Why can your own tomatoes?
Well, there are many reasons. First, why let them to go to waste. The biggest reason you want to can your tomatoes is that you will be able to enjoy them, the year round. Remember you grew those tomatoes with your blood sweat and tears. Why not enjoy the fruits of your labor year round.
For example, if you live in an area of the world that has multiple seasons, especially cold weather and snow, then there is nothing better than using your own canned tomatoes, to make a big pot of chili on a cold and miserable day.
If you follow my method of canning you will be hooked for life on canning tomatoes, especially when you are enjoying them in your chili, lasagna, spaghetti, goulash, and many other favorite dishes.
First step to canning tomatoes is to purchase wide mouth canning jars, these come 12 jars to a case. Make sure the jars you purchase come with the lids and rings.
Place the jars in a large pot of water and bring them to a boil. After the canning jars start boiling turn the heat off and cover them. Let them stand in the hot water until they come back to room temperature.
As your jars are cooling down, you will want to use this time to prepare your tomatoes for canning. Rinse and clean the tomatoes in cool water cool water, place them on a cutting board and remove the imperfections, then cut the tomatoes into about 6 to 8 pieces, place those cut pieces in a large bowl. It takes about 3 pounds of tomatoes to fill one canning jar.
By the way, did you notice there was no mention of removing the skins from your tomatoes. The skins contain all the nutrients; they also add great texture to your meals. Removing the skins is the time consuming part of canning tomatoes. So we will not be doing that.
Now, once you have cut your tomatoes into pieces. They are ready to place in your canning jars. Here is when you will place the jar lids, into very hot water for about 5 minutes; this will soften the seal on the lids.
You are now ready to start canning. Remove the canning jar from the pot and empty the water from the jar. Now place the empty jar on your cutting board, add to the jar, 1 ounce of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of salt, then start packing in your tomatoes. Pack the jar tightly, leaving a 2 inch gap at the top of the jar for expansion. Take 1 lid out of the hot water, dry the lid off with a towel, make sure you dry the red area of the lid off very well. Also wipe the very top of the canning jar off as well. Place the lid on the jar, then place the jar ring on and tighten it on top of the jar, not to tight, snug will work.
Now, place your full jar of canned tomatoes back into the pot of water. Repeat these steps until you have filled the pot with jars of canned tomatoes. Once the pot is full turn the heat on high and when it begins to boil, set your timer for 45 minutes. Once the timer has gone off, remove the jars and set them on your kitchen counter to cool down and seal.
You will know when they have sealed, because you will hear a small popping sound from each jar. Another way to check if they have sealed, is to push in the center of the lid if it does not move, your jar has sealed. Congratulations you did it!
There you go, now start canning those tomatoes and you will be able to enjoy them for years to come.
Mika Powers is a successful on-line entrepreneur and gardening fanatic. He is here to help anyone who desires to live a better life both financially and physically. See his websites as they will change your life for the better in both areas http://www.besttomatoes.info
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