Old-Fashioned Tomato Jam Recipe
Old-Fashioned Tomato Jam – This easy recipe makes the best tangy, sweet, and savory jam with tomatoes! It can be prepared as a tomato freezer jam or for canning, and is terrific to spread on sandwiches or serve as a dip.
Let me just start by saying: We LOVE making jam. There is nothing more satisfying than smearing a sandwich or cracker with a scoop of sweet and/or savory preserves that you made yourself from scratch.
And there’s no better time to jam out than summer when the fresh fruits and veggies are plentiful and perfectly ripe!
Fruity, savory, spicy, and oh-so scrumptious – there are countless varieties that you can make. A few of our favorites include this Best Easy Freezer Jam and Strawberry Rhubarb Jam recipes.
This Old-Fashioned Tomato Jam recipe is a classic for whenever we have a bounty (or excess) of summertime tomatoes. It’s a rare savory jam that’s brimming with deep, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors.
Old-Fashioned Tomato Jam
Tomato Jam is a classic southern condiment that’s been enjoyed for generations. It’s distinct for its savoriness and wonderfully chunky texture and is often enjoyed as a spread or dip. (Keep reading for some great suggestions for tomato jam uses!)
Not only is it a delicious jam to enjoy, but this recipe is also terrifically easy to prepare – no pectin needed! Prep time is only 10 minutes, then you can finish the Old-Fashioned Tomato Jam either in the freezer or using traditional canning methods.
Ingredients You Need
There are only 8 simple and wholesome ingredients used to make this classic Tomato Jam recipe. And no pectin!
You probably have all of these in your kitchen right now:
- Ripe tomatoes – Roma or plum are best
- Brown sugar – for sweet, deep flavor
- Fresh ginger – grated
- Spices – salt, ground cumin, crushed red pepper, garlic powder
How to Make the Best Tomato Jam
The first step is to prep the ingredients: Chop the tomatoes and remove any loose seeds. Grate the fresh ginger.
Next, set out a medium saucepot. Add all the ingredients. Yup, everything goes right in there.
Bring to a boil.
Then lower the heat and simmer for 1 – 1 ½ hours, stirring regularly, so it doesn’t burn on the bottom.
Get the Complete (Printable) Tomato Jam Recipe Below. Enjoy!
It should cook down a bit, but not reduce to the point of no moisture. Once the tomato jam looks thick and glossy, turn off the heat.
Place in jars and either can, freeze, or refrigerate.
Storage Tips
Homemade jam can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 months, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Once it has been opened, keep stored in the fridge and use within 2-3 weeks.
Tomato Jam Uses
There are so many delicious ways to enjoy Old-Fashioned Tomato Jam!
Here is just a quick little list to get the ideas flowing:
- Use as a savory spread on burgers and sandwiches (like grilled cheese!)
- Include a ramekin of jam on charcuterie boards.
- Serve as an appetizer with cheese and crackers.
- Enjoy as a dip for crackers and chips.
- Add a spoonful to creamy soups, like tomato bisque.
- Serve on warm biscuits.
What’s your favorite way to get your tomato jam on? Let us know in the comments!
Recipe Variations
Want to make this recipe a bit less “old-fashioned?” Try any of these swaps:
- Add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper for a jam with even more spicy heat.
- Make Bacon and Tomato Jam! Add in 1 cup of crumbled cooked bacon before simmering.
- Use this recipe and use a classic canning method for longer storage.
Looking for More Classic Condiment Recipes?
- Quick Pickled Jalapeno Recipe (Spicy Pickled Recipe)
- Magic Aioli Sauce
- Best Homemade Cocktail Sauce (Seafood Sauce)
- The Best Homemade Salsa Recipe
- Southern Comeback Sauce
Old-Fashioned Tomato Jam Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes roma or plum
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Chop the tomatoes and remove any loose seeds. Grate the fresh ginger.
- Set out a medium saucepot. Add all the ingredients. Bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 1 – 1 ½ hours, stirring regularly, so it doesn’t burn on the bottom.
- Once the tomato jam looks thick and glossy, turn off the heat. Place in jars and either can, freeze, or refrigerate.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Making this recipe? Follow us on Instagram and tag @ASpicyPerspective so we can share what you’re cooking!
Pingback: Previous-Usual Peaches and Cream Recipe – Dessert Punch
Hello,wow what a simple and easy recipe to follow.
So tasty .
Ended up with over 500mls in a jug
Bottled .
Excellent. I made a sugar free pectin recipe and was disappointed. I found this old fashioned , slow cooking recipe and it was what I was looking for!
Love this recipe! Easy and so delicious. Will plant a couple more tomato plants next year so I can make a larger batch. Thank you!
This is the first time I’ve tried anything like this, but I will definitely be making it again! The ingredients come together to make such a deep flavor!
This is just like the spread that my grandma used to make to smear on sandwiches! So yummy!