This Heirloom Tomato Jam is perfect in the summer when you have an abundance of tomatoes that you need to use up. It's sweet but not in a dessert way and great on toast with eggs for breakfast.
What is tomato jam?
Just like fruit jams, tomato jam is made up of tomato, sugar, and aromatics. It's not enough sugar to make it something you'd eat for dessert but it's just enough to balance out the acidity in the tomatoes. The aromatics I'm adding are just adding to the savory factor to help balance it all out.
What does tomato jam taste like?
Like a super intense flavorful tomato. It's sort of the idea of concentrated tomato paste but more rounded and in a jammier consistency.
What do you eat tomato jam with?
All kinds of things! Think of it as a much fancier ketchup, you can eat it with:
- eggs
- potatoes
- use it on a sandwich
- mix it into cooked rice
- use it to top grilled fish
What kind of tomatoes do you make tomato jam with?
I used heirloom tomatoes for this jam, but you can really use whatever tomatoes you want to use or can buy at a good deal. I've also made it with sungold tomatoes and they worked really well.
How do you make tomato jam?
- Prepare the tomatoes. Hull and roughly dice the tomato, making sure to cut out any soft spots or blemishes.
- Cook the jam. Add everything to the pot and cook for an hour or so, making sure you stir during this time so the jam doesn't stick.
- Jar it up. Cool the jam completely, and transfer to a jar to store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Tips and Tricks:
- You can make these with whatever tomatoes you need to use up! the flavor and cook time will vary depending on the tomato variety, just keep an eye on the jam while it cooks.
- Switch up the aromatics! I used thyme but you could also add garlic or use oregano or basil.

Tomato Jam Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds red heirloom tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
Instructions
- Hull and cut the tomatoes into a rough dice. If you're using heirloom tomatoes, be sure to cut off any tough, brown spots that might be on their skin. Transfer the chopped tomatoes to a non-reactive medium pot, along with the brown sugar, salt and red wine vinegar. Place the uncovered pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer; cook for 30 minutes. At the 30 minute-mark add the dried thyme and mix. Cook for an additional 25 to 30 more minutes and until the mixture is thick. If you're using more or less tomatoes, the cook time will definitely vary.
- Allow to cool to room temperature. Transfer to a jar and store in the refrigerator. Tomato jam will be good for two weeks without canning.
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe? Let me know on instagram!
Looking for more tomato recipes? Here are some of my favorite:
Grace @ Earthy Feast says
I love that your taking Amelia sheep herding - that is so exciting and cool and cute!
This jam looks totally awesome and something I would smother and cover on just about anything. Yum!
Kasha the FarmGirl says
Looking forward to trying this and sharing the recipe with our CSA members. I compost a few hundred pounds of heirloom tomatoes every week.... sadly 🙁
Adrianna Adarme says
Man, SO sad. I wish I could get those. I'd be making marinara sauce for holiday gifts for DAYS.
RLT says
I do "full-on" canning - jams, sauces, salsas, butters, pickled everything, etc. so be careful if you don't follow Adrianna's fridge technique. Tomatoes can be tricky buggers when it comes to harboring odorless killer bacteria. See the USDA site here http://snap.nal.usda.gov/resource-library/summer-sizzlers/food-preservation-tips-and-resources. Most tomato canning recipes require salt and lemon juice for a reason in addition to proper sealing. Freezing is a good idea too and should work. Heck you can always freeze whole tomatoes if you don't have time to do anything with them. I too can't wait for the results of your puppy training!
Adrianna Adarme says
You are correct. Canning tomatoes can be a little fickle. They need to be treated differently then, say, jam. Thanks for the link!
MaryW says
I have a table full of tomatoes from my garden. I think I'll make a batch of this. Could you use fresh thyme? I have some growing to use up.
Adrianna Adarme says
Oh yeah. For sure. I'd just do it to taste since fresh thyme tends to be a bit stronger.
MaryW says
I went ahead and made this...it's really tart and delicious. It did take considerably longer for me to cook down my tomatoes. 3 1/2 hours, to be exact. 🙂
Adrianna Adarme says
Whaaa?! It shouldn't have taken that long. Question: Did you have the pot covered or uncovered? Just curious. So glad it was still delicious despite the extra time it took. 🙂
MaryW says
Uncovered, also, I'm at a high altitude, over six thousand feet. It's ok, I don't mind. I'm making my 3rd batch today 🙂
Quyen says
This is a great recipe to save all of the tomatoes we have in season right now! I also love making tomato sauce and freezing them.
http://liveitinerantly.com
Tammela says
I love tomato jam, and have a recipe of my own, totally different from yours (which looks great, btw): http://taplatt.wordpress.com/2011/08/18/recipe-tomato-jam/
Pamela says
This looks delicious! I'd love to make a few jars and preserve, but I'm not into full-on canning. Would this work well as a freezer jam?
Jamie @lifelovelemons says
I never would have thought to make jam out of heirloom tomatoes... but this looks delicious!
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says
Instinct test?! That sounds amazing. I'm now imagining teeny tiny Amelia herding sheep--best image ever.
I love the second bin at farmer's markets! I've bought tons of peaches that way--some of which were barely 'bruised' at all. It really is a great deal, especially for things like this, where it is exactly what you're looking for! I'd love to make this a spicy tomato jam as well, with some harissa or something 🙂
Adrianna Adarme says
I wish all the stands did this. I'd love to buy seconds of peaches! And yes re: harissa!
Tieghan says
Mmm!! These is awesome!! I cannot wait to make my own!
Kelsey @aslolife says
Love when you can find those "reject" tomatoes this time of year--this is a perfect use of them! (love the weck jar too!)
porcelinablue says
Tomatoes, sugar, vinegar - isn't that simply Ketchup?
Adrianna Adarme says
Ketchup is much sweeter than this and it's also a completely different texture. The skins are still on this so it's much thicker.
Elisa @ Insalata di Sillabe says
This looks oh, sooo good! And it would be perfect as Christmas gift too. Is there a particular way to store it to preserve all its amazing flavor or a simple can will be just fine?! - sorry for the silly question but I've never made savory jams before! - also, the peel of the tomato is important or can I use peeled tomatoes? (I don't really like tomato peel!)
Thanks SO much 🙂
xo, Elisa
Adrianna Adarme says
I think canning it would work great! And yes I think the peel is important. It adds a really nice texture. 🙂
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I love tomatoes and know I would love this jam! Just made a chutney with tomatoes and can't get enough of them! Pinned!
Sarah says
Yum! And i can't wait to see pictures of her running arround with the sheep!
Kelly says
Should you
Peel tomatoes... ???
I hate the rolled skin pieces.