How to Make Tomato Jam

Have you found your garden bursting at the seams with tomatoes this year? We all know these prolific garden fruits make excellent additions to sandwiches, refreshing summer salsas and rich marinara. But have you ever thought about making a few jars of tomato jam to keep on hand? Sticky and sweet with an optional spicy kick from cayenne pepper, this homemade condiment is one you’ll want to keep in the fridge all year long. Read on to learn how to make tomato jam at home.

See more: How to Can Tomatoes Using the Water Bath Method

How to Make Tomato Jam

Recipe adapted from California Grown.

What You’ll Need to Make Tomato Jam:

• 2 pounds fresh, ripe tomatoes
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh or minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon of cloves

Instructions for Making Tomato Jam:

1. Wash, de-stem, core and coarsely chop your tomatoes.
2. Place tomatoes and remaining ingredients in a large, heavy-bottomed pan and stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring frequently to prevent the tomatoes from scorching the bottom.
4. Reduce to a simmer and continue to stir occasionally until the mixture thickens and resembles jam.
5. When it reaches your desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
6. Store your homemade tomato jam in a glass jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Once the jam is set and cooled, you can use it on grilled burgers, as a dipping sauce alongside sweet potato fries, or serve it up on a cheese board.

See more: 3 Ways To Preserve Tomatoes

Notes

You have a few options to change up the flavor and texture of your jam:

• You can increase or decrease the cayenne (or use red pepper flakes instead) to suit it to your palate.
• You can dice the tomatoes for a finer end result.
• If you prefer the jam more blended, you can pulse the tomatoes in a blender or food processor a few times prior to cooking them down on the stove.