How to preserve the taste of summer for the cold winter months
When the tomato season reaches its peak and the plants in the garden are almost collapsing under the weight of their ripe fruit, the same question arises every year: How can you enjoy these delicious tomatoes for as long as possible?
In our family, there’s been a simple answer to that for generations. My grandmother used this recipe, then my mother, and today I prepare the tomatoes in the same way. It’s a traditional method where fresh tomatoes are preserved with aromatic spices. This way, their flavor, their aroma, and a taste of summer last well into winter.
On cold winter days, simply opening a jar is enough to instantly evoke memories of sunny gardens, warm afternoons, and freshly harvested tomatoes.
Why this method is so popular
- Simple and straightforward
- Requires only a few ingredients
- Perfect for large tomato harvests
- Long shelf life
- Intense flavor
- Ideal as a salad or side dish
- Proven for generations
- No artificial additives
Which tomatoes are best suited?
Different types of tomatoes can be used for this recipe.
Particularly suitable are:
- Roma tomatoes
- Bottle tomatoes
- San Marzano tomatoes
- beefsteak tomatoes
- Garden-fresh bush tomatoes
The tomatoes should:
- be fully ripe
- have firm flesh
- Have no pressure points
- Be free of damage
The more aromatic the tomatoes, the better the final result.
Ingredients for 6 to 8 preserving jars
- 3 kg ripe tomatoes
- 3 large onions
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 1 liter of water
- 500 ml white wine vinegar
- 4 tablespoons of salt
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 12 black peppercorns
- 6 bay leaves
- 6 allspice berries
- Fresh dill to taste
- Fresh parsley to taste
Preparing the glasses
Before canning begins, the jars must be thoroughly sterilized.
Here’s how it works:
- Wash jars and lids thoroughly
- Rinse with boiling water.
- Alternatively, sterilize in the oven for 10 minutes at 120 °C.
- Allow to dry completely
This step is important for long-lasting durability.
preparation
Step 1: Prepare the tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly.
Halve or quarter larger tomatoes.
Smaller tomatoes can remain whole.
Remove the stem end.
Step 2: Chop the onions and garlic
Peel the onions and cut them into thin rings.
Peel and halve the garlic.
These ingredients later give the tomatoes their distinctive aroma.
Step 3: Distribute the spices
Add to each glass:
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 peppercorns
- 1 allspice berry
- A few sprigs of dill
- Some parsley
Step 4: Fill the jars
Layer the tomatoes, onion rings, and garlic into the jars.
Do not press too hard.
The ingredients should be loosely arranged.
Step 5: Prepare the decoction
Put water, vinegar, salt and sugar into a pot.
Bring to a boil while stirring.
Once the salt and sugar have completely dissolved, remove the broth from the heat.
Step 6: Fill the glasses
Carefully pour the hot liquid over the tomatoes.
Fill the glasses to about 1 cm below the rim.
Remove any air bubbles with a wooden stick.
Step 7: Close
Immediately seal the jars tightly.
Step 8: Canning
Place the filled jars in a large pot.
Fill with warm water.
The water should reach about three-quarters of the glass height.
Simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Then remove and allow to cool completely.
