
Green Tomato Jelly is a classic American preserve that transforms end-of-season green tomatoes into a surprisingly sweet, colorful spread. Popular in home kitchens during the peak of garden harvest, this recipe makes clever use of tomatoes that haven't yet ripened, reducing waste while creating a delicious pantry staple. The addition of flavored gelatin gives the jelly a vibrant color and fruity flavor, making it taste more like a traditional fruit preserve than a tomato spread. It's wonderful served on toast, biscuits, or crackers, and also makes an attractive homemade gift. With only a few ingredients and a short cooking time, it's an easy introduction to homemade preserves that captures the resourcefulness of vintage home cooking.
Ingredients
- 5 cups green tomatoes (grind in blender)
- 6 cups granulated sugar
- 6 oz flavored gelatin ( your favorite flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
- Wash the green tomatoes.
- Grind or blend them until smooth.
- Measure 5 cups of prepared tomatoes.
Step 2: Cook the Mixture
- Combine the tomatoes and sugar in a large saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
- Continue boiling for 15 minutes, stirring often.
Step 3: Add the Gelatin
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Immediately stir in the flavored gelatin until completely dissolved.
Step 4: Fill the Jars
- Ladle the hot jelly into clean jelly or jam jars.
- Allow to cool before refrigerating or process according to safe canning practices for shelf storage.
Tips
- Use strawberry, raspberry, cherry, or peach gelatin for different flavors.
- Blend the tomatoes thoroughly for a smoother jelly.
- Process in a boiling-water canner for long-term pantry storage.
- Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
- Try pineapple or orange gelatin for a tropical twist.
- Serve over cream cheese with crackers as an appetizer.
- Spread on warm biscuits, toast, or English muffins.
- Label jars with the gelatin flavor used.
- Refrigerate after opening.
Nutrition
Calories: 54kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 0.3gSodium: 12mgPotassium: 18mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 13.4gVitamin A: 55IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.1mg
