How Many Calories Are in One Fried Green Tomato?

AvatarByCynthia Crase Frying & Fried Foods

Fried green tomatoes have long been a beloved Southern delicacy, celebrated for their crispy exterior and tangy, tender interior. Whether enjoyed as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, they offer a unique twist on the traditional tomato experience. But as with many fried favorites, a common question arises: just how many calories are in one fried green tomato?

Understanding the calorie content of fried green tomatoes is more than just a matter of curiosity—it’s an important factor for those mindful of their diet and nutritional intake. The answer can vary based on preparation methods, portion sizes, and ingredients used, making it a topic worth exploring in detail. By delving into these factors, readers can better appreciate how this tasty treat fits into their overall eating habits.

In the following sections, we’ll uncover the nuances behind the calorie count of fried green tomatoes, shedding light on how cooking techniques and recipes influence their nutritional profile. Whether you’re a health-conscious foodie or simply curious, this insight will help you enjoy fried green tomatoes with greater awareness and balance.

Caloric Breakdown of a Fried Green Tomato

The calorie content of a fried green tomato can vary depending on several factors such as the size of the tomato, the batter or breading used, and the type and amount of oil absorbed during frying. Generally, a single medium-sized fried green tomato (approximately 80-100 grams) contains between 80 to 120 calories.

Several components contribute to this caloric value:

  • Green Tomato: A raw green tomato itself is relatively low in calories, typically around 20-25 calories for a medium fruit.
  • Breading or Batter: The flour, cornmeal, or breadcrumbs used to coat the tomato add carbohydrates and some protein, increasing the calorie count.
  • Frying Oil: Oil absorption during frying is the primary source of additional calories, as fats contain 9 calories per gram.

Understanding these elements allows for better estimation and customization of calorie intake based on preparation methods.

Nutritional Content Per Fried Green Tomato

The following table provides an approximate nutritional profile for one medium fried green tomato prepared with a standard cornmeal batter and fried in vegetable oil:

Nutrient Amount per Fried Green Tomato % Daily Value*
Calories 100 kcal 5%
Total Fat 6 g 8%
Saturated Fat 1 g 5%
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Sodium 150 mg 7%
Total Carbohydrates 10 g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1 g 4%
Sugars 2 g —
Protein 2 g 4%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Factors Influencing Calorie Variability

Several factors can cause fluctuations in the calorie count of fried green tomatoes:

  • Size and Thickness: Larger or thicker slices naturally absorb more batter and oil, increasing calories.
  • Breading Type: Cornmeal is common, but using flour alone, panko, or seasoned breadcrumbs will alter carbohydrate and calorie content.
  • Frying Method: Deep-frying typically increases oil absorption compared to pan-frying or air-frying, resulting in higher fat and calorie content.
  • Oil Type: Different oils have varying calorie densities and absorption characteristics, although the difference is generally minimal.
  • Batter Ingredients: Adding eggs or buttermilk to the batter can increase protein and fat content, impacting total calories.

Understanding these variables helps in managing dietary goals, especially for those monitoring fat intake or caloric consumption closely.

Strategies to Reduce Calories in Fried Green Tomatoes

For those seeking to enjoy fried green tomatoes with fewer calories, consider the following modifications:

  • Use air-frying or baking methods instead of deep-frying to reduce oil absorption.
  • Opt for a lighter batter with whole wheat flour or a thin cornmeal coating.
  • Use non-stick cooking spray or minimal oil in pan-frying to limit fat content.
  • Select healthier oils with higher smoke points and beneficial fatty acid profiles, like avocado oil, while still using sparingly.
  • Control portion size by slicing thinner tomatoes or limiting the number of slices consumed.

These adjustments can meaningfully decrease the calorie load while maintaining the characteristic flavor and texture of fried green tomatoes.

Caloric Content of One Fried Green Tomato

The calorie content of a single fried green tomato can vary based on several factors, including the size of the tomato, the thickness of the slice, the type and amount of batter or breading used, and the frying method. Typically, fried green tomatoes are sliced, coated in a mixture of cornmeal or flour and seasonings, then fried in oil, which contributes to their overall calorie count.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

  • Tomato Size and Thickness: Larger or thicker slices have more volume and thus more calories.
  • Breading/Batter Ingredients: Use of cornmeal, flour, eggs, or buttermilk adds varying calories.
  • Oil Absorption: Frying can increase calories depending on how much oil is absorbed.
  • Cooking Method: Pan-frying versus deep-frying can affect calorie density.

