Description
Canning crushed tomatoes is a practical, beginner-friendly method to preserve your garden’s summer bounty and reduce food waste. This quick, expert-approved process ensures safe, flavorful, and shelf-stable results you can enjoy all year long.
Ingredients
Scale
- 45 lbs of ripe tomatoes (preferably Roma or plum)
- 2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice per quart jar
- OR 4 tablespoons 5% acidity vinegar per quart jar
- Optional: ½ teaspoon citric acid per quart jar
- Optional: 1 teaspoon canning salt per quart jar
- Optional: Basil, oregano, or garlic (no low-acid vegetables unless using a tested recipe)
Instructions
- Wash tomatoes thoroughly. Remove cores and blemishes. Peeling is optional.
- Puree tomatoes (skins and seeds included) using a food processor or blender.
- Transfer puree to a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, and simmer 20 minutes to 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Sterilize 7 quart jars or 14 pint jars in boiling water for 10 minutes. Keep hot. Heat lids and rings in separate warm water.
- Ladle hot sauce into jars, leaving ½ inch headspace. Add lemon juice or vinegar. Release air bubbles with a spatula. Wipe rims.
- Seal jars fingertip-tight. Place in simmering water bath canner, ensuring water covers jars by 1–2 inches.
- Bring to boil and process: 40 minutes for pints, 45 minutes for quarts. Adjust time for altitude if needed.
- Turn off heat, let jars rest in canner 5 minutes. Remove and cool undisturbed 12–24 hours.
- Check seals. Remove rings, label, and store in cool, dark place. Unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used within a week.
Notes
Always add acid to ensure safety. Use firm, ripe tomatoes. New lids are essential. Let jars cool naturally. Store sealed jars for 12–18 months in a stable, dark environment.
- Prep Time: 45–60 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes to 3 hours
- Category: Preserving
- Method: Water Bath Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 147mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: canning tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato preservation, home canning