Sunny Preserved Cherry Tomatoes Recipe: Garden Gems in a Jar

Crafting preserved cherry tomatoes delivers a burst of summer’s vibrant essence right into your kitchen.

Seasonal produce transforms with simple techniques that capture intense flavors.

Crisp tomatoes become magical when packed carefully in olive oil and herbs.

Mediterranean techniques inspire this preservation method that keeps garden freshness alive for months.

Small cherry varieties work perfectly for these delectable jars of sunshine.

Salt, herbs, and careful processing create a condiment that will elevate countless dishes.

You can recreate these tangy, concentrated gems with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Reasons to Keep Preserved Cherry Tomatoes in Your Pantry

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Capture the vibrant taste of ripe cherry tomatoes at their prime, locking in garden-fresh flavors that burst with summer goodness.
• Craft Simple Gourmet Preserves: Create restaurant-quality preserved tomatoes with minimal kitchen skills, transforming basic ingredients into an impressive homemade delicacy.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Elevate salads, charcuterie boards, pasta dishes, and sandwiches with these tangy, perfectly preserved tomatoes that add instant gourmet flair to any meal.
• Zero-Waste Kitchen Hack: Extend the life of seasonal tomatoes, preventing waste and allowing you to enjoy summer's bounty long after harvest season ends.

Ingredients to Preserve Cherry Tomatoes

• Cherry Tomatoes: Small and sweet summer gems perfect for preserving.

• Thyme, Garlic Clove: Fresh herbs and aromatic spice for flavor depth.
• Peppercorns: Adds mild peppery warmth to the preserved tomatoes.

• White Vinegar, Water: Tangy liquid base for preserving.
• Salt, Sugar: Essential for balancing and seasoning the brine.

Preserving Cherry Tomatoes Made Easy

Step 1: Sanitize Containers

Clean glass jars and lids by submerging them in rapidly boiling water for 10 minutes. Carefully extract containers and let them air dry completely on a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2: Prepare Fresh Tomatoes

Create a tiny cross-shaped cut at the bottom of each cherry tomato. Dunk tomatoes into bubbling water for half a minute, then immediately transfer to an ice bath. Gently slip off tomato skins once cooled.

Step 3: Build Flavorful Pickling Liquid

• White vinegar
• Water
• Kosher salt
• Granulated sugar

Heat mixture until it reaches a rolling boil, stirring to dissolve all ingredients completely.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

• Whole garlic clove
• Fresh thyme sprig
• Whole black peppercorns

Carefully nestle tomatoes into jars, leaving approximately half-inch space at the top.

Step 5: Pour Hot Preservation Liquid

Carefully ladle hot pickling liquid over tomatoes, ensuring complete coverage. Wipe jar edges clean with a damp cloth. Secure lids and rings tightly.

Step 6: Water Bath Processing

Submerge sealed jars in boiling water for 15 minutes. Remove and allow jars to cool undisturbed for 24 hours. Verify tight seal by pressing jar lid center.

Pro Advice for Preserved Cherry Tomatoes

• Choose Perfect Tomatoes: Select ripe, firm cherry tomatoes without blemishes or soft spots for the best preservation results.
• Prevent Skin Shrinkage: Blanch tomatoes quickly and shock in ice water to maintain their shape and prevent wrinkling during canning.
• Enhance Flavor Profile: Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano alongside thyme to create more complex, aromatic preserved tomatoes.
• Adjust Acidity Carefully: Use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for different flavor nuances in your brine solution.
• Store Smartly: Keep preserved tomatoes in a cool, dark pantry and consume within 12 months for optimal taste and texture.

Storing Tips For Preserved Cherry Tomatoes

• Keep opened jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Store sealed, unopened jars in a cool, dark pantry for 12-18 months.
• Transfer preserved tomatoes to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for 3-4 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Gently warm tomatoes in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent sticking. Avoid high temperatures to maintain texture.
• Drain tomatoes and use directly in salads, pasta, or as a garnish. Room temperature serving works best for maintaining original flavor and texture.

