Difference between revisions of "Can Tomatoes"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Readying the Tomatoes === | === Readying the Tomatoes === | ||
| − | #Choose your tomatoes. Any variety of tomatoes can be used, but make sure the fruit is not too ripe. Overripe tomatoes are bad for canning due to their high acid content. Gently press on the tomatoes to make sure they are still firm. Look over your tomatoes to make sure they do not have any bruises.<ref>http://www.pickyourown.org/canning_tomatoes.htm</ref> | + | #Choose your tomatoes. Any variety of tomatoes can be used, but make sure the fruit is not too ripe. Overripe tomatoes are bad for canning due to their high acid content. Gently press on the tomatoes to make sure they are still firm. Look over your tomatoes to make sure they do not have any bruises.<ref name="rf1">http://www.pickyourown.org/canning_tomatoes.htm</ref> |
#*If you want to can green tomatoes, you’re in luck. Green tomatoes are more acidic but can still be canned, according to the USDA. | #*If you want to can green tomatoes, you’re in luck. Green tomatoes are more acidic but can still be canned, according to the USDA. | ||
#Wash and stem the tomatoes. Once they are free from dirt, slice off the ends that have the stems, and cut an "X" shape at the bottom of the other end. The ‘X’ shape will make it easier to peel off the skins later. | #Wash and stem the tomatoes. Once they are free from dirt, slice off the ends that have the stems, and cut an "X" shape at the bottom of the other end. The ‘X’ shape will make it easier to peel off the skins later. | ||
| − | #Remove the tomato skins. To do this, you will need to bring a pot of water to a boil. You will also need to set out a bowl filled with ice water. Once the water is boiling, drop a few tomatoes in at a time. Let them sit in the water for about a minute (though you can take them out after 45 seconds if you want to.)<ref>http://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/how-to-can-tomatoes/index.html</ref> | + | #Remove the tomato skins. To do this, you will need to bring a pot of water to a boil. You will also need to set out a bowl filled with ice water. Once the water is boiling, drop a few tomatoes in at a time. Let them sit in the water for about a minute (though you can take them out after 45 seconds if you want to.)<ref name="rf2">http://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/how-to-can-tomatoes/index.html</ref> |
#Remove the tomatoes from the water. Immediately plunge them into the bowl filled with ice water. Doing this will help to make the tomato skins fall right off. Remove the skins and place your tomatoes on a cutting board.. | #Remove the tomatoes from the water. Immediately plunge them into the bowl filled with ice water. Doing this will help to make the tomato skins fall right off. Remove the skins and place your tomatoes on a cutting board.. | ||
#Cut your tomatoes into quarters. While quartering your tomatoes, remove any other bruises or tough spots. If you didn’t already, remove the tough part where the tomato attaches to its stem. | #Cut your tomatoes into quarters. While quartering your tomatoes, remove any other bruises or tough spots. If you didn’t already, remove the tough part where the tomato attaches to its stem. | ||
=== Sterilizing the Jars === | === Sterilizing the Jars === | ||
| − | #Prepare the canning jars. Anytime you can fruit or vegetables, you must sanitize the jars. To do this, bring a large pot of water to a boil (it can be the same pot you are later going to use for sealing the jars and canning the tomatoes.) Inspect the jars to make sure they are free from cracks or nicks and then place the jars in the water and let them boil for several minutes.<ref | + | #Prepare the canning jars. Anytime you can fruit or vegetables, you must sanitize the jars. To do this, bring a large pot of water to a boil (it can be the same pot you are later going to use for sealing the jars and canning the tomatoes.) Inspect the jars to make sure they are free from cracks or nicks and then place the jars in the water and let them boil for several minutes.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*You can also sterilize your jars by putting them in your dishwasher on the hottest cycle. If you have a ‘sterilize’ option, choose it. | #*You can also sterilize your jars by putting them in your dishwasher on the hottest cycle. If you have a ‘sterilize’ option, choose it. | ||
#Sterilize the lids. The lids should be dent free, and the bands should fit tightly. Set the bands aside to dry, and place the jars and lids in a pot of hot, but not boiling, water. Let the pot simmer on the stove at low heat until you are ready to use the jars. | #Sterilize the lids. The lids should be dent free, and the bands should fit tightly. Set the bands aside to dry, and place the jars and lids in a pot of hot, but not boiling, water. Let the pot simmer on the stove at low heat until you are ready to use the jars. | ||
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=== Canning the Tomatoes === | === Canning the Tomatoes === | ||
#Choose your lemon juice. You can either use fresh lemon juice, or lemon juice from a bottle. The lemon juice will be added to the jar along with the tomatoes. The juice helps to prevent the tomatoes from spoiling while they are in the jars, and also helps to retain the color and flavor of the tomatoes. | #Choose your lemon juice. You can either use fresh lemon juice, or lemon juice from a bottle. The lemon juice will be added to the jar along with the tomatoes. The juice helps to prevent the tomatoes from spoiling while they are in the jars, and also helps to retain the color and flavor of the tomatoes. | ||
