Picture the vibrant hue of green tomatoes melding into a sweet, spiced jam that fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.
This Green Tomato Jam isn’t only simple to make but also brings a comforting, old-fashioned indulgence to your table.
As the tomatoes simmer with sugar and spices, they transform into a delectable spread that’s perfect for any occasion.
Let’s bring this delightful jam to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Ladle
- 4 Sterilized jars with lids
Ingredients
- 2 pounds green tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Green Tomato Jam, follow the timeline below:
- Reading and Preparation (10 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe and instructions to familiarize yourself with the process and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Preparation (15 minutes)
- Wash and chop 2 pounds of green tomatoes.
- Measure out 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Verify your jars and lids are sterilized and ready for use.
- Combining Ingredients (5 minutes)
- Combine the chopped green tomatoes and sugar in a large pot.
- Add the lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and salt to the pot.
- Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.
- Cooking (1 hour)
- Place the pot on medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour until thickened, stirring frequently.
- Jarring (10 minutes)
- Use a ladle to pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4 inch headspace at the top.
- Seal the jars with lids and let them cool at room temperature.
- Resting (24 hours)
- Allow the jam to rest for 24 hours before using to enhance the flavors.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Wash and chop 2 pounds of green tomatoes into small pieces.
Combine the chopped green tomatoes and 2 cups of granulated sugar in a large pot.
Add 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the pot.
Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.
Place the pot on medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour until thickened, stirring frequently.
Use a ladle to pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4 inch headspace at the top.
Seal the jars with lids and let them cool at room temperature.
Allow the jam to rest for 24 hours before using to enhance the flavors.
Serving Tips
- Toast or Biscuits: Spread the green tomato jam on your morning toast or biscuits for a sweet and tangy start to your day.
- Cheese Platter: Pair the jam with a variety of cheeses on a platter for a sophisticated appetizer or snack.
- Grilled Meats: Use the jam as a glaze or topping for grilled chicken or pork to add a sweet and spicy twist.
- Yogurt or Oatmeal: Stir a spoonful of the jam into yogurt or oatmeal for an unexpected burst of flavor.
- Sandwiches or Burgers: Add a layer of green tomato jam to sandwiches or burgers for a unique condiment that enhances savory flavors.
Storage
To store green tomato jam, keep sealed jars in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.
Once opened, refrigerate and consume within two weeks for best flavor and quality.
Freezing
To freeze green tomato jam, pour cooled jam into freezer-safe containers.
Leave space for expansion. Seal tightly, label with date, and freeze.
Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Reheating
When reheating green tomato jam, gently warm it on low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally.
Avoid microwaving to maintain flavor and texture.
Prevent over-thickening or caramelization.
Final Thoughts
Green Tomato Jam is a delightful way to use up unripened tomatoes from your garden.
With a unique blend of spices, this jam offers a sweet and tangy flavor profile that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
The preparation process is simple, requiring only a few common kitchen tools and ingredients.
Once the jam is cooked and sealed in sterilized jars, the flavors are allowed to meld and intensify over a 24-hour resting period.
This guarantees a rich and complex taste that enhances any meal.
Whether spread on toast, served with cheese, or used as a condiment for meats, Green Tomato Jam is a versatile addition to your pantry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Red Tomatoes Instead of Green Tomatoes?
You can absolutely use red tomatoes, but expect a sweeter, less tangy jam. Adjust sugar to balance flavors. Red tomatoes may require less cooking time. Experiment with spices to complement the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and enjoy your unique creation!
Is It Possible to Make This Jam Without Added Sugar?
You can make the jam without added sugar, but it’ll alter the taste and texture. Consider using natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. They’ll add sweetness while retaining the jam’s delightful consistency and flavor profile.
What Are Some Creative Ways to Use Green Tomato Jam?
You can spread it on toast, mix it into yogurt, or pair it with cheese for a savory appetizer. Try using it as a glaze for roasted meats, or even swirl it into your favorite cocktail.
Can I Add Other Fruits or Vegetables to the Jam?
You can definitely add fruits like apples or pears for sweetness, or even jalapeños for a kick. Just guarantee they’re chopped finely, and adjust the cooking time to maintain the jam’s desired consistency and flavor balance.
How Long Does the Jam Last Once Opened?
Once opened, you should store the jam in the refrigerator. It’ll last about 2 to 3 weeks. Make sure you always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination and keep it tasting fresh and delicious.
Green Tomato Jam
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Ladle
- 4 sterilized jars with lids
Ingredients
- 2 pound green tomatoes chopped
- 2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the green tomatoes by washing and chopping them into small pieces.
- Combine the chopped green tomatoes and sugar in a large pot.
- Add the lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and salt to the pot.
- Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.
- Place the pot on medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour until thickened, stirring frequently.
- Use a ladle to pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4 inch headspace at the top.
- Seal the jars with lids and let them cool at room temperature.
- Allow the jam to rest for 24 hours before using to enhance the flavors.
Notes
