Putting up tomatoes in jars is a wonderful way to preserve the bounty of your garden or local farmers' market. Whether you're using fresh, ripe tomatoes for classic sauce, or opting for green tomatoes for tangy relish, the process is relatively straightforward and the results are incredibly rewarding. From selecting the right tomatoes to properly sterilizing jars, this guide will walk you through every step of how to put up tomatoes in jars, ensuring a successful and flavorful outcome.
Choosing the Right Tomatoes
The first step in putting up tomatoes in jars is selecting the right variety. While any type of tomato can be used, some are better suited for specific preparations than others.
Types of Tomatoes for Canning
- Roma Tomatoes: These small, plum-shaped tomatoes are excellent for sauces and pastes due to their low water content and high concentration of flavor.
- Beefsteak Tomatoes: These large, meaty tomatoes are ideal for salsas and chunky sauces, offering a rich and flavorful base.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These tiny, bite-sized tomatoes add sweetness and a vibrant burst of flavor to sauces and salsas.
- Green Tomatoes: These unripe tomatoes are often used for tangy relishes and pickles, adding a unique and slightly acidic flavor to dishes.
Tips for Selecting Tomatoes
- Ripe & Firm: Choose tomatoes that are ripe, but still firm to the touch. Avoid tomatoes that are soft, bruised, or overripe.
- Free of Defects: Look for tomatoes that are free of blemishes, cracks, or insect damage.
- Seasonality: Select tomatoes that are in season for the best flavor and quality.
Preparing Tomatoes for Canning
Once you've chosen your tomatoes, it's important to prepare them properly for canning. This involves washing, blanching, and peeling, depending on the specific recipe.
Washing and Blanching
- Wash Thoroughly: Rinse the tomatoes under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Blanch (Optional): For some recipes, blanching the tomatoes is necessary to loosen the skin and make peeling easier. To blanch, bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully add the tomatoes. Allow them to blanch for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Peel: Once the tomatoes are blanched, you can easily peel off the skins. Alternatively, for some recipes, you can leave the skins on for added texture.
Chopping and Preparing
- Chop: Chopping the tomatoes into smaller pieces is necessary for most canning recipes. The size of the pieces will vary depending on the recipe (chunky sauce vs. smooth sauce).
- Seed Removal (Optional): Some recipes call for removing the seeds, which can add bitterness. If you want to remove seeds, cut the tomatoes in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
Sterilizing Jars and Lids
To ensure the safety of your canned tomatoes, it is essential to sterilize both the jars and lids. This kills any bacteria that could potentially spoil the product.
Sterilizing Jars
- Wash Jars: Thoroughly wash the jars with soap and water.
- Sterilize: You can sterilize jars using one of the following methods:
- Boiling Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Carefully place the jars in the boiling water and let them sit for 10 minutes.
- Dishwasher: Wash the jars on the highest heat setting in your dishwasher.
- Dry Jars: After sterilizing, carefully remove the jars from the boiling water or dishwasher and let them air dry.
Sterilizing Lids
- Wash Lids: Wash the lids with soap and water.
- Boil Lids: Place the lids in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Let them simmer for 5 minutes.
Putting Up Tomatoes in Jars
Once the jars and lids are sterilized, you can start filling the jars with your prepared tomatoes.
Preparing the Recipe
- Choose a Recipe: Select a canning recipe for the type of tomatoes you're using (sauce, relish, etc.).
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients for your chosen recipe. This may include onions, garlic, herbs, spices, or other vegetables.
- Follow Recipe Instructions: Carefully follow the recipe instructions, ensuring that you cook the tomatoes and other ingredients for the appropriate amount of time.
Filling and Sealing Jars
- Fill Jars: Carefully pour the prepared tomato mixture into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace.
- Wipe Rims: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any food particles.
- Place Lids: Carefully place the lids on the jars, ensuring that they are properly seated.
- Process Jars: Follow the processing time and method outlined in your chosen recipe. This typically involves placing the filled jars in a boiling water bath or pressure cooker to create a vacuum seal.
Storing and Enjoying Canned Tomatoes
Once the jars are processed, you can safely store your canned tomatoes for up to a year in a cool, dark place.
Storage
- Cool Down: After processing, allow the jars to cool completely before handling.
- Check Seals: Once the jars are cool, check to make sure that the lids have sealed properly. This can be done by pressing on the center of the lid. If it doesn't move, the jar is sealed.
- Store in Cool, Dark Place: Store your canned tomatoes in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or basement.
Enjoying Your Canned Tomatoes
- Enjoy in Recipes: Use your canned tomatoes in a variety of recipes, including sauces, soups, stews, and chilis.
- Add to Dishes: Enhance the flavor of other dishes by adding a spoonful of canned tomatoes.
Safety Tips for Canning Tomatoes
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Tomatoes: This is crucial for ensuring the safety of your canned tomatoes.
- Follow Recipe Instructions: Always follow the instructions in a reputable canning recipe, as they are designed to ensure the proper processing time and method.
- Use Proper Canning Equipment: Make sure you have the right equipment for canning, including a boiling water bath canner or a pressure cooker.
- Check Seals: Always check the seals of your jars to ensure that they are properly sealed.
- Store Properly: Store your canned tomatoes in a cool, dark place to maintain their quality.
By following these steps and adhering to safe canning practices, you can enjoy the flavor of fresh tomatoes year-round.
