How to Can Tomatoes from the Garden?

There is nothing as sweet as consuming freshly and sun-ripened tomatoes from the garden. But what can you do to continue enjoying your tomatoes? Canning tomatoes from the garden will ensure that their shelf-life is elongated. Canning tomatoes, however, requires that you observe some important steps.

Although some people know about canning tomatoes from the garden, most of them hardly practice this technique. This only happens because they don't know the steps involved in tomato canning. Following some simple steps on tomato canning will guarantee you maximum results.

Types of tomatoes canning

• Boiling water canning
• Pressure canning

The two tomatoes canning will ensure that your tomatoes remain garden-fresh. However, whichever method, canning requires some acidification to keep them safe.

Boiling water canning.

You may need to choose unblemished tomatoes and ensure that you thoroughly wash them in cold water. Once you have your tomatoes ready follow these steps involved in canning.

• Wash canning jars in hot and soapy water and rinse them well.
• Peel your tomatoes. Tomatoes will stay better for a long period if you remove the skin. To get rid of the skin, dip tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds, soon after, put the tomatoes in cold water.
• Fill the jars with tomatoes. Fill the jars requires that you add lemon juice so that the acidity of the tomatoes could be raised, thus ensuring safe canning.
• Sealing the jars. Once the jars are filled remove excess food through wiping. Secondly, tighten your jar accordingly with a lid. Then place the jars in the canner. You will have to process the tomatoes in the boiling water canner for about 40 minutes. You should begin timing as soon as the water gets back to boiling.
• Checking the seal. Once the processing is over double-check the seal before keeping them away. Ensure you also label each jar with dates and contents.

Pressure Canning Tomatoes

If you have a pressure canner you can use it to can tomatoes. The procedure is the same as that of a boiling water canner.

• Sterilize jars
• Peel the tomatoes
• Fill each jar. You also need to acidify the tomatoes

Once the jars are filled. Use a dial gauge pressure canner. And process pints and quarts for 40 minutes at 6 pounds PSI. when you are less than 2000 feet above sea level.

When using a weighted gauge pressure canner, set pints and quarts for 40 minutes at 5 pounds of the canner gauge pressure PSI when you are less than 1000 feet above sea level.

Conclusion

Whichever method you use, Canning tomatoes is an important way to preserve tomatoes for a long period.

FAQs

Can I use white vinegar in canning tomatoes?

Yes. You can use it, but it gives an off-flavor. Bottled lemon or citric acid is the best to use.

Can I combine tomatoes and other vegetables when canning?

No, you should not combine tomatoes and other vegetables when canning.

Will it be safe if I can tomatoes in the oven?

No. oven canning is not safe, since there are temperature fluctuations