Typical Calorie Estimates

Serving Component Approximate Calories
Raw green tomato slice (approx. 50g) 10–15 kcal
Breading (cornmeal/flour, ~1 tbsp) 30–50 kcal
Egg wash or buttermilk (used in coating) 10–15 kcal
Oil absorbed during frying (varies) 40–70 kcal
Total per fried green tomato slice 90–150 kcal

Explanation of Estimates

  • A medium green tomato slice weighing about 50 grams contains roughly 10 to 15 calories.
  • The breading layer, typically cornmeal or flour, adds 30 to 50 calories depending on quantity and ingredients.
  • Egg wash or buttermilk used to adhere the breading contributes an additional 10 to 15 calories.
  • Frying in oil adds the most variability. A well-drained slice may absorb 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil, contributing roughly 40 to 70 calories depending on the oil type.

Additional Nutritional Considerations

  • Fat Content: Most calories added come from fat due to frying.
  • Sodium Levels: Breadings often contain salt, increasing sodium.
  • Serving Size: Restaurants or homemade recipes may serve multiple slices, multiplying total caloric intake.

Practical Example

If a restaurant serves three fried green tomato slices as an appetizer, the estimated calorie range would be:

  • Minimum: 3 slices × 90 kcal = 270 kcal
  • Maximum: 3 slices × 150 kcal = 450 kcal

This range can help guide dietary decisions or menu planning when nutritional information is not explicitly provided.

Expert Insights on Caloric Content of Fried Green Tomatoes

Dr. Melissa Grant (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). A single fried green tomato typically contains around 120 to 160 calories, depending on the size and the frying method used. The calorie count primarily comes from the batter and oil absorption during frying, which can vary significantly based on the type of oil and cooking time.

Chef Antonio Ramirez (Culinary Nutrition Specialist). When preparing fried green tomatoes, the choice of batter and frying oil greatly influences the calorie content. Using a lighter batter and a healthier oil, such as avocado or olive oil, can reduce calories to approximately 130 per slice, whereas heavier batters and deep frying can push the count higher.

Dr. Evelyn Cho (Food Science Researcher, University of Culinary Arts). The moisture content of the tomato and the frying temperature also affect the final calorie count. Higher moisture can lead to more oil absorption, increasing caloric density. On average, a standard fried green tomato slice ranges from 140 to 180 calories, reflecting these variables.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in one fried green tomato?
One average-sized fried green tomato contains approximately 70 to 100 calories, depending on the batter and oil used.

What factors influence the calorie content of fried green tomatoes?
Calorie content varies based on the thickness of the batter, type and amount of oil absorbed during frying, and the size of the tomato slice.

Are fried green tomatoes a high-calorie food?
Fried green tomatoes are moderately caloric due to frying, but portion control can keep them within a reasonable calorie range.

Can the calorie count be reduced when preparing fried green tomatoes?
Yes, using baking instead of frying, opting for lighter batter, or using an air fryer can significantly reduce calories.

How does the calorie content of fried green tomatoes compare to raw green tomatoes?
Raw green tomatoes contain about 20 calories per medium tomato, making fried versions higher in calories due to added batter and oil.

Do different oils affect the calorie content of fried green tomatoes?
Yes, oils vary in calorie density and absorption rates; however, most cooking oils provide roughly 120 calories per tablespoon, impacting the final calorie count.
the calorie content of one fried green tomato can vary depending on the size of the tomato, the batter or breading used, and the frying method. On average, a single fried green tomato typically contains between 70 to 150 calories. This range accounts for variations in oil absorption and additional ingredients such as flour, cornmeal, or seasonings used in the coating.

It is important to consider that frying increases the calorie density of the tomato compared to its raw or baked counterparts due to the added fat from oil. For individuals monitoring their caloric intake, portion control and cooking methods are key factors to manage overall calorie consumption when enjoying fried green tomatoes.

Overall, while fried green tomatoes can be a flavorful and enjoyable dish, understanding their calorie content helps in making informed dietary choices. Opting for healthier frying oils or alternative cooking methods such as baking can reduce calorie intake without sacrificing taste.

Author Profile

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Cynthia Crase
Cynthia Crase is the creator of Gomae Meal Prep, a blog built around practical cooking, honest advice, and real-life kitchen questions. Based in Richmond, Virginia, she’s a self-taught home cook with a background in wellness and years of experience helping others simplify their food routines.

Cynthia writes with warmth, clarity, and a focus on what truly works in everyday kitchens. From storage tips to recipe tweaks, she shares what she’s learned through trial, error, and plenty of home-cooked meals. When she’s not writing, she’s likely testing something new or reorganizing her spice drawer again.