Mastering the art of canning tomatoes is all about a delicate balance of technique, precision, and food safety knowledge that will help you preserve the tomatoes and in turn, play an important role in transforming the season’s bounty into a treasure that can be enjoyed later.

So, discover the tips, tricks, and essential safety considerations that will help you empower your season’s bounty into a pantry full of flavor. In this guide, we will learn the techniques of canning tomatoes right from the initial step to the final sealing of the jars for long-term storage.

So, get ready to master the art of canning tomatoes in the form of home food preservation and try out your hands in several canning recipes.

Let us now discover the joy of canning tomatoes together and also know the proper way to Take Care Of A Tomato Plant.

Canning Fresh Tomatoes In Jars [ Step By Step ]

Canning tomatoes surprisingly involves a straightforward process. So, if you want to ditch the store-bought tomatoes and want to can a jar of tomatoes all by yourself, then take a look at the steps below:

Materials Needed

• Fresh and ripe tomatoes
• Canning jars with lids
• Canner
• Funnel
• Ladle
• Ice water
• Knife
• Citric acid or Bottled lemon juice
• Salt

Step 1:

The first and foremost step of canning tomatoes is to wash and clean them. After you have cleaned the tomatoes remove the stems and leaves from the tomatoes and keep them aside.

Step 2:

Now, get ready to blanch the tomatoes. But before doing that you will have to peel the tomatoes and then transfer them in a large pot of boiling water. Cook them for at least 30-60 seconds in the boiling water.

Step 3:

After the process of blanching is over wait for them to come down to the room temperature. After it cools, transfer the blanched tomatoes to a bowl of ice-cold water and allow them to cool. It won’t take much time since the water is ice cold.

Step 4:

Now, it’s time to peel off the skins from the blanched tomatoes and then cut them into quarters.

Step 5:

After you are done with the tomatoes concentrate on the canning jars. Wash the canning jars and lids properly and sterilize them by boiling them in hot water for 10 minutes to remove the germs and make them suitable for canning.

Step 6:

Dry the canning jars with a dry piece of cloth and then fill the canning jar with water and bring it to a boil. You can later on use this water to process the filled jars.

Step 7:

Now, get ready to start with the canning process. For that, the first step is to add one tablespoon of lemon juice or 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid to it. This will help in acidifying the tomatoes.

Step 8:

After you have filled the canning jars with the tomato mixture it’s time to remove the air bubbles. Make sure you remove the air bubbles properly before sealing the jars. After you are done with the sealing process, place the lids on top of the canning jars and ensure there is enough head space on top of the jars.

Step 9:

Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to each jar as this will help you preserve the tomatoes properly for a longer period.

Step 10:

The next process involves processing the jars in boiling water for about 30 minutes to ensure proper sterilization and sealing. Remember this is a very crucial step and must be followed meticulously.

Step 11:

Finally, allow the jars to completely cool. After that go ahead and check the seals and store them in a cool and dark place.

How Long Do Canned Tomatoes Last?

Home-canned tomatoes have a shelf life of 12-18 months and are best for consumption within the first year. The flavor and nutritional value stay intact within the first year.

Commercially canned tomatoes have a “Best By” date that ranges from 1 to 3 years from the manufacturing date. They are known to last longer if stored in a cool, dark place.

To get a detailed idea of How To Grow Tomatoes From Seed, read through this detailed guide.

Additional Tips To Can Whole Tomatoes Perfectly

Follow these additional tips and learn how to can tomatoes ideally to ensure that the home-canned tomatoes are safe to consume throughout the year:

• Use fresh, ripe, and blemish-free tomatoes to ensure the best flavor.
• Ensure you have evenly distributed the acid to each jar before filling it with tomatoes.
• Ensure you remove the air bubbles after packing the tomatoes to prevent spoilage.
• Leave at least 1/2 inch at the top of the jar to maintain correct headspace.
• Maintain consistent temperature to avoid temperature shock.
• Ensure the jars are completely submerged in water throughout the processing time.
• Cover the canning jars and store them in a cool, dark place to avoid direct sunlight.
• Look for signs of spoilage before consuming it.

Wrapping Up

Follow the meticulous steps of canning tomatoes and unlock the secret tips to try your hand at canning. So, go ahead and preserve the canned tomatoes with confidence and keep the bounty of your tomato harvest well-spent.