Are you expecting to bring back the summer months during the long winter months? Then why not try canning tomatoes? We all look forward to a fresh, sun-ripened tomato during the summer months. Canned tomatoes are the best way to grab the flavor of the best-tasting tomatoes during the off-season.
These tomatoes are picked up from the garden when completely ripped and sealed in a can after heating. You can either trim off the skin of the tomatoes or leave the skin intact. Diced, crushed, or whole tomatoes can be used in multiple recipes. Let us look at the recipe for preparing canned tomatoes and some ways you can utilize these tomatoes.
Ingredients Required To Prepare Canning Tomatoes
This Italian recipe takes no time to prepare with minimal ingredients. Moreover, you can get a pure form of tomatoes set in your cans to enjoy during the off-season. Here is the list of items you require for preparing canned tomatoes.
- 13 pounds of tomatoes (preferably Roma)
- 9 tablespoons of concentrated lemon juice (separated)
Step-By-Step Guide To Cook Canning Tomatoes
The steps to cook canned tomatoes are incredibly simple. You need not be a professional in cooking to cook these tomatoes. Follow the steps to make canning tomatoes in a simple procedure.
- Begin with washing and scoring tomatoes.
- Take a pot of boiling water and blanch the tomatoes for 60 seconds.
- Place a bowl and put the tomatoes in it to cool down. You can even place them for an ice bath.
- Once the tomatoes become cool enough to handle, peel off the skin. (this step is optional)
- Add the concentrated lemon juice to the jars (1 tablespoon per pint).
- Fill these sterilized jars with tomatoes and their juices.
- Leave a gap of ½ to /4 inches on the head.
- Run any sharp object along the sides of the jars to remove the air bubbles and clean the rim with tissue paper.
- Place the lid and screw on a rubber band, so it is finger tight.
- Process the jars in hot water for about 85 minutes and then allow them to cool down.
And here you go! Your Canning tomatoes are ready to be stored for ripened tomatoes’ fresh and flavorsome taste. You can enjoy them in any recipe during the off-season period. Besides this, these tomatoes stay fresh for a couple of months. Hence you need not purchase tomatoes every week for your lunches and dinners. Try them today for a flavorful meal.
Nutritional Calculation Of Canning Tomatoes
The nutritional information of canned tomatoes is a rough estimate of the recipe. They are subject to vary depending on the ingredients’ quantity and variations. The nutritional value here is one pint.
- Calories – 121 kcal
- Carbohydrates – 26 gms
- Protein – 5 gms
- Sodium – 1 gm
- Potassium – 1568 mg
- Fiber – 7 gms
- Sugar – 17 gms
- Vitamin A – 5460IU
- Vitamin C – 95.5 mg
- Calcium – 66 mg
- Iron – 1.8 mg
Different Forms Of Canning Tomatoes
There are numerous ways in which you can bring canned tomatoes. Below is the list of forms in which you can fetch canned tomatoes.
- Whole peeled tomatoes
- Diced tomatoes – tomatoes in this form have a firm texture. They are apt for chunkier textured meals like Bruschetta.
- Tomato paste – in this form, the tomatoes are converted into a semi-liquid texture after hours of cooking and straining. It has an intense tomato flavor and aroma.
- Tomato puree – the tomatoes are cooked for a short period, and the thick liquid is strained out.
- Tomato sauce – is a thinner version of tomato puree. The sauce is often loaded with seasonings and herbs and made into ready-to-use consumables.
Almost all of the aforementioned canned tomato products are also available in a no-salt version. It is the best way to cut down the excessive sodium levels in the body.
Best Storing Tips While Canning Tomatoes
Here are some best hacks you should never miss out on while preparing canned tomatoes. These shall help you store the tomatoes in the best form for entire days.
- Place the oldest can of tomatoes in the first row of your cupboard so that it gets used up first.
- Discard the cans which are leaking or bulging out. Even when the can smells awful when you open it, throw it away.
- If you are bringing the canned tomatoes from the store, make sure to use them within 18 months of the manufactured date.
- You should place the unopened cans in a dry and room temperature environment. The bacterias developed from heat can destroy the stored tomatoes.
Exciting Things To Do With Canning Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are a ready-to-use form of tomatoes that can be used for different purposes. No matter which cuisine you plan to cook, if it involves tomatoes, you got your canned tomatoes locked up in a jar. Here are some finger-licking recipes you can make from canned tomatoes.
Pasta Sauce
Take a pan and saute some chopped garlic and onion in it. Add the canned tomatoes in diced form, oregano, dried basil, and pepper flakes. Toss with boiled penne pasta and top it with some shredded Parmesan cheese.
Salsa Dip
Begin with sauteing canned tomatoes in the diced form in a skillet. Add jalapenos, green onions, cilantro, garlic, and red onions, and season it with flavorful spices. Serve the dip with oven-crisped tortilla chips.
Pizza Sauce
Take a medium bowl and mix 1 can of tomato sauce, 1 clove of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon of dried basil. Combine it all and spread it over the pizza crust. Top it with veggies and bake it.
The Final Takeaway
As we can see, canning tomatoes are of great utility. They are not only cost-effective, but you can enjoy the taste of ripped tomatoes during the off-season. With two ingredients, you can store tomatoes for up to 18 months. Besides this, these tomatoes can be used for making various dips, sauces, and other recipes. Any cuisine recipe which involves tomatoes can have the products of canned tomatoes.