how to can pureed tomatoes

3 min read 31-01-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to can pureed tomatoes at home! This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step process, safety tips, and storage advice for preserving the taste of summer. Preserve your harvest and enjoy delicious homemade pureed tomatoes all year round. Get started with our easy canning instructions today!

Introduction: Preserving the Taste of Summer with Canned Pureed Tomatoes

Canned pureed tomatoes are a pantry staple, perfect for sauces, soups, and stews. Making your own pureed tomatoes allows you to control the quality and taste, ensuring a superior product compared to store-bought options. This guide will walk you through the process of safely canning pureed tomatoes at home. Learn how to capture the vibrant flavor of fresh tomatoes and enjoy them throughout the year!

Getting Started: Equipment and Ingredients

Before you begin, gather your supplies. Proper equipment is crucial for safe and successful canning.

Essential Equipment:

Large stockpot: For blanching and cooking the tomatoes.
Food mill or blender: For pureeing the tomatoes. A food mill is preferred for smoother results.
Canning jars and lids: Use mason jars specifically designed for canning. Ensure the lids and rings are new.
Jar lifter: To safely move hot jars.
Canning funnel: To avoid spills while filling jars.
Large ladle or measuring cup: For filling jars.
Water bath canner: A large pot with a rack to hold the jars submerged in water.

Ingredients:

Ripe tomatoes: Choose firm, ripe tomatoes. The amount will depend on your yield and the number of jars you intend to can.
Lemon juice or citric acid: Added for acidity, ensuring safe preservation. Follow the recommended ratio below.

Step-by-Step Guide to Canning Pureed Tomatoes

This process ensures safe and delicious canned pureed tomatoes. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes:

Wash and remove stems from the tomatoes.
Blanch tomatoes for about 1 minute in boiling water. This loosens the skins.
Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Peel off the skins and remove any core parts.

2. Puree the Tomatoes:

Use a food mill or blender to puree the tomatoes until smooth. Remove any seeds if desired.

3. Add Lemon Juice or Citric Acid:

For every quart of pureed tomatoes, add 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice or 1/2 teaspoon of citric acid. This crucial step helps prevent botulism.

4. Heat the Puree:

Bring the pureed tomatoes to a rolling boil in the stockpot. Boil for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This kills any harmful bacteria.

5. Fill and Seal the Jars:

Use a canning funnel to fill the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace at the top.
Remove any air bubbles by running a non-metallic utensil around the inside of the jars.
Wipe the rims clean and place lids and rings on the jars. Tighten the rings fingertip tight.

6. Process in a Water Bath Canner:

Carefully place the filled jars in the water bath canner, ensuring they are completely submerged by at least 1 inch of water.
Bring the water to a rolling boil and process for 35 minutes for pints, and 45 minutes for quarts at altitudes up to 1,000 feet. Adjust processing times according to your altitude. Refer to a reputable canning guide for altitude adjustments.

7. Cool and Check Seals:

Once the processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the canner using a jar lifter and let them cool completely undisturbed.
Check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn't flex, the jar is sealed.

8. Store and Enjoy:

Store sealed jars in a cool, dark, and dry place. Properly canned pureed tomatoes can last for 12-18 months.

Troubleshooting: Addressing Common Canning Issues

Cloudy Puree: Using a food mill instead of a blender will generally create a smoother puree.
Poor Seals: Ensure jars and lids are clean and free of debris, and that rings are tightened properly.
Spoilage: Improper processing or inadequate acidity can lead to spoilage. Refer to a reliable canning guide for correct procedures.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor

Canning pureed tomatoes is a rewarding way to preserve the bounty of summer. Following these steps carefully ensures safe and delicious homemade pureed tomatoes. Enjoy the convenience and superior flavor of your homemade canned goods throughout the year! Remember to always refer to a reputable canning guide for the most accurate and up-to-date information, especially regarding altitude adjustments. Happy canning!