A Beginner’s Guide to Canning Tomato Sauce

Preparing the Tomatoes for Canning

Before you can start canning tomato sauce, you need to properly prepare the tomatoes. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Choose the Right Tomatoes: You want to choose ripe, juicy tomatoes that are free of bruises and blemishes. Look for tomatoes that are firm to the touch and have a deep, rich color.

2. Wash the Tomatoes: Rinse the tomatoes under cool, running water to remove any dirt or debris. You can also use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the skins.

3. Remove the Stems: Cut off the stem end of each tomato and discard.

4. Blanch the Tomatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare a bowl of ice water. Using a slotted spoon, lower the tomatoes into the boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds. Then, remove them with the slotted spoon and immediately transfer them to the ice water. This will stop the cooking process and make it easier to remove the skins.

5. Peel and Core the Tomatoes: Once the tomatoes have cooled, use a paring knife to remove the skins. Cut out any hard cores and discard them. Cut the tomatoes into quarters and remove the seeds and juice with your fingers or a spoon.

Now that your tomatoes are prepped and ready, you can move on to cooking and seasoning your tomato sauce.

Cooking and Seasoning Your Tomato Sauce

After you have prepared your tomatoes for canning, it’s time to cook and season your tomato sauce. Here’s how to do it:

1. Heat a Large Pot: Place a large pot on the stove and heat it over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the pot.

2. Add the Tomatoes: Add the prepared tomatoes to the pot and stir them occasionally. You can add onions, garlic, and other seasonings at this point, if desired.

3. Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

4. Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add salt, pepper, sugar, or other herbs and spices to taste.

5. Prepare the Jars: While the sauce is cooking, sterilize your canning jars and prepare your canning equipment.

Once your sauce is cooked and seasoned, it’s time to fill your jars and get them ready for processing.

Filling and Sealing the Jars

Now that your tomato sauce is cooked and seasoned, it’s time to fill your canning jars. Here’s how to do it:

1. Ladle the Sauce: Use a ladle to fill each jar with tomato sauce, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.

2. Remove Air Bubbles: Use a chopstick or a small spatula to remove any air bubbles from the sauce. Run the utensil around the inside of the jar to release any trapped air.

3. Wipe the Rims: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the rims of each jar to ensure a tight seal.

4. Apply Lids and Rings: Place a canning lid on top of each jar and then screw on the canning ring until it is tight but not overly tight.

5. Check for a Seal: After filling and sealing each jar, check for a proper seal by pressing down on the center of the lid. If it pops up and down, it hasn’t sealed properly.

Once your jars are filled and sealed, it’s time to process them in a water bath canner. This will ensure that your tomato sauce is safely preserved and ready to enjoy later.

Processing Your Canned Tomato Sauce

After you have filled and sealed your canning jars with tomato sauce, it’s time to process them in a water bath canner. Here’s how to do it:

1. Fill the Canner: Fill a water bath canner with enough water to cover the jars by at least one inch. Bring the water to a boil.

2. Lower the Jars: Using a jar lifter, carefully lower the jars into the boiling water. Make sure they are completely submerged.

3. Process the Jars: Process the jars for the recommended amount of time, which will depend on your altitude and the size of your jars. The processing time can range from 35 to 90 minutes.

4. Remove the Jars: After the processing time is up, use the jar lifter to carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel to cool.

5. Check for Seals: After the jars have cooled for 12 to 24 hours, check to make sure they have sealed properly. The lid should be concave and shouldn’t pop up and down when you press on it.

6. Label and Store: Label each jar with the date and contents, and store them in a cool, dark place. Your canned tomato sauce should last for up to 18 months.

By following these steps, you can safely preserve your tomato sauce and enjoy it throughout the year.

Storing Your Canned Tomato Sauce

Proper storage is important to ensure the longevity of your canned tomato sauce. Here are some tips on how to store your canned tomato sauce:

1. Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Store your canned tomato sauce in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or a basement. Avoid storing the jars in direct sunlight or near a heat source.

2. Check for Spoilage: Before using your canned tomato sauce, check for any signs of spoilage, such as a foul odor or mold growth. If you notice any signs of spoilage, discard the jar immediately.

3. Use within 18 Months: Canned tomato sauce should be consumed within 18 months of canning. Make sure to label your jars with the date of canning to keep track of when they were made.

4. Refrigerate After Opening: Once you open a jar of canned tomato sauce, refrigerate any unused portions and use them within a few days.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your canned tomato sauce stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.