How Many Calories Are in One Small Fried Green Tomato?

AvatarByJacqueline Johnson Frying & Fried Foods

Fried green tomatoes are a beloved Southern delicacy, known for their crispy exterior and tangy, slightly tart interior. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they offer a unique flavor experience that has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts across the country. But beyond their delicious taste, many people are curious about the nutritional aspects of this classic treat—specifically, how many calories are in one small fried green tomato.

Understanding the calorie content of fried green tomatoes can be important for those who are mindful of their diet or simply want to make informed choices about what they eat. Since these tomatoes are typically coated in batter and fried, their calorie count can vary depending on preparation methods and portion sizes. Exploring the factors that influence their caloric value provides insight into how this dish fits into different eating plans.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the components that contribute to the calorie content of a small fried green tomato, discuss common variations in recipes, and offer tips for enjoying this tasty treat without compromising your nutritional goals. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this overview will help you better understand what’s on your plate.

Caloric Content of a Small Fried Green Tomato

The calorie count of a small fried green tomato can vary based on preparation methods, breading ingredients, and cooking oil used. Typically, the frying process adds a significant number of calories compared to the raw tomato due to the absorption of oil and the addition of breading or batter.

A small green tomato, approximately 2 to 3 inches in diameter, weighs around 50 to 60 grams before cooking. When fried, the tomato is usually coated in flour, cornmeal, or breadcrumbs, and then fried in oil, which increases its caloric density.

Several factors influence the final calorie count:

  • Type of coating: Cornmeal tends to add more calories than plain flour due to its carbohydrate content.
  • Amount of oil absorbed: The frying method and temperature affect how much oil the tomato absorbs.
  • Size and thickness: Larger or thicker slices contain more tomato and coating, increasing calories.

Below is an approximate breakdown of calories for a single small fried green tomato:

Component Approximate Calories Details
Raw Small Green Tomato (50g) 15 Fresh tomato without any additions
Breading (cornmeal/flour, 1 tbsp) 30 Typical coating used before frying
Oil Absorbed During Frying (1 tsp) 40 Depends on frying method and oil type
Total Approximate Calories 85 Sum of all components

This estimate assumes moderate oil absorption and a single layer of breading. If the tomato is dipped in batter or fried in butter rather than oil, the calorie content will be higher.

Nutritional Considerations Beyond Calories

While calories are a primary concern for many, fried green tomatoes also contribute other nutrients and factors worth considering:

  • Macronutrients:
  • Protein content is generally low, primarily from the breading.
  • Carbohydrates increase due to the breading, mainly starches from cornmeal or flour.
  • Fat content rises considerably from the absorbed frying oil.
  • Vitamins and Minerals:

Green tomatoes provide vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and small amounts of fiber. However, some heat-sensitive vitamins may degrade during frying.

  • Fat Quality:

The type of oil used impacts the healthfulness of the dish. Oils rich in unsaturated fats (such as canola or olive oil) are preferable to saturated fats or trans fats.

  • Sodium Content:

Salt is often added to the breading or seasoning, increasing sodium intake, which is important for those monitoring blood pressure.

Calorie Variation by Preparation Style

Different recipes and cooking styles can lead to significant variations in calorie content:

  • Pan-fried vs. Deep-fried:

Pan-frying generally uses less oil, resulting in fewer calories than deep-frying.

  • Use of Batter vs. Dry Breading:

Batter typically contains flour, eggs, and milk, adding calories and fat compared to a dry coating.

  • Oil Type and Cooking Temperature:

Higher temperatures can reduce oil absorption but risk burning; lower temperatures may cause more oil uptake.

Preparation Method Estimated Calories per Small Fried Tomato Notes
Pan-fried with cornmeal breading 70–90 Moderate oil use, light breading
Deep-fried with batter 110–140 Heavier coating and oil absorption
Oven-fried with minimal oil 50–65 Reduced oil, healthier alternative

By adjusting cooking methods and ingredients, it is possible to enjoy fried green tomatoes with fewer calories while maintaining flavor and texture.

Caloric Content of a Small Fried Green Tomato

The number of calories in a small fried green tomato can vary depending on factors such as the size of the tomato, the batter or breading used, and the type and amount of oil for frying. However, it is possible to provide an approximate caloric estimate based on common preparation methods.

On average, a small fried green tomato (approximately 2 to 3 inches in diameter) contains roughly between 50 and 90 calories. This range accounts for typical variations in portion size and recipe specifics.