| − | #Fill the jars with the tomatoes. Place the jars on a heat resistant surface and begin spooning the quartered tomatoes into the jars. Fill the jars until there is only about ½ of an inch of space left at the top of the jars. Add two tablespoons of lemon juice. You should also add either boiling water or hot tomato juice so that the jar is filled up to ½ an inch away from the top.<ref | + | #Fill the jars with the tomatoes. Place the jars on a heat resistant surface and begin spooning the quartered tomatoes into the jars. Fill the jars until there is only about ½ of an inch of space left at the top of the jars. Add two tablespoons of lemon juice. You should also add either boiling water or hot tomato juice so that the jar is filled up to ½ an inch away from the top.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*You could also consider adding other ingredients to enhance the flavor of the tomatoes. Cloves of garlic, peppers, or a sprig of basil make delicious additions to canned tomatoes. | #*You could also consider adding other ingredients to enhance the flavor of the tomatoes. Cloves of garlic, peppers, or a sprig of basil make delicious additions to canned tomatoes. | ||
| − | #Remove any air. Once you have added the lemon juice, gently press on the tomatoes with a spoon to release air bubbles. Air bubbles are bad because they can let bacteria get into the jars, thus spoiling your canned tomatoes. You should also slide a sterilized knife or plastic spoon along the inside wall of the jar, releasing any air trapped there.<ref>http://foodess.com/2011/09/how-to-can-tomatoes/</ref> | + | #Remove any air. Once you have added the lemon juice, gently press on the tomatoes with a spoon to release air bubbles. Air bubbles are bad because they can let bacteria get into the jars, thus spoiling your canned tomatoes. You should also slide a sterilized knife or plastic spoon along the inside wall of the jar, releasing any air trapped there.<ref name="rf3">http://foodess.com/2011/09/how-to-can-tomatoes/</ref> |
#Wipe away any drips along the top and sides of the jar. Place a lid on top of the jar and screw on the band with your hands. | #Wipe away any drips along the top and sides of the jar. Place a lid on top of the jar and screw on the band with your hands. | ||
=== Using the Canner === | === Using the Canner === | ||
| − | #Add water to the pot that you will use as your canner. The pot should be large enough to fit a batch of canning jars. Place the elevated canning rack in this pot, and fill halfway with water. Bring to a simmer. If you are using an actual canner, the rack should have come with it. If you are just using a pot, you can use a cooking rack so long as it fits in the pot.<ref | + | #Add water to the pot that you will use as your canner. The pot should be large enough to fit a batch of canning jars. Place the elevated canning rack in this pot, and fill halfway with water. Bring to a simmer. If you are using an actual canner, the rack should have come with it. If you are just using a pot, you can use a cooking rack so long as it fits in the pot.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*If you plan on doing a lot of canning, particularly of low-acid items like tomatoes, you should think about investing in a pressure canner. They take less time and are reliable. If you have a pressure canner and are planning on using it now, follow the instructions provided with the canner when you bought it. | #*If you plan on doing a lot of canning, particularly of low-acid items like tomatoes, you should think about investing in a pressure canner. They take less time and are reliable. If you have a pressure canner and are planning on using it now, follow the instructions provided with the canner when you bought it. | ||
#*If you do not have a cooking rack, you can just place a washcloth on the bottom of the pot. This will keep the glass jars from cracking against the metal of the pot. | #*If you do not have a cooking rack, you can just place a washcloth on the bottom of the pot. This will keep the glass jars from cracking against the metal of the pot. | ||
| − | #Place each filled jar on the canning rack. Once all the jars have been placed, lower the canning rack. Pour enough water into the simmering canning pot to cover the jars by two inches. Place the lid on the canning pot and bring to a boil. If you are using pints, boil the jars for 40 minutes. If you are using quarts, boil the jars for 45 minutes. You should also keep in mind that cooking time will vary based on what altitude you are canning at.<ref | + | #Place each filled jar on the canning rack. Once all the jars have been placed, lower the canning rack. Pour enough water into the simmering canning pot to cover the jars by two inches. Place the lid on the canning pot and bring to a boil. If you are using pints, boil the jars for 40 minutes. If you are using quarts, boil the jars for 45 minutes. You should also keep in mind that cooking time will vary based on what altitude you are canning at.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*{{convert|0|to|1000|ft|m|1}} above sea level: 35 minutes for pints, 45 minutes for quarts. | #*{{convert|0|to|1000|ft|m|1}} above sea level: 35 minutes for pints, 45 minutes for quarts. | ||
#*{{convert|1001|to|3000|ft|m|1}}: 40 minutes for pints, 50 minutes for quarts. | #*{{convert|1001|to|3000|ft|m|1}}: 40 minutes for pints, 50 minutes for quarts. | ||
