Tomato Conserve

Preserve summer’s sweetest bounty with this luscious homemade Tomato Conserve, a recipe that’s rich in flavor and simplicity. Made with ripe, juicy tomatoes, a hint of sugar, and a splash of zesty lemon juice, this conserve strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Optional warm spices like cinnamon and cloves can be added for a subtle, aromatic twist. The technique of blanching and peeling the tomatoes ensures a velvety texture, while slow simmering creates a thick, spreadable consistency perfect for enhancing toast, cheese boards, or roasted meats. With just a few pantry staples and a little patience, you can savor the vibrant taste of tomatoes year-round.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 kilograms ripe tomatoes
• 500 grams granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under running water. Remove the stems and score a small 'X' at the bottom of each tomato with a sharp knife.

Step 2

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch the tomatoes for 30-60 seconds until the skins start to peel around the scored edges. Immediately transfer the tomatoes into a bowl of ice water to cool.

Step 3

Peel the skins off the tomatoes and discard. Cut the tomatoes into quarters and remove the seeds if a smoother conserve is desired.

Step 4

Place the prepared tomatoes into a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the tomatoes release their juices.

Step 5

Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and salt to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

If desired, add ground cinnamon and cloves for an extra layer of flavor. These spices are optional but add warmth to the conserve.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 75-90 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. The conserve will thicken and reduce significantly during this time.

Step 8

To check for the desired consistency, place a small spoonful of the conserve on a chilled plate. If it holds its shape without spreading too much, it's ready.

Step 9

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the conserve cool slightly. Transfer it into sterilized jars while still warm, leaving about 1 cm of headspace at the top.

Step 10

Seal the jars tightly and allow them to cool completely. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, or process the jars using a water bath canning method for longer shelf life.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2537.8 grams (2537.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2276

Total Fat 4.20g	5%
Saturated Fat 0.00g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2462mg	107%
Total Carbohydrate 581.50g	211%
Dietary Fiber 25.00g	89%
Total Sugars 552.80g
Protein 18.20g	36%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 218mg	17%
Iron 6mg	34%
Potassium 4781mg	102%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1.6%

Protein: 3.0%

Carbs: 95.5%