Tomato jam

Tomato and apple jam - A fragrant delicacy for any moment

Who doesn't love the sweet and intense aroma of tomato jam? This fine jam not only adds a special touch to sweet dishes but also makes a perfect accompaniment to a slice of fresh bread alongside a steaming cup of tea. In this recipe, we will transform tomatoes and apples into a delicacy that will fill the house with enticing aromas and bring a touch of comfort to every morning.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 5 jars of 400 g

A brief story about tomato jam

Tomato jam has a rich history, appreciated over time for its versatility. Combining the sweetness of tomatoes with the acidity of apples, this jam acquires a depth of flavor that makes it ideal for both desserts and savory dishes. It is a perfect recipe to add a personal touch to holiday meals or to create truly special gifts.

Ingredients

- 1 kg and 200 g of ripe, meaty organic tomatoes
- 700 g of tart apples (preferably with thin skin)
- 3 lemons (juice only)
- 250 ml of water
- 900 g of sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- A small cloth bag (for the peels and seeds of the apples)

Ingredient details

- Tomatoes: Choose high-quality, preferably organic tomatoes, to achieve a jam with an intense and natural flavor. Large, ripe tomatoes will provide more sweetness.
- Apples: Tart apples are ideal for balancing the sweetness of the sugar and tomatoes. The peels and seeds are full of pectin, which helps thicken the jam.
- Lemon: Lemon juice helps preserve the color and flavor of the jam while adding a note of freshness.

Step by step for perfect jam

1. Preparing the ingredients:
- Start by washing the tomatoes and apples thoroughly. Roast the tomatoes to make peeling easier. Cut the tomatoes into 6 and remove the seeds.
- Cut the apples into pieces, keeping the peels and seeds. Place them in a cloth bag, which will be used later to extract the pectin.

2. Extracting the juice:
- Squeeze the juice from the 3 lemons and add it to the apple pieces in the bag. This step will help maintain the flavors and color of the jam.

3. Mixing:
- In a food processor, add the tomatoes and apples. Blend until you obtain a smooth paste. If you prefer a finer texture, you can strain the mixture through a sieve.

4. Preparing the syrup:
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, add the sugar, water, and lemon juice. Boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved.

5. Cooking the jam:
- Add the tomato and apple mixture to the pot, along with the bag of apples and the cinnamon stick. Simmer over low heat for about 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can check the consistency of the jam using the plate method: place a small amount of jam on a cold plate, and if it doesn't run, it's ready.

6. Sterilizing the jars:
- While the jam is cooking, sterilize the jars. You can do this by boiling them for 10 minutes in a pot of water or by washing them in the dishwasher at high temperatures.

7. Filling the jars:
- Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove the bag with the apple peels and seeds and the cinnamon stick. Fill the jars with the hot jam, leaving about 1 cm of headspace.

8. Sealing and storing:
- Close the jars with lids and wrap them in a towel or blanket to cool gradually. Leave them like this until the next day to seal properly.

9. Labeling:
- After the jam has completely cooled, label the jars with the date and ingredients. You can personalize the labels to make unique gifts.

Practical tips

- Sugar-free version: If you want a healthier option, you can replace the sugar with a natural sweetener, but always check the usage instructions to achieve a similar consistency.
- Flavoring: Experiment with other spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, to add a personalized touch to the jam.
- Serving: Tomato jam is delicious on a slice of toasted bread but can also be used as a filling for cookies or biscuits.

Delicious combinations

This jam pairs perfectly with goat cheese or feta cheese, bringing a delightful contrast between sweet and salty. You can also use it as a filling for cakes or as a garnish for grilled meat.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of tomato jam (approximately 100 g) contains about 250 calories. It is rich in vitamin C due to the tomatoes and lemons, also providing a considerable amount of fiber from the apples. Consuming tomato jam can support the immune system and digestive health.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use canned tomatoes? While possible, it is recommended to use fresh tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
- How can I tell if the jam is well-cooked? Check the consistency using the plate method. If it holds on the plate without running, it is ready.
- Can the jam be frozen? It is not recommended, as temperature changes can affect the texture.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start making this wonderful tomato and apple jam! A delicacy that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!