How to Can Tomatoes at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Supplies You’ll Need

To get started with canning tomatoes, you’ll need a few essential items:

• Fresh Tomatoes: Look for ripe, firm tomatoes. Roma or San Marzano varieties work great for canning.
• Canning Jars: Make sure to use sterilized glass jars, either pint or quart size.
• Lids and Bands: Use new lids for a proper seal, and reusable metal bands.
• Large Pot: For boiling water and processing the jars.
• Canning Funnel: This makes filling jars easier and mess-free.
• Jar Lifter: For safely removing hot jars from boiling water.
• Ladle: To pour the tomatoes into jars.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Tomatoes

Before you can can your tomatoes, you need to prepare them:

1. Wash: Rinse the tomatoes under cold water to remove any dirt.
2. Peel: You can blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath to make peeling easier. Alternatively, you can leave the skins on for a rustic feel.
3. Core: Remove the stem ends and any bad spots.

Step 2: Make Tomato Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer to can tomato sauce instead of whole tomatoes, here’s a simple recipe:

• Ingredients:

  • 10 pounds of tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine the chopped tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
  2. Simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Blend the mixture until smooth, then season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Fill Your Jars

1. Prepare jars: Place sterilized jars on a clean towel or cooling rack.
2. Add tomatoes: Use a ladle and canning funnel to fill the jars with your prepared tomatoes or sauce, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top.
3. Remove air bubbles: Use a non-metallic spatula to gently press the tomatoes down and release any trapped air bubbles.
4. Wipe rims: Clean the rims of the jars with a damp cloth to ensure a proper seal.
5. Add lids: Place the lids on the jars and screw on the metal bands until they are fingertip-tight.

Step 4: Process the Jars

1. Prepare the pot: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Place jars in pot: Use the jar lifter to lower the filled jars into the boiling water.
3. Boil: Process the jars in boiling water for 35-45 minutes, depending on your elevation (longer for higher elevations).
4. Cool down: Carefully remove the jars and place them on a clean towel to cool.

Step 5: Check Seals

Once the jars have cooled for 12-24 hours, check the seals:

• Press the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed properly. If it does, refrigerate and use within a few days.

Step 6: Store Your Canned Tomatoes

Store your sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Properly canned tomatoes can last for up to a year, allowing you to enjoy summer’s bounty long after the season has passed!

Conclusion

Canning tomatoes at home is a simple and satisfying process. With just a few steps, you can preserve the taste of summer in your own kitchen. So gather your supplies, and get started! Happy canning!