How to Ferment Cherry Tomatoes:

If you've ever asked yourself, "can you ferment cherry tomatoes?", the answer is a resounding yes and it’s easier than you think. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about fermented cherry tomatoes, from the ingredients to the equipment and the fermentation process. Whether you're new to fermentation or a seasoned fermenter looking to try something different, fermenting cherry tomatoes is a fun and flavourful project that offers a healthy, probiotic-rich addition to your meals.

Why Ferment Cherry Tomatoes?

Fermented foods are a cornerstone of many traditional diets due to their gut-healthy bacteria and rich flavours. Fermenting cherry tomatoes not only enhances their natural sweetness and acidity but also creates a tangy, fizzy bite that’s perfect for salads, antipasti platters, and sandwiches.

Cherry tomatoes are ideal for lacto-fermentation because of their thin skins, high moisture content, and natural sugars all of which make them easy to ferment and delicious to eat.

Ingredients for Fermented Cherry Tomatoes

To ferment cherry tomatoes, you’ll only need a few basic ingredients:

• 250–300 g cherry tomatoes (enough to fill a 500 ml jar)

• 1 cup non-chlorinated water (approx. 240 ml)

• 1 tsp sea salt or pickling salt

• 1 clove garlic (optional)

• 1–2 sprigs fresh herbs (like thyme, oregano, or dill – optional)

• A few peppercorns or chili flakes (optional, for a mild kick)

Always choose fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavour and texture

Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 x 500 ml glass jar (we recommend the Original Sunny Cap jar, perfect for small-batch ferments)

• A lid (fermentation lid or a standard Sunny Cap)

• Fermentation weight (or a small clean object to keep tomatoes submerged)

• Wooden skewer or toothpick

The Original Sunny Cap 500 ml jar is ideal for this recipe it's reusable, made of high-quality glass, and features a stainless steel lid that resists rust and preserves freshness.

Step-by-Step: How to Ferment Cherry Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Brine

In a small bowl or cup, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of non-chlorinated water. Stir until completely dissolved. This salty brine is essential for encouraging good bacteria and keeping bad ones at bay.

Step 2: Prep the Tomatoes

Lightly pierce each cherry tomato with a toothpick or skewer. This prevents them from bursting during fermentation. Pack them into your clean 500 ml jar along with the garlic, herbs, and peppercorns if using.

Step 3: Add the Brine

Pour the saltwater brine over the tomatoes. Make sure everything is fully submerged. Leave about 1.5–2 cm of headspace at the top of the jar.

Step 4: Weigh It Down

Use a fermentation weight or a clean, food-safe object (like a small glass ramekin) to keep the tomatoes below the surface of the brine. This prevents mould and ensures a clean ferment.

Step 5: Seal and Ferment

Close the jar with a loose lid or fermentation lid. If you're using a regular lid like the Sunny Cap, just screw it on gently not too tight. Store the jar at room temperature (18–22°C) out of direct sunlight.

If using a regular lid, burp the jar daily (open slightly to release pressure) to avoid any explosions from the gas buildup.

Step 6: Taste and Store

After about 5–7 days, your fermented cherry tomatoes should be tangy, slightly fizzy, and delicious. Taste a tomato starting around day 4. Once they’ve reached your preferred flavour, seal the jar tightly and move it to the fridge.

They’ll continue to ferment slowly in cold storage and are best eaten within 2–3 months.

Serving Suggestions for Fermented Cherry Tomatoes

• Add them to charcuterie boards for a pop of tangy flavour.

• Slice them into grain bowls or pasta salads.

• Use them to top sourdough toast with cream cheese or hummus.

• Eat them straight from the jar as a probiotic snack!

Recommended Jar for the Job

We recommend using the Original Sunny Cap 500 ml jar for this recipe. It’s made of thick, durable glass that withstands the acidity of fermentation and is easy to clean. The airtight stainless steel lid ensures no unwanted flavours creep in and keeps your ferment safe.

👉 Shop the Original Sunny Cap Jar here

Final Thoughts

So, can you ferment cherry tomatoes? Absolutely — and now you know exactly how. With just a few ingredients and one jar, you can create a tasty, probiotic-rich snack that’s healthy, versatile, and naturally preserved.

Ready to get started? Grab your cherry tomatoes, salt, and an Original Sunny Cap jar, and start fermenting today!