Looking to preserve the harvest? Whip up cherry tomato jam for a burst of flavor year-round. Grab a water bath canner, 4 oz. jars, and fresh cherry tomatoes. Wash, stem, and cook tomatoes with sugar, lemon juice, and seasonings. Seal in jars for gift-worthy goodness! Elevate sandwiches and boards with this versatile jam. Get ready to impress with this recipe!
Equipment Needed
To properly prepare cherry tomato jam, make sure you have the necessary equipment, such as a water bath canner. Water bath canning is essential for safe canning of the jam.
You'll also need four 4 oz. glass jars for storing the finished product. Using the essential equipment is vital for ensuring the longevity and safety of your cherry tomato jam.
Having a water bath canner is key to the canning process. This equipment will help you seal the jars effectively and preserve the jam for long-term use.
The four 4 oz. jars are the perfect size for individual servings or gifts. Make sure to follow the guidelines for water bath canning to guarantee that your cherry tomato jam is properly sealed and stored.
Ingredients List
Gather your organic vine-ripened cherry tomatoes, granulated sugar, black pepper, lemon juice, water, and sea salt to prepare the cherry tomato jam recipe. These fresh ingredients are crucial for creating a delectable cherry tomato jam that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy flavors.
The cherry tomatoes will be the star of the show, providing a burst of freshness and vibrant color to your jam.
Cooking the cherry tomatoes with sugar, lemon juice, and a hint of black pepper will bring out their natural sweetness and create a delightful jam that pairs well with various dishes. The addition of sea salt enhances the flavors and aids in preserving the jam for a longer duration.
Once cooked to perfection, the cherry tomato jam can be carefully ladled into sterilized jars for canning. This process guarantees that your jam stays fresh and ready to be enjoyed at any time.
With its great taste and versatility, this cherry tomato jam recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to savor the goodness of summer tomatoes throughout the year.
Preparation Steps
Start by washing and drying 2 1/2 lbs. of organic vine-ripened cherry tomatoes before removing the stems to prepare for cooking.
- Make sure the cherry tomatoes are thoroughly washed and dried.
- Remove the stems from each cherry tomato.
- Consider adjusting the recipe based on different cherry tomato varieties.
Perform a plate test or use a thermometer to check the readiness of the jam.
Once the cherry tomatoes are prepped, proceed with cooking them alongside 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, and 3 tbsp of water.
After cooking, ladle the mixture into sterilized jars. Allow the jam to cool; it will thicken as it cools, turning into a delightful sweet spread.
The jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Remember to spoon off any foam that may have formed during the cooking process and follow the plate test or thermometer method to ensure the jam is at the desired consistency before jarring it.
Cooking Instructions
Begin by cooking the washed and stemmed cherry tomatoes with sugar, lemon juice, and water until they break down and thicken into a jam-like consistency. This process usually takes around 30-40 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Once the mixture has reached a thick, spreadable texture, it's ready to be transferred into sterilized jars, leaving some headspace to allow for expansion.
After filling the jars, let the cherry tomato jam cool before sealing them. Once sealed, the jars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
This cherry tomato jam is a versatile addition to your pantry, perfect for enhancing various dishes. Use it to elevate your charcuterie boards, add a gourmet touch to sandwiches or burgers, or simply enjoy it as a sweet spread.
The bright and tangy flavor of the cherry tomato jam will surely impress your taste buds and elevate your culinary creations.
Canning Process
For best preservation and shelf stability of your cherry tomato jam, consider utilizing the water bath canning method. This method is ideal for guaranteeing the long-term storage of your delicious jam.
When properly sealed in jars and processed in a water bath canner, your cherry tomato jam can last on the pantry shelf for 12-18 months. To achieve this, follow these key steps:
- Prepare your jars and fill them with jam, leaving the appropriate headspace to allow for expansion during processing.
- Process the filled jars in a water bath canner for the recommended processing time of 10 minutes to ensure proper canning.
- Canning not only enhances the safety of your cherry tomato jam but also extends its longevity.
- It's advisable to avoid doubling the recipe size to ensure even cooking and effective sealing of the jars.
Serving Suggestions
Consider jazzing up your meals with cherry tomato jam by exploring these versatile serving suggestions. This sweet and savory jam adds a gourmet touch to your culinary creations.
Start by incorporating it into your charcuterie board for a burst of flavor that pairs exceptionally well with an assortment of cheeses. For a main course, use the cherry tomato jam as a glaze for meats like chicken or pork, adding a delectable twist to your dish.
For breakfast or brunch, try dolloping this flavorful jam over eggs to elevate classics like omelettes or frittatas. If you're feeling adventurous, mix it into salad dressings or vinaigrettes to give your salads a unique and delicious twist.
The cherry tomato jam's versatility allows it to enhance a wide range of dishes, making it a must-have condiment for those looking to add a touch of sophistication to their meals.
Storage Tips
When storing your homemade cherry tomato jam, make sure to keep it in sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to preserve its freshness.
To guarantee your cherry tomato jam stays delicious for as long as possible, consider these storage tips:
- Adjust Sugar Content: Customize the sugar content in your jam to achieve the perfect level of sweetness for your taste buds.
- Experiment with Vinegar: Try using different types of vinegar to add unique and exciting flavors to your cherry tomato jam.
- Add Herbs: Elevate the taste profile of your jam by incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary for a delightful twist.
- Freezing Option: If you want to store your cherry tomato jam for a longer period, consider freezing it. Remember to thaw the jam in the refrigerator before using it to maintain its quality.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a delicious cherry tomato jam recipe to help you preserve your harvest.
Who knew those little tomatoes could turn into such a sweet and tangy spread?
Now you can enjoy the taste of summer all year round, one jar at a time.
Happy canning!
