The Easiest Way to Can Tomatoes for Longer Shelf Life
Canning is a great way to preserve tomatoes for later use. It’s simple and easy to do, and requires minimal equipment and ingredients. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to can your own tomatoes in no time! From washing the tomatoes to testing the lid seals, we’ll walk you through each step of how to can tomatoes so that you can enjoy them all year round.
Once you have all the necessary equipment and tomatoes ready to go, it’s time to start the canning process!
Step 1:
Start by washing your tomatoes with cold water. This will help remove any dirt or bacteria that may be present.
Step 2:
Once the tomatoes are clean, cut them into 1/2 to 1-inch cubes. This will make them easier to fit in the jar and also help them cook faster.
Step 3:
Place the tomatoes in a pot and add enough cold water to cover them completely. Bring the water to a boil then reduce it to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender.
Step 4:
Once the tomatoes have cooled down , use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pot and place in a bowl. Reserve some of the cooking liquid so you can add it to your jars later.
Step 5:
Start sterilizing your jars by placing them in boiling water for about 10 minutes. You can also use an oven on low heat (200 degrees Fahrenheit)) to to sterilizize your jars as well.
Step 6:
Fill each jar with tomatoes leaving 1/2 inch of head space at the top. Carefully pour in some of the reserved cooking liquid into each jar making sure not to leave too much or too little space at the top. Place lids onto each jar and hand-tighten.
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Step 7:
Place the jars in a large pot filled with hot water and bring it to a boil. Let it boil for 40 minutes, or until the lids are fully sealed. Once done, take the jars out of the water and let them cool before storing them away for later use.
Step 8:
Test that your jars have properly sealed by pressing on their lids – if they do not flex, then they have been sealed successfully. Remove the ring bands from your jars and store them in a cool, dry place for up to a year before use. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Canning tomatoes at home is a great way to ensure that you always have access to delicious and nutritious meals. With this step-by-step guide, you can easily learn how to can tomatoes for yourself or your family with confidence. Just remember to take all safety precautions when it comes to home canning and follow the necessary steps so that your canned goods are safe for consumption. Whether you’re looking for an easy snack on the go or want to add some flavor into your favorite recipes, now you know how to safely preserve fresh tomatoes in jars!