Enjoy With Preserved Cherry Tomatoes

• Pair with Rustic Charcuterie: Create a stunning appetizer board featuring these preserved cherry tomatoes alongside cured meats, aged cheeses, and crusty sourdough bread for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
• Elevate Salad Toppings: Chop these tangy tomatoes to add vibrant flavor and texture to green salads, grain bowls, or pasta dishes, bringing a burst of summer brightness to your meals.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the acidic and herbal notes of the preserved tomatoes, creating a refreshing and balanced taste experience.
• Craft Gourmet Bruschetta: Transform the preserved tomatoes into an elegant appetizer by chopping and spreading them over toasted artisan bread, drizzled with high-quality olive oil and fresh basil.

Other Ways to Preserve Cherry Tomatoes

• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add sliced jalapeños to each jar for a hot kick. Perfect for those who love extra heat in their preserved tomatoes.
• Herb Garden Blend: Replace thyme with a mix of rosemary, basil, and oregano. Creates a vibrant and aromatic preserved tomato experience.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use half the salt and replace regular salt with a potassium-based salt substitute. Great for individuals monitoring sodium intake.
• Mediterranean Style: Include a few olives and a slice of lemon in each jar. Infuses the preserved tomatoes with a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.

FAQs

• Do homemade preserved cherry tomatoes taste different from store-bought versions?

Homemade preserved cherry tomatoes offer a fresher, more vibrant flavor with a crisp texture that store-bought versions cannot match. You control the ingredients and can adjust seasonings to your personal taste.

• Are preserved cherry tomatoes safe to eat?

Yes, when properly sterilized and processed following the correct canning method, preserved cherry tomatoes are safe. The hot water bath processing and acidic brine prevent bacterial growth.

• How long can I keep these preserved cherry tomatoes?

When correctly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, these preserved tomatoes can last up to 12-18 months. Always inspect the seal and look for any signs of spoilage before consuming.

• Can I modify the herb and spice combinations?

Absolutely! While thyme and peppercorns are classic, you can experiment with fresh rosemary, basil, or even red pepper flakes to create your unique flavor profile.

Preserved Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Preserved cherry tomatoes elevate summer’s bounty with Mediterranean charm and intense flavor. Garden-fresh gems marinated in olive oil, herbs, and garlic become a delectable pantry staple you’ll cherish throughout colder months.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) fresh cherry tomatoes
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) white vinegar
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) water

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

Optional Ingredient:

• 1 teaspoon sugar to balance the acidity

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Instructions

1. Sanitize glass vessels by submerging jars and lids in rapidly bubbling water for approximately 10 minutes, then extract and allow complete atmospheric drying.
2. Gently score a delicate cross pattern on each tomato’s underbelly, then momentarily immerse in scalding liquid for half a minute before transferring to glacial water, facilitating effortless skin removal.
3. Construct a fragrant preservation solution by combining acidic vinegar, pure water, mineral crystals, and optional sweet granules in a cooking vessel, heating until components dissolve completely.
4. Nestle aromatic garlic clusters, delicate thyme sprigs, and piquant peppercorns into each glass container, then carefully arrange tomatoes, ensuring dense placement while maintaining modest upper margin.
5. Cascade hot preservation liquid over crimson tomatoes, completely enveloping while preserving designated empty space, meticulously cleansing rim edges before securing protective metal closures.
6. Immerse sealed containers in vigorously boiling water bath, maintaining thermal environment for quarter-hour, then extract and permit natural cooling over extended period, verifying secure hermetic sealing.

Notes

• Double-check jar sterilization by ensuring no moisture remains to prevent bacterial growth.
• Choose ripe, firm cherry tomatoes without blemishes for the best preservation quality.
• Create flavor variations by adding different herbs like basil or rosemary instead of thyme.
• Use precise measurements for brine to guarantee proper acidity and preservation safety.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Curing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 25
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg