How do you get green tomatoes to turn red?

* Ripening is a natural process: Tomatoes turn red due to the breakdown of chlorophyll (which makes them green) and the production of lycopene (which gives them their red color). This process is driven by sunlight, warmth, and time.

* Green tomatoes lack the enzymes: Green tomatoes haven't developed the enzymes necessary for this chemical transformation.

* Artificial methods don't work: There are no tricks or methods that can artificially ripen a green tomato to red.

What you can do:

* Pick them when they're ripe: The best way to get red tomatoes is to wait for them to ripen on the vine. Check them regularly and harvest them when they're fully colored.

* Use green tomatoes for other dishes: Green tomatoes are delicious in their own right! They can be fried, pickled, or used in salsas and chutneys.

Important Note: If you're looking to "ripen" tomatoes for a specific recipe, there are ways to enhance their flavor and texture even if they aren't fully red. For example, you can:

* Store them in a paper bag: This helps to trap ethylene gas, which can speed up the ripening process.

* Use them in dishes that utilize their tart flavor: Green tomatoes add a unique tanginess to many recipes.