Honey pickled tomatoes – a winter delicacy you want in your pantry recept

Name: Honey pickled tomatoes – a winter delicacy you want in your pantry
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 kg of small tomatoes; 4 garlic cloves; 4 bay leaves; 4 teaspoons whole black peppercorns; 1 tablespoon salt; 250 ml vinegar; 250 g sugar; 1 tablespoon honey

Easy to prepare
12 portions
30 minutes

Jan, 17. 12. 2025

Print recipe

In summer tomatoes are the juiciest, and that’s exactly when it makes sense to prepare a few jars to store. This version in a sweet-and-sour honey brine is fragrant, mildly spicy and absolutely addictive. It goes well with meats, cheeses, in salads and sandwiches – and in winter it will literally remind you of summer in every bite.

For 12 portions

Ingredients

1 kg of small tomatoes
4 garlic cloves
4 bay leaves
4 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
1 tablespoon salt
250 ml vinegar
250 g sugar
1 tablespoon honey

Preparation procedure

Preparing the tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes and prick them in several places with a skewer so the brine penetrates well and the skins don't burst.
Brine: In a pot, combine the vinegar, sugar and salt and bring to a boil. Then add the honey, bay leaf, pepper and sliced garlic. Simmer briefly (1–2 minutes), remove from the heat.
Steeping: Pour the hot brine over the tomatoes in a bowl or larger container. Let steep for 24 hours at room temperature so the flavors can meld.
Canning: After 24 hours pack the tomatoes into sterile jars, fill with hot brine up to the rim, wipe the rims and seal tightly.
Sterilization: Place the jars in a pot with water reaching approximately 3/4 of the jars' height. From the boiling point sterilize for 15 minutes. Remove, turn upside down, let cool and check that the lids have sealed.
Storage: Store in a cool, dark place. After opening keep refrigerated and consume within a few days.

Total preparation time:

active work approx. 25–30 minutes + steeping 24 hours + sterilization 15 minutes = approx. 24 hours 45 minutes (excluding cooling)

Number of servings:

approx. 12 servings as a side

or 3–4 smaller jars (300–400 ml)

Tips:

The brine is distinctly sweet-and-sour with a honeyed note; you can slightly increase or reduce the honey to taste.
For a spicier version add allspice berries or a piece of chili pepper.
Always thoroughly sterilize jars and lids – this increases shelf life and ensures the preserve won’t spoil.

Conclusion

Honey pickled tomatoes are exactly that bit of summer you’ll want on hand all winter. They’re great with roasted meats, cured meats, cheeses, and also as a quick flavoring for a cold platter or salad. Once you try them, you’ll probably make a double batch next time.