Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of ripe peaches wafted through the air, merging seamlessly with the earthy scent of freshly cut heirloom tomatoes. That’s when it hit me: why not whip up some Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam? Ready in just over an hour, this delightful summer recipe isn’t just a treat for the taste buds—it’s incredibly easy to make. Perfect for enjoying on buttery toast or elevating your charcuterie board, this jam captures the very essence of summer with every spoonful. Plus, it’s a fabulous way to embrace seasonal produce while impressing friends and family. Intrigued? Let’s dive into this vibrant creation! Why is this jam a summer must-have? Vibrant Flavors: The combination of sweet peaches and juicy heirloom tomatoes creates a jam bursting with the essence of summer. Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious condiment in over an hour! Versatile Use: Spread it on toasted baguettes, use it as a burger topping, or pair it with cheeses on a charcuterie board for an impressive touch. Seasonal Goodness: This jam is a fantastic way to celebrate seasonal produce while giving your palate an exciting treat. Crowd-Pleasing: Whether hosting a gathering or treating yourself, its unique flavor profile is sure to impress friends and family alike. Explore more: Looking for more bright summer recipes? Check out this delightful Tomato Herby Bean salad for a refreshing side or our lovely Peach Salad Dressing to complement your meals! Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam Ingredients For the Jam Base • Heirloom Tomatoes – 1 lb (about 4 medium); this luscious base provides juicy texture and vibrant flavor. • Peaches – 1/2 lb (about 3 medium); sweet and fragrant, these enhance the jam’s summer essence. For Flavor Balancing • Granulated Sugar – 3/4 cup; critical for sweetness and the jam’s preservation properties. • Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 tablespoons; adds necessary acidity for a balanced flavor profile. • Fresh Grated Ginger – 1 tablespoon; imparts warmth and depth, elevating the jam’s complexity. For a Touch of Heat • Red Pepper Flakes – 1 teaspoon; adds a subtle heat—adjust according to your preference. • Salt – 1 teaspoon; enhances overall flavors, making them pop. • Black Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon; complements the sweetness of the fruit beautifully. For Freshness • Fresh Basil – 1/4 cup, finely chopped; offers a refreshing herbaceous note; chop just before use to maintain color and flavor. This delightful Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam is a fantastic way to embrace the season and savor each spoonful! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam Step 1: Blanch and Prepare Tomatoes Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add your cored heirloom tomatoes and blanch them for 3-5 minutes, until the skins are easily peelable. Remove the tomatoes and plunge them into an ice bath to cool. Once cool, peel, seed, and chop them into 2-inch pieces, ready to embrace the flavors of your Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam. Step 2: Combine Ingredients In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the prepared heirloom tomatoes, diced peaches, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, fresh grated ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture gently to ensure the sugar begins to dissolve, creating a tantalizing aroma that heralds the delightful jam you’re about to make. Step 3: Cook the Jam Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. As the jam cooks, you’ll notice it thickening and becoming glossy. Keep an eye on its consistency; you want it syrupy and spreadable, just like a well-crafted Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam. Step 4: Add Fresh Basil Once the jam has reached your desired thickness, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the finely chopped fresh basil, allowing its fragrant aroma to meld into the warm jam. Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning if desired, ensuring a balance of sweet, savory, and herby notes that celebrate summer. Step 5: Cool and Store Let the jam cool in the saucepan for about 15-20 minutes before transferring it to a clean 1-pint mason jar. Seal the jar and allow the Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam to reach room temperature. Once cool, store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 2 weeks, ready to elevate your meals or charcuterie boards! What to Serve with Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam This vibrant jam brings together sweet and savory notes that can elevate a meal or snack in delightful ways. Toasted Baguettes: Crisp and warm, they provide a perfect canvas for the jam’s rich flavors, creating a satisfying appetizer. Creamy Goat Cheese: The tanginess of goat cheese beautifully balances the sweetness of the jam, making for an elegant cheese board addition. Grilled Chicken: A smear of this jam on grilled chicken adds a burst of flavor, enhancing the dish with sweet and spicy undertones. Charcuterie Board: This jam pairs wonderfully with cured meats, adding a fresh, fruity contrast that guests will love. Savory Biscuits: Serve the jam alongside flaky biscuits for a delightful breakfast or brunch option, harmonizing textures and flavors. Fresh Arugula Salad: Drizzle over a simple arugula salad for a bright dressing, tying together fresh greens with a touch of enlivening sweetness. Sparkling Wine: A chilled glass of sparkling wine enhances the experience, complementing the jam’s vibrant fruitiness and uplifting the palate. Vanilla Ice Cream: For a surprising dessert twist, serve a spoonful of jam over vanilla ice cream; the contrast is both refreshing and indulgent! How to Store and Freeze Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam Fridge: Store the jam in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This will keep your Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam fresh and flavorful. