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Green tomatoes that stay green!
Discover the difference between unripe red tomatoes and true green tomatoes like Aunt Ruby’s German Green and Green Zebra, plus tips on when they’re perfectly ripe.
Not all green tomatoes are “unripe”! While most of us wait for our tomatoes to blush red, some varieties like ‘Aunt Ruby’s German Green’ and ‘Green Zebra’ stay green, bringing bold flavor and color to your kitchen. Think of them as the sneaky rebels of the tomato world—ripe, ready, and begging to be sliced for sandwiches, salads, or fried delights.
If you’ve had an unripe red tomato, it’s usually very hard with a tart taste. We either wait for the tomato to turn red, ripen the tomato off the vine, or we might make yummy fried green tomatoes.
However, some green tomatoes aren’t just unripe versions of red tomatoes. When is a green tomato not a “green” tomato? When it is ‘Aunt Ruby’s German Green’. (See picture, above.)
Types of Green Tomatoes
| Variety | Ripening Indicators | Flavor Profile | Best Uses | Zone Hardiness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aunt Ruby’s German Green | Light green with yellow tinge, amber patches, slightly soft at bottom | Sweet, rich, full-bodied | Sandwiches, salads, slicing | 4–10 |
| Green Zebra | Green with yellow stripes, softens slightly at bottom | Tangy, zesty, bright | Salads, salsas, grilling | 4–10 |
| Emerald Evergreen | Even green with subtle golden hue, soft blossom end | Mild, slightly sweet | Slicing, fresh eating | 5–10 |
| Evergreen Pear | Pear-shaped, pale green with creamy blush | Sweet, firm texture | Salads, snacking | 5–10 |
| Green Giant | Large green fruit, slight yellow undertone when ripe, soft to gentle squeeze | Juicy, mildly sweet | Sandwiches, fried green tomato recipes | 4–9 |
I’ve waited all summer, and now, as the season is winding down, finally my green tomatoes are ripening. I don’t mean just any old green tomato; I mean ‘Aunt Ruby’. These delicious big beefsteaks make an awesome sandwich, are flavorful in a salad, and add another dimension of color to a platter of sliced tomatoes.
We grow all sorts of colored tomatoes—yellow ‘Lemon Boy’, orange ‘Kellogg’s Breakfast’, peachy ‘Persimmon’, ‘Black Krim’, ‘Cherokee Purple’, and ‘Pink Brandywine’, to name a few—but I find that the colors are not big sellers. Our plant customers want “round and red,” and our produce customers shy away from the heirlooms because they look funny. Even when we give samples so they can taste the difference, few are convinced. The idea of a green tomato really throws them! “How do you know when it is ripe?” they ask.
How to Know When a True Green Tomato is Ripe
- Like any ripe tomato, the bottom will be soft when gently pressed. This technique works well for the black tomatoes, too, since they will still have green shoulders when they are ready to eat. If you wait for the whole fruit to turn color, it will be overripe.
- Do a color check. The green goes from dark green to a lighter shade with a yellow tinge to it. Parts of the skin will have an amber hue between darker green bands. Sometimes the blossom end will have a splash of pink.
What Causes a Tomato to Ripen Without Turning Red?
Green-fleshed tomatoes such as ‘Aunt Ruby’ and ‘Green Zebra’ have a gene that blocks the formation of lycopene, a chemical that gives regular tomatoes their red color. If you include tomatoes in your diet for the health benefits attributed to lycopene, stick to the reds. If you eat tomatoes for their flavor and eye appeal, by all means, include some green ones.
We’ll continue to grow them for our own enjoyment. Who knows, maybe we’ll make a few converts along the way.
FAQs: True Green Tomatoes
What is a true green tomato?
A true green tomato is a variety that remains green even when fully ripe. Unlike unripe red tomatoes, these tomatoes develop flavor and sweetness without turning red. Examples include ‘Aunt Ruby’s German Green’ and ‘Green Zebra’.
How can I tell when a green tomato is ripe?
Check for a lighter green shade with a yellow tinge, amber patches, or a slight pink blush at the blossom end. Gently press the bottom—it should yield slightly without being mushy.
Can I use true green tomatoes like regular tomatoes?
Yes! They are excellent for sandwiches, salads, salsas, and even for fried green tomato recipes. Their flavor is often tangier or sweeter than standard red tomatoes.
Why don’t true green tomatoes turn red?
These varieties have a genetic trait that blocks the formation of lycopene, the chemical responsible for the red color in standard tomatoes.
Are true green tomatoes healthy?
Absolutely! While they have less lycopene than red tomatoes, they still provide vitamins, antioxidants, and unique flavor profiles to your diet.
When should I plant green tomato varieties?
Plant them just like other tomatoes—after the last frost in spring, in full sun, and in well-draining soil. They thrive in USDA Zones 4–10, depending on the variety.
Can green tomatoes be grown in containers?
Yes! Use a deep container with good drainage and nutrient-rich soil. Make sure to water consistently and provide full sun for best results. Learn more about growing tomatoes in pots.
See the Almanac’s Tomato Growing Guide for more tips.
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