Preserve Summer's Bounty: Tomato Canning Recipes & Tips

As summer kicks off, your garden is likely starting to overflow with ripe, juicy tomatoes, making it the perfect time to dive into canning. Growing and preserving tomatoes allows you to enjoy their fresh taste year-round. Start by choosing the right varieties, such as Roma for canning or Cherry for fresh eating. Ensure your soil is well-drained and enriched with compost. As the tomatoes ripen, harvest them when fully colored and slightly firm. For canning, blanch tomatoes in boiling water, peel, and prepare them for your favorite recipes like classic tomato sauce, salsa, or tomato paste. Use a water bath canning method for high-acid foods, ensuring to add lemon juice or citric acid for safety. Proper storage and canning techniques will help preserve the vibrant flavors of summer, providing a pantry full of delicious, homegrown tomatoes to enjoy throughout the year. Embrace the bounty of summer and get cracking on making your own canned tomato delights!

Delicious Tomato Canning Recipes

Classic Tomato Sauce

Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Instructions:

Blanch and peel tomatoes. Remove cores and chop.

Sauté garlic and onions in olive oil until soft.

Add tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the sauce thickens.

Can using water bath or pressure canning method.

Salsa

Ingredients: Tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Instructions:

Blanch, peel, and chop tomatoes.

Dice jalapeños and onions.

Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil.

Simmer for 10 minutes.

Can using water bath method.

Tomato Paste

Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, olive oil, salt.

Instructions:

Blanch, peel, and seed tomatoes.

Blend tomatoes into a puree.

Simmer over low heat, stirring frequently until reduced to a thick paste.

Can using water bath or pressure canning method.

Diced Tomatoes

Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, lemon juice or citric acid.

Instructions:

Blanch, peel, and dice tomatoes.

Pack tomatoes into sterilized jars.

Add lemon juice or citric acid to each jar.

Can using water bath method.

Tomato Soup

Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, chicken or vegetable broth, cream (optional), salt, and pepper.

Instructions:

Blanch, peel, and chop tomatoes.

Sauté onions and garlic until soft.

Add tomatoes and broth, simmer for 30 minutes.

Blend until smooth and add cream if desired.

Can using pressure canning method.

Tips for Canning Tomatoes

Use Fresh Tomatoes: The fresher the tomatoes, the better the flavor.

Proper Acidity: Add lemon juice or citric acid to ensure safe acidity levels.

Follow Safety Guidelines: Always use recommended canning methods and processing times to avoid contamination.

You can find some great tools listed here :

Granite Ware 9 Piece Water Bath Canning Pot : https://amzn.to/4aPPOSg

Go big or go home with the All American 1930 Pressure Cooker https://amzn.to/3x6w3b5

Or if you're like me and am not a mad canning woman use the Barton Pressure Canner 22 Quart Capacity : https://amzn.to/4aUlUfz

Ball Canning Jars : https://amzn.to/3yRa0pu

7 Piece Canning Kit : https://amzn.to/3Rja3AJ

Ball Preserving Guide : https://amzn.to/3VcmYWj

By following these recipes and tips, you can enjoy the taste of summer all year long. Canning tomatoes is a rewarding way to preserve your harvest and create delicious, homemade meals for your family. Happy canning!

For more detailed recipes and tips, stay tuned to our blog or visit reputable canning resources online. https://themodernfarmerdotblog.wordpress.com/