Cherry in a jar

Summer treat: Cherry tomatoes in a jar

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Boiling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4 x 400 ml jars

Introduction

Preserving cherry tomatoes is not only an effective way to preserve the flavor of summer, but also a way to add a fresh and vibrant touch to your dishes throughout the winter. This simple process will help you enjoy the natural flavor of cherry tomatoes as the cold days warm up, making them the perfect ingredient for salads, sauces or garnishes. Throughout the ages, preserving vegetables has been an essential practice with deep roots in history, remaining a family tradition in many cultures.

Ingredients

- 1 kg fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes
- 4 tbsp sea (pickling) salt
- Water (enough to fill the jars)

A bit of history

Preserving vegetables and fruit is an ancient practice that emerged as a necessity among farming communities. People discovered that by using salt and water, they could prevent food from spoiling so they could enjoy it out of season. Today, this technique is not only functional, but also a way to restore the joy of natural taste, even in the coldest winters.

Step by step to perfect cherry tomatoes in a jar

1. Preparing the ingredients
- Choose your cherry tomatoes carefully. Look for healthy fruit without blemishes or blemishes. It is important that the tomatoes are ripe, but not too soft, to retain their shape during the canning process.
- Wash the tomatoes under cold running water, taking care to remove any impurities. Break the stems carefully to avoid damaging the tomatoes.

2. Filling the jars
- Prepare the glass jars, making sure they are clean and sterilized. You can do this either by boiling or washing them in the dishwasher.
- Place the cherry tomatoes in the jars, filling them 2/3 full, leaving a little room for water.

3. Add salt
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sea salt in each jar. The salt will not only help preserve the tomatoes, but will also enhance their natural flavor.

4. Fill with water
- Fill the jars with water, making sure the tomatoes are completely covered. This step is crucial for preventing oxidation and maintaining the tomatoes' vibrant color.

5. Closing the jars
- Screw on the lids carefully, making sure they are securely screwed on, but without over-tightening.

6. Boiling the jars
- Place the jars in a large pot filled with water so that they are completely covered. Boil for 1 hour over medium heat. This process will create a sterile environment for your tomatoes.

7. Cooling the jars
- Once the boiling time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the water and place them on a clean blanket, allowing them to cool gradually. This step helps to create a vacuum inside the jar, ensuring optimal preservation.

8. Storage
- Once completely cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard. Tomatoes can be stored for up to a year.

Serving suggestions and variations

Jarred cherry tomatoes are extremely versatile. You can use these delights in fresh salads, add them to pasta dishes or even pizza sauces. You can also combine tomatoes with dried herbs like basil or oregano before canning to add even more intense flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Sure! You can use regular tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes are ideal because of their size and concentrated flavor.

- *What do I do if a jar hasn't sealed properly?*
If you notice that a jar hasn't sealed properly, it's best to refrigerate it and use it within a week.

- Can I add spices?
Absolutely! It's a good idea to add a few black peppercorns or bay leaves to each jar for extra flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Cherry tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, as well as important antioxidants such as lycopene, which contributes to heart health and protects cells from oxidative stress. Eating tomatoes can also support skin and immune system health.

Calories

Cherry tomatoes are very low in calories, with about 18 calories per 100 grams, making them an ideal ingredient for a healthy diet.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to can cherry tomatoes in a jar, you can turn it into a family tradition. Share this recipe with loved ones and enjoy the flavors of summer even on the coldest winter days. Don't forget to experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the recipe and make it truly your own. Cooking is an art, and each jar of cherry tomatoes you prepare becomes a unique masterpiece. Bon appétit!