Canning tomatoes is a time-honored tradition that allows you to savor the taste of summer all year round. Whether you have a bountiful tomato harvest from your garden or want to take advantage of fresh, local tomatoes at their peak, canning is an excellent way to preserve this versatile ingredient. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of canning tomatoes, from selecting the right tomatoes to storing your preserved goods.
Why Canning Tomatoes?
Canning tomatoes offers numerous benefits that make it a worthwhile endeavor for any home cook or gardener. Here are some compelling reasons to consider canning your tomatoes:
1. Preserving Freshness
Canning allows you to capture the peak freshness and flavor of tomatoes when they are in season. You can enjoy that vibrant tomato taste even during the winter months.
2. Reducing Food Waste
If you have an abundant tomato harvest, canning is an excellent way to prevent them from going to waste. You can use your canned tomatoes in various recipes throughout the year.
3. Cost-Efficiency
Canning your own tomatoes can save you money in the long run. Instead of buying canned tomatoes from the store, you can rely on your homemade supply.
4. Control Over Ingredients
When you can your own tomatoes, you have complete control over the quality and ingredients. You can choose organic, pesticide-free tomatoes and add seasonings to your liking.
Now that you understand the benefits of canning tomatoes, let’s delve into the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin canning, make sure you have the necessary supplies and equipment. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:
– Tomatoes
- Choose ripe, high-quality tomatoes. Roma, San Marzano, and other paste tomato varieties are ideal for canning due to their meaty texture and low moisture content.
– Canning Jars and Lids
- Use canning jars specifically designed for preserving foods. Ensure that the lids are free from any dents or defects.
– Canning Equipment
- You’ll need a large pot for boiling water, a canning rack to hold the jars, jar lifter, and a wide-mouth funnel for filling jars.
– Acid
- To preserve tomatoes safely, you’ll need an acid source like lemon juice or citric acid.
– Salt (Optional)
- You can add a pinch of salt to each jar for flavor, but it’s entirely optional.
– Canning Tools
- Have a ladle, bubble remover tool, and a clean cloth on hand.
Step 2: Prepare Your Tomatoes
Properly preparing your tomatoes is crucial for a successful canning process. Follow these steps:
– Wash and Blanch
- Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly. Then, blanch them in boiling water for about 1 minute and immediately transfer them to an ice bath. This makes peeling the tomatoes easier.
– Remove Skins and Core
- Peel the tomatoes and remove the cores. You can leave them whole or dice them, depending on your preference.
– Prepare Acid Solution
- Mix the recommended amount of lemon juice or citric acid with water as per your canning recipe.
Step 3: Fill and Seal Jars
Now it’s time to fill your canning jars with the prepared tomatoes:
– Pack the Jars
- Fill each jar with tomatoes, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top.
– Add Acid
- Pour the prepared acid solution into each jar. This acid helps to maintain the tomato’s acidity level for safe canning.
– Remove Air Bubbles
- Use a bubble remover tool or a wooden utensil to remove any air bubbles from the jars.
– Wipe Jar Rims
- Ensure that the jar rims are clean and free from any residue.
– Apply Lids and Rings
- Place the lids on the jars and secure them with the rings, but don’t overtighten.
Step 4: Process the Jars
The next step is to process the jars to kill any bacteria and ensure proper preservation:
– Boil the Jars
- Place the filled jars on a canning rack in a large pot of boiling water. Ensure that the jars are covered with at least an inch of water.
– Process for the Recommended Time
- Process the jars according to your canning recipe. The processing time may vary depending on the type of tomatoes and altitude.
Step 5: Cool and Store
After processing, it’s time to cool and store your canned tomatoes:
– Remove Jars
- Carefully remove the jars from the boiling water using a jar lifter.
– Cool
- Place the jars on a clean, dry towel or a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely, typically for 12 to 24 hours.
– Check Seals
- After cooling, check that the lids have sealed properly by pressing down on the center of each lid. It should not pop back when pressed.
– Label and Store
- Label each jar with the date and contents, and store them in a cool, dark, and dry place. Canned tomatoes can last up to 12-18 months when stored properly.
Enjoy Your Canned Tomatoes
Canning tomatoes is a rewarding process that allows you to savor the flavors of summer year-round. Whether you use your canned tomatoes in pasta sauces, soups, or stews, you’ll appreciate the convenience and taste of your homemade preserved ingredients. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll become a canning expert and have a pantry filled with delicious tomatoes at your disposal. Happy canning!