Preserving summer tomatoes is like capturing summer in a bottle. There’s nothing better on a cold winter’s day than to open a gorgeous jar of delicious summer tomatoes to use in salads, bruschetta, pizza or just to eat on their own. They are so much tastier than anything you can find at the supermarket at that time of the year.
This recipe doesn’t require blanching or removing the skins. It’s quick, easy and yummy! I won’t be giving you exact quantities of anything. Every jar will be a little different.
Preserving Summer Tomatoes
- fresh unblemished tomatoes
- extra virgin olive oil
- fresh basil
The Steps:
- Wash and dry all of your tomatoes then set aside.
- Wash and dry enough mason jars with their lids and rings to accomodate the tomatoes. You’ll probably have more than you need.
- Place a canning pot or large stock pot half filled with water over medium high heat. Bring the water to a soft boil.
- Cut the tomatoes in half then v-cut out the stem end.
- Drop the tomatoes into the jars, pushing them gently so that there is very little space.
- Add 6 to 8 basil leaves. I use stem and all!
- Once the jars are packed to the bottom of the jars neck, start to slowly pour in the olive oil. Give it time to bubble down to the bottom of the jar and then slowly fill it’s way back up. If the olive oil just sits on top of the tomatoes, use the tip of a sharp knife to make a dent for the oil to trickle down. Leave a quarter inch head space between the oil and the lid.
- Once the jars are full, place the lids and rings on tightly then place the jars in the canning pot.
- Make sure the water covers the jars.
- Boil gently for 30 minutes then turn heat off and leave the jars in the pot overnight.
- The next morning, remove the jars from the water, dry thoroughly and store until needed.
- You can store the preserved summer tomatoes in a dark cupboard or the fridge.
THE LOVE: When you use your preserved summer tomatoes, be sure to use the leftover olive oil in salad dressing, soups, over pizza or pasta. It will be deicious!
Thanks for reading and stay safe. XO
