Sweet & Savory: Canning Tomato Jam Recipes
Tomato jam might sound strange, but it's a delightful, versatile condiment that's both sweet and savory. It's perfect for adding a unique twist to your pantry and can be enjoyed on toast, cheese boards, grilled meats, or even as a glaze for roasted vegetables.
Here are some tips for canning tomato jam:
- Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes: Choose tomatoes that are fully ripe and have a good flavor. You can use any variety, but Roma tomatoes are a good choice for their low-water content.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly affect the taste of your jam. Use organic sugar, good-quality vinegar, and fresh spices.
- Sterilize your jars: Before filling your jars with jam, sterilize them in boiling water for 10 minutes. This will help prevent the jam from spoiling.
- Follow the recipe carefully: The canning process is a precise one. Make sure to follow the recipe carefully, including the processing time.
- Store your jam in a cool, dark place: Once you've canned your jam, store it in a cool, dark place. It will keep for several months.
Easy Tomato Jam Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
- Combine the ingredients: Combine all of the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce and thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and reached a gel consistency.
- Can the jam: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, and screw on the lids tightly.
- Process in a water bath: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the jars from the water bath and let cool completely.
Spicy Tomato Jam Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
Follow the same instructions as the Easy Tomato Jam Recipe, but substitute the spices with the ones listed above.
Tomato Jam with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Follow the same instructions as the Easy Tomato Jam Recipe, but substitute the apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar and add chopped fresh basil and black pepper.
Enjoy your homemade tomato jam! It's a delicious and unique way to use up your summer harvest.