Delicious and Easy Tomato Jam Recipes for Canning
Tomato jam is a versatile and delicious condiment that can be enjoyed on toast, crackers, cheese boards, or even as a glaze for meat. The sweet and tangy flavors of tomatoes, combined with the richness of sugar and spices, create a unique and addictive taste. Making your own tomato jam is a rewarding experience, and canning allows you to preserve the flavors for months to come. Here are some delicious and easy tomato jam recipes for canning:
Classic Tomato Jam Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Prepare Tomatoes: Wash and chop the tomatoes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the chopped tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce and Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam has thickened. The jam should reach a setting point, which means that a small amount placed on a chilled plate should set without running.
- Canning: Prepare your jars and lids according to canning guidelines. Pour the hot jam into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Wipe the jar rims clean, place lids and rings, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Cool and Store: Allow the jars to cool completely. You should hear a "pop" sound as the lids seal. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Spicy Tomato Jam Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup jalapeño peppers, finely chopped (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and chop the tomatoes, jalapeños, and garlic.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, garlic, sugar, vinegar, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce and Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam has thickened.
- Canning: Prepare your jars and lids according to canning guidelines. Pour the hot jam into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Wipe the jar rims clean, place lids and rings, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Cool and Store: Allow the jars to cool completely. You should hear a "pop" sound as the lids seal. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Tips for Making Tomato Jam:
- Use ripe tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes are essential for a flavorful and sweet jam.
- Adjust sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference.
- Experiment with spices: Try different spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice.
- Use a jam thermometer: A jam thermometer helps ensure that the jam reaches the proper setting point.
- Proper canning: Follow safe canning guidelines to ensure that your jam is preserved properly.
Enjoy your homemade tomato jam on toast, crackers, cheese, or as a glaze for meat. You can also use it in recipes like sandwiches, muffins, or even to make a delicious tomato jam vinaigrette.
