Tomato preserves, a unique and flavorful treat, offer a captivating twist on preserving techniques. In this recipe attributed to Mrs. Wilson, we explore the art of creating tomato preserves using carefully selected red or yellow plum-shaped tomatoes. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of red or the charm of yellow, these preserves encapsulate the essence of tomatoes in a sweet and delightful form. This guide will take you through the process of crafting tomato preserves that boast the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, ensuring an exceptional taste experience.
INGREDIENTS:
- Little red, plum-shaped tomatoes (for red preserves) or small yellow tomatoes (for yellow preserves)
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- Ginger-root
- Egg white
PREPARATIONS:
- Choose red plum-shaped tomatoes for red preserves or small yellow tomatoes for yellow preserves.
- Peel the selected tomatoes and prick them with a large needle.
SIRUP AND BOILING:
- Prepare a preserving-sirup and add the juice of one lemon for every two pounds of tomatoes.
- Include a small bag of ginger-root in the sirup.
- Slowly boil the peeled and pricked tomatoes in the sirup for about half an hour.
HARDENING AND INFUSION:
- After boiling, skim out the tomatoes from the sirup.
- Allow the tomatoes to remain in the sun for two to three hours to harden.
EGG WHITE AND FINAL PREPARATION:
- Place the white of an egg into the sirup.
- Boil the sirup and skim it well.
- Pour the boiled and skimmed sirup over the tomatoes.
SUGAR TO FRUIT RATIO:
- While the traditional rule suggests using a pound of sugar to a pound of fruit, Mrs. Wilson recommends a ratio of three-quarters of a pound of sugar to a pound of tomatoes.
TOMATO VARIETIES:
- Opt for little red plum-shaped tomatoes for red preserves and small yellow tomatoes for yellow preserves.
YIELD:
The yield of tomato preserves varies based on the quantity of tomatoes and sugar used. The volume of the mixture and jars you have will determine the final yield.
In conclusion, tomato preserves provide a delightful departure from conventional preserves, capturing the distinct essence of tomatoes in a sweet and tangy form. Mrs. Wilson’s recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating these preserves, whether you choose the allure of red or the charm of yellow tomatoes. The balance of sweetness and tanginess ensures an exceptional taste experience that can be enjoyed on its own or incorporated into various dishes.
The meticulous process of peeling, pricking, boiling, and hardening the tomatoes in the sun contributes to the unique texture and flavor of the preserves. The addition of lemon juice, ginger-root, and egg white further enhances the taste profile.
While the traditional ratio of sugar to fruit suggests using a pound of sugar for a pound of tomatoes, Mrs. Wilson’s recommendation of three-quarters of a pound of sugar to a pound of tomatoes provides an alternative that balances the sweetness.
In essence, tomato preserves embody the art of preserving the essence of tomatoes in a delightful treat. By following these steps, you’re creating preserves that encapsulate the flavor and charm of tomatoes, adding a touch of sweetness to your culinary endeavors.
