Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam

Published: June 22, 2025

by Saphira

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this jam is perfect for both beginners and experienced canners.
Unique Flavor: The combination of green tomatoes and spices creates an exceptional taste that will surprise your family and friends.
Versatile Use: Enjoy it on toast, as a glaze for meats, or paired with cheese for a fantastic appetizer.
Long Shelf Life: Properly canned, this jam can last up to 18 months, making it a great way to savor summer flavors all year long.
Healthy Alternative: Made with fresh tomatoes and natural sugars, this jam is a wholesome choice compared to store-bought options.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Water canner
Jars (pint or half-pint)
Two-piece lids
Ladle
Funnel
Wooden chopstick or plastic knife

Importance of Each Tool

Water canner: Ensures even heating for safe preservation by boiling jars effectively.
Jars: Provides storage for the jam, allowing you to enjoy it later while maintaining freshness.
Ladle: Helps in transferring hot jam into jars without spills or mess.

Ingredients

A sweet and slightly citrus-tart jam made from unripened green tomatoes.

For the Jam Base

6 lbs green tomatoes (about 24 medium-sized tomatoes)
5 cups granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1 medium lemon (washed, deseeded, and thinly sliced)
2 tbsp. distilled white vinegar

How to Make Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam

Step 1: Prepare Your Jars

Prepare jars, two-piece lids, and hot water canner for canning.

Step 2: Chop the Tomatoes

Using a sharp serrated or regular paring knife:
1. Halve and core the tomatoes.
2. Coarsely chop the tomatoes with a knife or pulse in batches in a food processor.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes to a large heavy-bottomed pot as you work.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and lemon slices to the chopped tomatoes.

Step 4: Cook the Jam

Bring the contents of the pot to a boil over medium-high heat.
Boil for 25 minutes, stirring more frequently to prevent scorching as the tomatoes break down and begin to thicken.

Step 5: Simmer Until Thickened

Reduce heat to low:
1. Simmer the green tomatoes for 30 minutes, stirring frequently until the jam begins to thicken up.
2. Remove from heat (if using a cinnamon stick instead of ground spices, remove it now).

Step 6: Jar the Jam

Using a funnel and ladle:
1. Carefully decant the hot tomato jam into prepared jars leaving 1/4-inch headspace (make sure they’re still hot).
2. Remove air bubbles with a wooden chopstick or plastic knife; add more jam if needed to reach headspace requirements.

Step 7: Seal the Jars

Wipe rims and sides of each jar with a clean cloth:
1. Apply two-piece lids until fingertip tight.

Step 8: Process in Hot Water Canner

Load jars into hot water canner:
1. Add 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar to the water.
2. Ensure jars are covered with at least 1 inch of water.
3. Bring canner to a boil; set timer for 20 minutes.

Step 9: Cool Down Jars

When time’s up:
1. Turn off heat; give jars another 5 minutes in hot water before removing them.
2. Place jars on a clean tea towel; leave space between each jar.

Step 10: Check Seals

Let jars cool completely at room temperature:
– Check seals on each jar; move any unsealed jars to the fridge.

Step 11: Store Your Jam

Remove bands from sealed jars for future canning projects:
– Store canned green tomato jam in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for up to 18 months.

Enjoy your delicious Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam!

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam

Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam is a delightful treat that pairs wonderfully with various dishes. Its sweet and slightly citrus-tart flavor makes it versatile for both savory and sweet applications.

With Toast or Biscuits

Enjoy the jam spread generously on warm toast or fluffy biscuits for a comforting breakfast or snack.

As a Glaze for Meats

Use the jam as a glaze for grilled chicken, turkey, or lamb, adding a unique flavor profile that enhances your main dishes.

On Cheese Boards

Serve the jam alongside a selection of cheeses on a charcuterie board. It complements creamy cheeses beautifully and adds a burst of flavor.

In Sandwiches

Spread some green tomato jam in sandwiches or wraps to give an unexpected twist to your lunch. It pairs well with turkey or chicken.

With Crackers

Pair the jam with savory crackers for an easy appetizer. The sweet contrast will surprise and delight your guests.

As a Dessert Topping

Drizzle the jam over vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a refreshing dessert option that balances sweetness and tartness perfectly.

How to Perfect Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam

Perfecting your Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam can elevate its taste and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your jam turns out just right.

Choose firm tomatoes: Select green tomatoes that are firm and free from blemishes. This will ensure your jam has the right consistency and flavor.
Use fresh spices: Opt for fresh ground cinnamon and cloves for better flavor. Fresh spices can greatly enhance the taste of your jam.
Monitor cooking time: Keep an eye on the boiling process to prevent scorching; stirring frequently helps in achieving the desired thickness.
Check jar seals: After canning, make sure each jar seals properly by pressing down in the center of each lid. A sealed jar ensures longevity.
Label jars: Always label your jars with the date made. This helps you keep track of freshness when stored long-term.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other spices like nutmeg or ginger to personalize your jam recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam

Pairing side dishes with Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam can create delightful meal experiences. Here’s a list of sides that complement this unique jam.

Grilled Corn on the Cob
The sweetness of grilled corn balances beautifully with the tangy notes of green tomato jam.
Roasted Vegetables
A medley of roasted vegetables, such as carrots and bell peppers, serves as an excellent side that enhances the overall meal.
Creamy Coleslaw
The crispness of coleslaw offers a nice contrast to the smooth texture of the jam, making it perfect for summer picnics.
Savory Scones
Serve warm scones made with herbs alongside green tomato jam for an elegant brunch option.
Potato Salad
A chilled potato salad works well with this sweet-and-tart jam, creating an interesting flavor combination on any plate.
Stuffed Peppers
Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice, beans, or grains provide heartiness that complements the lightness of the jam.
Macaroni Salad
Creamy macaroni salad adds richness to your meal while allowing the bright notes of green tomato jam to shine through.
Grilled Chicken Salad
A fresh salad topped with grilled chicken provides protein while pairing nicely with dollops of green tomato jam as dressing alternatives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the sterilization – Not properly sterilizing your jars can lead to spoilage. Always sterilize jars before filling them with jam.
Using unripe tomatoes – Make sure your green tomatoes are firm and not overripe. This ensures the right texture and flavor for your jam.
Neglecting the cooking time – Rushing through cooking can result in a runny jam. Allow enough time for boiling and simmering to achieve the desired thickness.
Ignoring headspace – Not leaving enough headspace in jars can cause overflow during processing. Aim for a 1/4-inch headspace when filling jars.
Not checking seals – Failing to check if lids are sealed properly can lead to spoilage. After cooling, ensure each lid has sealed by pressing down in the center.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keeps well for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
Can be frozen for up to 1 year; label with date.

Reheating Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam

Oven – Place in an oven-safe dish at 350°F until warm, stirring occasionally.
Microwave – Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
Stovetop – Gently heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam:

How long does Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam last?

Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam lasts up to 18 months when stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Can I use other fruits with my Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam?

Absolutely! You can customize your jam by adding fruits like apples or berries for added sweetness and flavor.

What should I do if my jam isn’t thickening?

If your jam doesn’t thicken as expected, you may need to cook it longer or add a plant-based gelling agent like pectin to help with thickness.

Is Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam suitable for canning?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for canning. Just follow proper canning procedures, including sterilizing jars and checking seals after cooling.

Final Thoughts

Old-Fashioned Green Tomato Jam is not only delightful but also versatile. Its sweet and slightly tart flavor pairs well with various dishes. Feel free to experiment with different spices or fruit additions to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy this delicious homemade jam on toast or as an accompaniment to savory meals!

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