Transform your garden bounty into a delightful spread with this easy recipe for sweet and savory tomato jam.
Is there anything quite like the taste of summer captured in a jar? That's exactly what this Sweet Tomato Jam recipe delivers – a burst of sunshine in every spoonful, perfect for breakfast toast, charcuterie boards, or even spooned over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For years, I've been on a quest for the perfect tomato jam recipe. Some leaned too savory, others were overly sweet, and none quite hit the mark. This recipe, however, is a revelation. It's incredibly easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and the sweet-tart flavor balance is pure magic.
But wait, tomatoes in jam? Absolutely! Don't be fooled by their savory reputation – tomatoes have a surprising sweetness that shines when cooked down with sugar and a touch of spice.
Selecting the Perfect Tomato
For the best results, tomato selection is key. Here's what to look for:
Ripeness is Crucial: Use the ripest tomatoes you can find. They'll be bursting with flavor and natural sweetness. Look for tomatoes with vibrant color and a slight give when gently pressed.
Variety Matters: While any ripe tomato will work, some varieties are particularly well-suited for jam. Heirloom tomatoes, with their complex flavors, are a great choice. Roma tomatoes are another good option, that holds its shape well in the jam. Consider the final flavor profile you desire. Heirloom tomatoes tend to have a buttery sweet flavor, while Roma tomatoes offer a tangier note.
With your perfect tomatoes in hand, let's get jamming!
Heirloom Tomato Jam Recipe
SERVINGS: 4 OUNCES | TIME: 1.5 HOURS | SOURCE: BAKED & SMOKED
Ingredients
1 ½ - 2 lbs tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped
1 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper
Preparation
Step 1
Combine all ingredients in a heavy bottom sauce pan and bring to a boil over medium. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour until thickened and has jam consistency.
Step 2
Transfer jam to a sanitized jar and allow to cool to room temperature then cover and store in the refrigerator. Enjoy!