How to Can Tomatoes: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Want to savor the taste of summer all year round? Learning how to can tomatoes is a rewarding skill that allows you to preserve the bounty of your garden (or your local farmer's market) for months to come. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you achieve perfectly preserved tomatoes every time.
Preparing for Canning Tomatoes
Before you begin, gather your supplies and sterilize everything to ensure food safety. This is crucial to prevent botulism and other harmful bacteria.
Essential Supplies:
- Tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes. Avoid those that are bruised or overripe.
- Canning Jars: Use mason jars specifically designed for canning. They should be the appropriate size for your needs.
- Lids and Bands: New lids are essential for a proper seal. Bands can be reused, but inspect them for damage.
- Large Pot: A large stockpot is needed for water bath canning.
- Jar Lifter: A jar lifter will protect your hands from burns.
- Funnel: A funnel makes filling jars much easier and neater.
- Ladle: A ladle helps to transfer hot tomatoes safely.
- Sharp Knife: For easy peeling (optional, but recommended for some methods).
Sterilizing Equipment:
Jars and Lids: Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Then, place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil for 10 minutes to sterilize. Keep jars submerged in hot water until ready to use.
Other Utensils: Wash all other utensils thoroughly with hot, soapy water.
Canning Methods: Two Popular Approaches
There are several ways to can tomatoes, but here are two of the most common:
1. Whole or Halved Tomatoes:
This method is best for firm, uniform tomatoes.
Steps:
- Blanch Tomatoes (Optional but Recommended): Score an "X" on the bottom of each tomato. Place tomatoes in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, then immediately transfer to an ice bath. This helps with peeling.
- Peel and Halve (or leave whole): Carefully peel the tomatoes (if blanched). Halve or leave whole depending on your preference and jar size.
- Fill Jars: Using a funnel, fill sterilized jars with tomatoes, leaving about ½ inch headspace.
- Add Water (or Juice): Add boiling water to fill the jars, leaving ½ inch headspace.
- Remove Air Bubbles: Use a non-metallic utensil to remove air bubbles and adjust headspace.
- Wipe Rims: Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth.
- Seal Jars: Place lids and bands on jars, tightening bands fingertip-tight.
- Process in a Water Bath: Place jars in a water bath canner, ensuring they're completely submerged by at least 1 inch of water. Bring to a rolling boil and process according to recommended times for your altitude (consult a reliable canning resource for precise times).
- Cool and Check Seals: Remove jars and let them cool completely. You should hear a "pop" as the jars seal.
2. Crushed Tomatoes:
This method is ideal for using up less-than-perfect tomatoes.
Steps:
- Prepare Tomatoes: Wash and roughly chop tomatoes.
- Simmer (Optional): You can simmer the tomatoes for about 15 minutes to soften them further. This step isn't strictly necessary.
- Fill Jars: Using a funnel, fill sterilized jars with crushed tomatoes, leaving about ½ inch headspace.
- Follow Steps 5-9 from the Whole/Halved Tomato Method: This includes removing air bubbles, wiping rims, sealing jars, processing in a water bath, cooling, and checking seals.
Important Considerations for Safe Canning
- Altitude: Processing times vary based on altitude. Always consult a reliable canning resource to determine the correct processing time for your location.
- Headspace: Maintaining proper headspace is crucial for safe sealing and preventing spoilage.
- Proper Sealing: Ensure jars seal properly; check for a concave lid. Discard any jars that don't seal.
- Storage: Store canned tomatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place.
By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can enjoy the delicious taste of home-canned tomatoes throughout the year! Remember to always consult a reputable canning guide for detailed instructions and safety precautions.
