Tomatoes are the calling card of summer. Plump, red orbs growing heavier on their vines with every passing day, they tease in shades of green and yellow as they slowly ripen. Gradually darkening like rubies glistening in the sun, suddenly, they’re all ready for harvest at once. It’s now or never; grab them by the fistful or regret your mistake for another year. If you don’t take advantage, hungry critters stalking your garden surely will.

That’s how even a modest plot of land can drown a single person in tomatoes. Big or small, standard or heirloom, it’s sheer bliss for the first few days. Then, after a couple rounds of tomato salads, tomato soups, tomato sauces, and tomato juice, tomatoes may begin to lose their shine.

Don’t let it get to that stage. Take your tomatoes while they’re still new and fresh, concentrate them down to a rich, umami-packed tomato jam and you’ll never grow tired. Burning through two whole pounds right off the bat may feel like a sacrifice, but it’s a wise strategy in the long run. There’s going to be plenty more to come to enjoy every which way, without ever reaching your upper limit of enjoyment.

What Does Tomato Jam Taste Like?

A little bit sweet, a little bit savory, I do use sugar in my recipe but not nearly as much as with berry or other fruit jams. It should be just enough to balance and heighten the other inherent flavors. A touch of jalapeño adds a subtly spicy bite, which you could omit or double, depending on your heat-seeking sensibilities.

How To Make Tomato Jam Your Own

• Use half or all tomatillos instead of tomatoes
• Increase the garlic; there’s no such thing as too much
• Instead of jalapeño, use sriracha, smoked paprika, gochujang, or harissa to spice things up
• Swap the apple cider vinegar for balsamic or red wine vinegar

What Can I Use Tomato Jam On?

The only limiting factor is your creativity! A few of my favorite uses include:

• Avocado toast
• Sandwiches or wraps
• Hot pasta or pasta salads
• Swirled into creamy soups
• On a cheeseboard
• As a burger topping
• Used for dipping alongside or on top of hummus

How Long Will Tomato Jam Keep?

While this jam isn’t properly canned and thus not shelf stable, you can preserve the harvest by storing it in your freezer for up to 6 months.

You don’t actually need to grow your own tomatoes to make tomato jam, by the way. Store-bought tomatoes taste just as sweet- And savory.

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Yield: Makes About 1 Pint; 32 Tablespoons

Tomato Jam

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A little bit sweet, a little bit savory, this rich tomato jam will be your new favorite spread. It goes brilliantly with so many dishes; you might want to double the batch.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 Pounds Tomatoes, Diced
• 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 Jalapeños, Pickled or Fresh, Diced
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Teaspoon Salt

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the tomatoes, sugar, jalapenos, garlic, vinegar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often.
2. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon; about 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Cool to room temperature, transfer to glass jars, and refrigerate until ready to use.
   
   

Recommended Products

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have experience with all of these companies and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something through my links.

• 
  Celtic Sea Salt, Fine Ground, Vital Mineral Blend, 1 lb (454 g)
• 
  Dynamic Health Laboratories, Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother, 16 fl oz (473 ml)
• 
  Wholesome, Organic Cane Sugar, 4 lbs (1.81 kg)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

32

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 18Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 68mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 0g

All nutritional information presented within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on BitterSweetBlog.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. Even though I try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of my ability, these figures should still be considered estimations.