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the jam in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Make sure to leave some space for expansion as it freezes. Defrosting: To enjoy your frozen jam, transfer it to the fridge for overnight thawing. Stir well before using to restore its creamy consistency. Reheating: If desired, gently reheat the jam on low heat in a saucepan until warmed through, enhancing its soothing summer flavors. Expert Tips for Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam Choose Ripe Ingredients: Use perfectly ripe heirloom tomatoes and peaches to ensure maximum flavor in your jam. Overripe fruit can lead to a mushy texture. Peel with Care: Blanch and peel tomatoes diligently. Skins left in the jam can affect texture and visual appeal, detracting from your Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam. Season to Taste: Adjust the sugar and salt according to your preference, especially if your fruit varies in sweetness; this helps create a balanced flavor profile. Watch the Consistency: Stir occasionally during cooking and monitor the jam’s thickness. It should resemble a syrupy texture—remove it from heat once it thickens to your liking. Store Properly: Once cooled, transfer the jam to a clean jar and ensure it’s sealed well. For the best flavor, consume within two weeks but keep an eye on freshness! Make Ahead Options These Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts who want flavorful condiments ready for busy weeknights! You can prep the tomatoes and peaches up to 24 hours in advance by blanching, peeling, and chopping them beforehand. Store the prepared fruits in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can combine the dry ingredients, like sugar and spices, and store them separately for quicker assembly. When you’re ready to make the jam, simply add the prepped ingredients together in the saucepan, cook, and stir in the fresh basil at the end. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have a delightful, homemade jam with minimal effort! Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam Variations Feel free to let your creativity flow as you explore delicious twists on this vibrant jam! Dairy-Free: Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a rich, caramel-like flavor without the dairy. Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes, or add a diced jalapeño for a spicy burst that pairs beautifully with the sweetness. Fruity Fusion: Swap in diced apricots or plums for a different fruit profile, expanding your summer palate. Herb Delights: Infuse with fresh thyme or mint for an herbal twist that adds depth and freshness to every bite. Citrus Zing: Add a splash of fresh lemon or orange juice to enhance acidity and introduce a refreshing citrus note. Warm Spices: Include a dash of cinnamon or allspice for a cozy flavor that complements the sweetness of peaches. Smoky Flavor: Stir in a tiny amount of smoked paprika to impart a subtle smoky note, enriching the overall flavor. As you explore these variations, don’t forget to pair this delightful jam with your favorite dishes. Whether on a charcuterie board or drizzled over grilled chicken, it brings a summer touch to every meal. For more summery delights, consider trying out this delightful Tomato Herby Bean salad or our lovely Peach Salad Dressing to complete your warm-weather menu! Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe heirloom tomatoes and peaches? Absolutely! For heirloom tomatoes, look for fruits that are brightly colored and firm but slightly yielding to the touch—avoiding any with dark spots or wrinkles. For peaches, opt for fruit that gives slightly when gently squeezed and has a fragrant, sweet aroma. They should be free from blemishes and feel a bit soft but not mushy. How do I store the Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam? Very good question! Store your jam in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and bursting with flavor for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure the jar is well sealed to keep out unwanted air and moisture, which can spoil the jam. Can I freeze this jam for later use? Absolutely! To freeze your Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before using to restore its original texture. What should I do if my jam is too runny? No need to fret! If you find your jam is too runny, you can simmer it longer over medium heat—stirring frequently for about 10-15 more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning, and remember that letting it cool will also help it set a bit more! Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Yes, a very important point! This Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam is naturally low in fat and sodium, making it a great condiment for various diets. However, always check for allergies, especially with fresh ingredients like peaches or basil. If you’re sharing with pets, ingredients like onions (often included in jams) can be harmful, but since this recipe does not include onions, it should be pet-safe, though it’s best to consult with a vet! How can I adjust the sweetness of my jam? Definitely! If you prefer a sweeter jam, you can add a bit more sugar when you first combine the ingredients. Taste your jam during cooking, and add sugar in small increments; this allows you to achieve that perfect sweet balance without overwhelming the jam. Remember, the ripeness of your fruits will also affect sweetness, so adjust accordingly! Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam: A Sweet Summer Staple Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato Jam is a vibrant summer treat that combines sweet peaches and juicy heirloom tomatoes—easy to make and perfect for any gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrCooling Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins Servings: 16 tablespoonsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanCalories: 50 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Jam Base1 lb Heirloom Tomatoes about 4 medium1/2 lb Peaches about 3 mediumFor Flavor Balancing3/4 cup Granulated Sugar critical for sweetness and preservation2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar adds necessary acidity1 tablespoon Fresh Grated Ginger imparts warmth and depthFor a Touch of Heat1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust according to your preference1 teaspoon Salt enhances overall flavors1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper complements sweetness beautifullyFor Freshness1/4 cup Fresh Basil finely chopped; chop just before use Equipment Large potMedium saucepanMason jar Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Basil Peach Heirloom Tomato JamBlanch and prepare the heirloom tomatoes by boiling them for 3-5 minutes, then plunge into an ice bath to cool. Peel, seed, and chop them.Combine prepared heirloom tomatoes, diced peaches, sugar, apple cider vinegar, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently.Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally until thick and glossy.Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in fresh basil, adjusting seasoning as desired.Cool the jam in the saucepan for about 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a 1-pint mason jar and refrigerate. Nutrition Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 50kcalCarbohydrates: 13gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 12gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.1mg NotesStore jam in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Freeze for longer storage up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