Key Factors Influencing Calorie Count

  • Size and Weight: A small green tomato generally weighs between 50 to 70 grams before cooking.
  • Breading or Batter: Ingredients such as cornmeal, flour, or breadcrumbs add calories. The thickness of the coating affects total caloric content.
  • Frying Oil: The type of oil (vegetable, canola, peanut, etc.) and the amount absorbed during frying contribute significantly to calories.
  • Cooking Method: Pan-frying versus deep-frying can influence oil absorption and thus calorie count.

Caloric Breakdown by Component

Component Estimated Calories Notes
Small Green Tomato (50-70g) 15–20 kcal Raw tomato is low in calories due to high water content
Breading (1–2 tablespoons) 30–50 kcal Commonly cornmeal or flour; calories depend on amount and type
Oil Absorbed During Frying 15–25 kcal Varies by frying method and oil type; oil is calorie-dense (approx. 120 kcal per tablespoon)

Summing these components yields an estimated total of approximately 60 to 95 calories per small fried green tomato. Recipes that use heavier breading or deep-fry the tomatoes in oil may be on the higher end of this range.

Variations and Nutritional Considerations

  • Air Frying: Using an air fryer can reduce oil absorption, lowering calories to around 50–65 per small fried green tomato.
  • Gluten-Free or Alternative Breading: Some breading options may have slightly different calorie contents.
  • Serving Size: Larger tomatoes or multiple slices will proportionally increase calorie intake.

Expert Nutritional Perspectives on Calories in Fried Green Tomatoes

Dr. Melissa Harper (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist) states, “A small fried green tomato typically contains around 70 to 90 calories, depending largely on the batter and oil used during frying. The calorie count can vary if additional ingredients like breadcrumbs or extra oil are involved, but on average, this portion size remains a moderate calorie snack within a balanced diet.”

James Caldwell (Culinary Nutrition Expert and Food Technologist) explains, “When assessing the caloric content of one small fried green tomato, it’s important to consider the frying method. Pan-frying in a minimal amount of oil results in fewer calories compared to deep frying. Typically, a small fried green tomato will range from 80 to 100 calories, factoring in the absorption of oil and the coating used.”

Dr. Anita Singh (Food Science Professor specializing in Vegetable Preparation) notes, “The caloric value of a small fried green tomato is influenced by the tomato’s size and the frying batter composition. On average, you can expect about 75 to 95 calories per piece, with variations due to the type of oil and frying duration. This makes fried green tomatoes a relatively low-calorie option compared to other fried vegetable snacks.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in one small fried green tomato?
One small fried green tomato typically contains approximately 50 to 70 calories, depending on the batter and frying method used.

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

Are fried green tomatoes a high-calorie food?
Fried green tomatoes are moderate in calories, but the frying process increases their calorie density compared to raw or baked tomatoes.

Can the calorie count be reduced when preparing fried green tomatoes?
Yes, using healthier oils, baking instead of frying, or using minimal batter can reduce the overall calorie content.

How does the batter affect the calories in fried green tomatoes?
Batter made with flour, cornmeal, or breadcrumbs adds carbohydrates and calories, with thicker or heavier coatings increasing the calorie count.

Is the calorie content of fried green tomatoes significantly different from raw green tomatoes?
Yes, raw green tomatoes are very low in calories (around 15 calories per small tomato), while frying substantially increases calories due to added fats and batter.
One small fried green tomato typically contains approximately 50 to 70 calories, though this number can vary based on the specific batter, frying oil, and portion size used. The calorie content is influenced primarily by the frying method and ingredients, with breading and oil absorption contributing significantly to the total caloric value. Understanding these factors is essential for accurately estimating the calorie count in this popular dish.

From a nutritional perspective, fried green tomatoes provide some vitamins and antioxidants inherent in green tomatoes, but the frying process adds fats and calories that should be considered within a balanced diet. For individuals monitoring their calorie intake or aiming for healthier eating habits, alternative cooking methods such as baking or air frying may reduce the calorie content while preserving flavor.

In summary, while one small fried green tomato is relatively moderate in calories, mindful preparation and portion control are key to maintaining overall dietary goals. Being aware of the factors affecting calorie content empowers consumers to make informed choices and enjoy this dish as part of a nutritious and balanced meal plan.

Author Profile

Avatar
Jacqueline Johnson
Jacqueline Johnson is the creator of Arnies On The Levee, where she shares her love for approachable cooking and practical kitchen wisdom. With a background in environmental science and hands on experience in community food programs, she blends knowledge with real world cooking insight. Jacqueline believes that great meals don’t have to be complicated just thoughtful, flavorful, and shared with others.

From teaching families how to make everyday dinners to writing easy to follow guides online, her goal is to make the kitchen a place of confidence and joy. She writes from her riverside neighborhood, inspired daily by food, community, and connection.