5 Easy Canning Tomato Recipes for Beginners

When it comes to preserving the vibrant flavors of the summer harvest, canning tomatoes is a time-honored tradition that allows you to enjoy their taste all year round. If you're new to canning or looking for straightforward tomato canning recipes, this post is tailored just for you. We'll delve into five simple yet delightful recipes that will make your canning journey both exciting and rewarding.

Why Can Tomatoes?

Tomatoes are not only versatile in cooking but also offer numerous health benefits. Canning tomatoes at home ensures you:

• Enjoy the freshest flavors outside of the growing season.
• Control the ingredients, reducing exposure to preservatives and additives found in store-bought options.
• Preserve the nutrients that diminish over time in commercially canned products.
• Save money as you can your garden or locally sourced tomatoes, which often are cheaper than buying canned tomatoes out of season.

The Essentials of Tomato Canning

Before you start, gather your tools:

• A water bath canner or large pot with a rack
• Canning jars, lids, and rings
• A jar lifter and tongs
• Canning funnel
• A bubble remover or a plastic knife
• Ladle and spoons

Recipe 1: Basic Whole Tomatoes

This is the most straightforward approach to canning tomatoes:

1. Wash your tomatoes, remove stems, and cut out blemishes.
2. Blanch tomatoes to easily remove the skins: Dip in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath.
3. Peel off the skin, leave the tomatoes whole or halve them if they’re large.
4. Pack tomatoes into hot, sterile jars, leaving ¹⁄₂ inch headspace.
5. Add lemon juice (1 tablespoon per pint) or citric acid (¹⁄₄ teaspoon per pint) to ensure acidity.
6. Process pints for 40 minutes or quarts for 45 minutes in a water bath canner.

Recipe 2: Tomato Sauce

Here’s how you can turn your tomatoes into a homemade sauce:

1. Prepare tomatoes as in Recipe 1.
2. Chop or crush the tomatoes, then cook over medium heat until thickened.
3. Add salt (¹⁄₂ teaspoon per quart) or any herbs/spices you like.
4. Pack into jars, leaving ¹⁄₄ inch headspace.
5. Process jars in a water bath canner for 35 minutes (pints) or 40 minutes (quarts).

Recipe 3: Salsa

A staple for any pantry, salsa adds a zesty twist to your meals:

• 6 cups peeled, chopped, and drained tomatoes
• 9 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
• 3 large onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vinegar (5% acidity)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all ingredients, bring to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes. Pack into jars leaving ¹⁄₂ inch headspace and process for 15 minutes in a water bath canner.

Recipe 4: Tomato Relish

Great for grilled meats or as a spread, here’s how to make it:

1. Peel, seed, and chop 10 cups of tomatoes.
2. Mix with 2 cups chopped onions, 3 peppers (bell or a mix), 1 ¹⁄₂ cups vinegar, 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, allspice, and ginger.
3. Simmer until thick, about 45 minutes.
4. Pack into jars, leaving ¹⁄₄ inch headspace and process in a water bath for 10 minutes.

Recipe 5: Tomato Juice

Refreshing and versatile:

1. Quarter tomatoes and cook over medium heat until soft.
2. Press through a sieve to separate juice from skins and seeds.
3. Return the juice to the pot, bring to a boil, add salt if desired (¹⁄₂ teaspoon per quart), and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Fill jars, leaving ¹⁄₂ inch headspace, and process in a water bath canner for 35 minutes (pints) or 40 minutes (quarts).

These recipes not only preserve the rich flavors of tomatoes but also provide an introduction to the art of home canning. By following these simple steps, you're embarking on a journey that connects you to traditional food preservation methods while offering practical skills for modern kitchens.

🍅 Note: Ensure you follow safety guidelines for canning to prevent spoilage and foodborne illness. Always use a tested recipe for acidity balance.

The act of canning tomatoes is not just about preserving food; it's about savoring the essence of summer, reducing waste, and embracing a self-sufficient lifestyle. Each jar you create is filled with the love and effort you put into growing or choosing the perfect tomatoes. Whether you choose to make whole tomatoes, sauce, salsa, relish, or juice, these recipes provide a delightful introduction to the world of home canning. With every jar you seal, you're not just storing food, but you're also storing memories and flavors that can bring joy to your meals long after the growing season has ended.

Do I need to peel tomatoes before canning?

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Yes, for most recipes, it’s recommended to peel tomatoes to remove the skin, which can become tough after canning. Blanching makes this process easy.

How can I prevent tomatoes from floating in the jar?

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Remove air bubbles before sealing the jars and use firm but not overly ripe tomatoes. Over-processing can also cause tomatoes to float.

Can I adjust the acidity in the recipes?

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Tomatoes vary in acidity, so for safety, always follow recipes with tested acidity levels. Adding more vinegar or lemon juice is typically safe, but reducing acidity can be risky.