Homemade Crushed Tomatoes for Canning
Preserving the taste of summer tomatoes has never been easier! This simple and flavorful recipe for homemade crushed tomatoes is perfect for canning enthusiasts. With just a few ingredients, you can create delicious crushed tomatoes that will brighten up your meals all year round. Whether you're adding them to sauces, soups, or stews, these canned tomatoes are sure to enhance your culinary creations. Follow this step-by-step guide, and enjoy the satisfaction of capturing the essence of fresh tomatoes in every jar. Perfect for those who grow their own tomatoes or want to take advantage of seasonal sales!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
3 lbs (cored and quartered)
Bottled lemon juice
2 tablespoons (for each quart jar)
Salt
1 teaspoon (for each quart jar)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (for each quart jar)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing a large pot of boiling water and a separate bowl filled with ice water.
2
Carefully dip the tomatoes into the boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds to loosen the skins, or pour the boiling water over them if using two pots.
3
Immediately transfer the tomatoes into the ice water bath to stop the cooking process, allowing them to sit for a couple of minutes.
4
Remove the tomatoes from the ice water, then core and peel the skins off.
5
Cut the peeled tomatoes into quarters, ensuring you discard any bad spots.
6
In a large kettle, place some of the quartered tomatoes and crush them with a potato masher while heating over medium-high heat.
7
Gradually add the remaining quartered tomatoes to the pot, stirring constantly to mix well.
8
Once all tomatoes are added, bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes to soften further.
9
Carefully ladle the hot crushed tomatoes into clean, hot quart-sized canning jars, leaving a 1/2-inch headspace at the top.
10
For each jar, add 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to enhance flavor and acidity.
11
Remove any air bubbles by running a spatula or bubble remover along the inside of the jar.
12
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure a good seal, then place a prepped lid on each jar and screw on the bands until fingertip-tight.
13
Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 50 minutes to safely preserve your crushed tomatoes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this recipe for?
This recipe is for making homemade crushed tomatoes specifically designed for canning and long-term preservation.
How many pounds of tomatoes are required?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of tomatoes to be cored and quartered.
How do I easily remove the skins from the tomatoes?
Dip the tomatoes into boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds to loosen the skins, then immediately transfer them to an ice water bath.
Why is an ice water bath used?
The ice water bath stops the cooking process and makes the loosened skins easier to peel off by hand.
How should I prepare the tomatoes after peeling?
Once peeled, you should core the tomatoes and cut them into quarters, making sure to discard any bad spots.
What tool should I use to crush the tomatoes?
You should use a potato masher to crush the quartered tomatoes in a large kettle.
What is the heat setting for crushing the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be crushed while heating the kettle over medium-high heat.
Do I add all the tomatoes to the pot at once?
No, place some quartered tomatoes in the kettle to crush first, then gradually add the remaining tomatoes while stirring constantly.
How long do the crushed tomatoes need to simmer?
Once the mixture reaches a gentle boil, let it simmer for 5 minutes to soften the tomatoes further.
What size jars are recommended for this recipe?
Clean, hot quart-sized canning jars are recommended.
How much headspace should be left in the jars?
You should leave a 1/2-inch headspace at the top of each jar.
Why do I need to add bottled lemon juice?
Bottled lemon juice is added to ensure the tomatoes have the correct acidity level for safe canning.
How much lemon juice is needed per jar?
Add 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice to each quart jar.
Is salt required for preservation?
While salt is primarily for flavor, the recipe recommends 1 teaspoon per quart jar.
Why is sugar added to the jars?
One teaspoon of sugar is added per jar to enhance the flavor and balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How do I remove air bubbles from the jars?
Run a spatula or a bubble remover tool along the inside of the jar before sealing.
Why must I wipe the rims of the jars?
Wiping the rims with a clean cloth ensures there is no residue that could prevent the lid from forming a proper seal.
How tight should I screw on the jar bands?
Screw the bands on until they are fingertip-tight.
What is the processing method for these tomatoes?
The jars should be processed in a boiling water canner.
How long do the jars need to process in the canner?
Process the jars in the boiling water canner for 50 minutes.
Can I use these tomatoes for sauces?
Yes, these crushed tomatoes are perfect for adding to sauces, soups, and stews.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I use home-grown tomatoes?
Absolutely; this recipe is ideal for those who grow their own tomatoes or buy them in season.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
Yes, the instructions specify peeling the skins after the boiling water and ice bath treatment.
What should I do if I find a bad spot on a tomato?
You should discard any bad spots while quartering the tomatoes.
Should the jars be hot or cold when filling?
The jars should be hot when you ladle the hot crushed tomatoes into them.
What is the benefit of making your own crushed tomatoes?
It allows you to capture the essence of fresh summer tomatoes and enjoy them throughout the year.
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?
Canning recipes usually specify bottled lemon juice because it has a consistent pH level required for safety.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: tomatoes, bottled lemon juice, salt, and sugar.
Is this a difficult recipe to follow?
No, it is described as a simple and easy guide for canning enthusiasts.