml malt vinegar or cider vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• Zest of 1 lemon

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large heavy-based saucepan or preserving pan
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Heatproof funnel (optional)
• Sterilized jars with lids

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Green Tomato Chutney

Step 1: Prep All Ingredients

Dice the green tomatoes, apples, and onions into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Add Everything to the Pan

Combine tomatoes, onions, apples, sugar, vinegar, spices, garlic, salt, and lemon zest in a large saucepan.

Step 3: Start Heating Gently

Heat on medium until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Bring to a Boil

Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low so the mixture simmers steadily.

Step 5: Slow-Simmer the Chutney

Simmer uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring often to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Check for Proper Thickness

The chutney is ready when it becomes thick, glossy, and holds its shape on a spoon without watery liquid underneath.

Step 7: Jar the Chutney

Spoon hot chutney into sterilized jars. Seal immediately.

Step 8: Let it Mature

Allow at least 2 weeks for flavors to deepen before serving.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Too watery: Simmered longer with the lid off.
• Tomatoes stayed firm: Chopped into smaller pieces.
• Taste too sharp: Allowed longer maturing time.
• Mixture sticking: Lowered the heat and stirred more frequently.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Green Tomato Chutney

Use reduced sugar, switch to coconut sugar, increase the amount of apples for natural sweetness, and use cider vinegar for a gentler flavor. You can also add grated carrots for extra nutrients.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Green Tomato Chutney

• Brown sugar → Demerara or coconut sugar
• Malt vinegar → Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
• Apples → Pears for a sweeter profile
• Spices → Add nutmeg or swap cinnamon for mixed spice

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Green Tomato Chutney

• Strong cheddar – Beautiful sweet-tangy contrast.
• Cold roast beef or ham – Classic British pairing.
• Crusty bread or baguette – Simple but perfect.
• Charcuterie boards – Adds brightness and depth.
• Sandwiches or toasties – Bring instant flavor.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Green Tomato Chutney

• Simmer low and slow for the best depth of flavor.
• Cut tomatoes evenly so they break down smoothly.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent burning.
• Taste near the end to balance sweetness and acidity.
• Sterilize jars properly for long-term storage.
• Let chutney rest at least 2 weeks for full flavor.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Green Tomato Chutney

• Add dates for richness.
• Mix in golden raisins for sweetness.
• Add chilli for a spicy kick.
• Use orange zest instead of lemon for a warmer flavor.
• Add mustard seeds for extra texture and spice.

Storing Mary Berry Green Tomato Chutney the Right Way

• Unopened jars: Store 6–12 months in a cool, dark place.
• Opened jars: Refrigerate and use within 6 weeks.
• Avoid sunlight to maintain color and taste.

How to Reheat Green Tomato Chutney (If Needed)

Chutney is normally served cold, but if warming slightly:

• Stovetop: Heat gently for 2–3 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm 10–15 seconds.
• Thin with water if too thick.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: 110
• Carbs: 27g
• Sugar: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 70mg

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FAQs

Why is my green tomato chutney too watery?

Green tomato chutney becomes watery when it hasn’t simmered long enough for moisture to evaporate. Keep cooking it uncovered on low heat, stirring often, until it thickens and holds its shape when pushed with a spoon.

How do I remove the sharp vinegar taste from chutney?

A strong vinegar flavor mellows naturally as the chutney matures. Store it in sealed jars for at least two weeks before using. Adding a little extra sugar or a handful of raisins can also help balance acidity.

Why is my chutney sticking to the bottom of the pan?

Sticking happens when the heat is too high or the chutney reaches its thick stage. Reduce the heat to low and stir frequently, especially during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking.

Can I use ripe tomatoes instead of green tomatoes?

Yes, but the flavor and texture will change. Ripe tomatoes release more liquid and create a sweeter chutney. If you use ripe tomatoes, reduce the sugar slightly and simmer longer to achieve the same consistency.

Wrapping It Up

This Mary Berry Green Tomato Chutney is a delicious, versatile way to use up unripe tomatoes and create a tangy, sweet preserve that lasts for months. Simple to make and full of warm, comforting flavors, it’s perfect for pairing with cheese, meats, or sandwiches.