Our Favorite Easy Tomato Jam Recipe

This easy tomato jam recipe is an aphrodisiac in a jar

Tomato season is a a wonderful time for lovers of this aphrodisiac. But for those of us who can’t get enough of peak-of-season tomatoes, this time of year is all too short. And that is exactly why we need this easy tomato jam recipe made with peak of season heirloom tomatoes.

Members of the nightshade family, tomatoes were once considered poisonous. But once the myth was dispelled, lovers the world over developed a lust for this plump fruit. Unfortunately, tomatoes are among the fruits that must be enjoyed in season. Heirloom tomatoes ship poorly. Those fruits found in winter and spring have been bred not to bruise and usually offer flesh the consistency of cardboard.

That’s why Hollywood caterer Anne Janzen created this simple heirloom tomato jam for us. It’s flavors are a balance of sweet and savory with just a hint of spice. It is a recipe that celebrates the aphrodisiac history of the tomato, preserved in a potent and flavorful jam. Once you try this tomato jam, you will never want to plan a romantic picnic or date night sandwich without this sexy jam.

RELATED: Picnic Sandwich with Tomatoes, Avocado and Bacon

What is tomato jam?

You may be a lover of jam on your peanut butter sandwiches. But a jam made with tomatoes is not exactly what you picture atop bread slicked with Jif. And you’re right, we wouldn’t serve it that way either!

Jam is a style of preserving made from fruit that is crushed or chopped then cooked with sugar until the fruit begins to fall apart, or at least lose its shape. (And since tomato is technically a fruit, it’s a great candidate for this style of transformation.)

Sugar is the primary preservative in jam. In other words, it’s the ingredient that makes it possible to keep your jar of summer fruits to enjoy all winter long. (Check out this article from Serious Eats if you’re interested in learning more about the differences between jam, jelly and preserves.)

Preserving heirloom tomatoes

In this particular version of a tomato jam, heirloom tomatoes are combine with the natural sweetness of peaches, (more sugar), and the heat of aphrodisiac chile to form a full-flavored condiment you can reach for all year.

TO TRY: Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho

Enjoy the intense, one-of-a-kind flavor of heirloom tomatoes all year long

And that’s really the best part about this heirloom tomato jam recipe. Making a low-stress jam is not only a fun way to preserve the fruits of summer but it allows you a tiny taste of summer sunshine any time you crack open a jar. This low-stress jam recipe truly preserves the flavor of ripe, peak-of-season tomatoes for a summertime treat even on the darkest winter day.

How do you serve a jam of summer tomatoes?

You can use tomato preserves as a topping for meats as you would a salsa or a relish. Or use it as a slightly savory version of your favorite fruit jam.

For example, you can use this jam as a topping for a quick dinner of grilled white fish or chicken. You can also use this heirloom tomato jam to add complex flavor to burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. And you can use it as a vegan topping for veggie sandwiches. In fact, it’s great on any sort of pressed sandwich. It would also make a tongue-tingling accompaniment to these Rosemary Cheese Scones.

When your ripe tomatoes are practically falling off the vine, this recipe provides the perfect way to preserve them. We love any recipe that allows us the aphrodisiac of heirloom tomatoes the whole year round.

TO TRY: Smoky BBQ Burgers

Easy Heirloom Tomato Jam

Print Recipe

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What to do with a bumper crop of ripe tomatoes? This heirloom tomato jam recipe is an easy solution and fun to make. It will allow you to enjoy the flavor of your favorite heirloom tomatoes all year long.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Dish Type condiment, jam

Cooking Style preserving

Seasonal autumn, Labor Day, summer

Ingredient tomato

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Resting 23 hrs 14 mins

Total Time 30 mins

Servings 12 servings

Author Anne Janzen

Ingredients

• 6 cups tomatoes peeled mostly seeded, chopped
• 4 nectarines or peaches peeled and diced
• 1 cup lightly caramelized onion 2 medium yellow onions, oil
• bay leaf
• salt & pepper to taste
• minced hot pepper or chili flakes to taste
• 1 TBSP fresh lemon juice
• 3 cups sugar or 2 cups sugar plus 1 cup brown rice syrup

Instructions

• Slowly sautee 2 diced yellow onions in 2 tablespoons of oil, until translucent and sweet, yet not dark brown.
• Combine all ingredients in a nonreactive pan, and cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Remove bay leaf at this stage, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a vigorous boil, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat and ladle jam into sterilized jars and use a standard 10 minute water bath canning method.
• Place jars on a rack to cool, and leave undisturbed for 24 hours.
• Store sealed jars in a cool, dark space for up to a year. If any jars did not seal, refrigerate and use within 3 months.

Notes

Preserve your heirloom tomato jam in small jars as the perfect accompaniment to charcuterie, antipasto, and cheese boards.