CRUSHED TOMATOES

CRUSHED TOMATOES

Crushed Tomatoes | Canning Tomatoes - from Ball® Fresh Preserving


Preserving Method:  Water Bath Canning
Makes about 2-3/4 lbs tomatoes for each quart jar


YOU WILL NEED


2-3/4 lbs tomatoes per quart jar

½ tsp  Citric Acid or 2 Tbsp bottled lemon juice to each hot quart jar
¼ tsp  Citric Acid or 1 Tbsp bottled lemon juice to each hot pint jar

Salt, 1 tsp salt to each quart jar
1/2 tsp salt to each pint jar (if desired)



WASH tomatoes. Dip in boiling water 30 to 60 seconds. Immediately dip in cold water. Slip off skins. Trim away any green areas and cut out core.

Cut into halves or quarters. Remove and discard seeds if desired

CUT tomatoes into quarters to measure about 2 cups. Transfer to a large stainless steel saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Using a potato masher, crush tomatoes to release juices.

While maintaining a gentle boil and stirring to prevent scorching, quarter additional tomatoes and add to the saucepan as you work.

The remaining tomatoes do not need to be crushed, as they will soften with heating and stirring. Continue until all tomatoes are added, then boil gently for 5 minutes.

ADD ½ tsp Citric Acid or 2 Tbsp bottled lemon juice to each hot quart jar. Add ¼ tsp Citric Acid or 1 Tbsp bottled lemon juice to each hot pint jar.

PACK hot tomatoes into hot jars to within a generous 1/2 inch of top of jar. Press tomatoes into the jar until the spaces between them fill with juice, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Add 1 teaspoon salt to each quart jar, 1/2 teaspoon to each pint jar, if desired. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot tomatoes. Wipe rim. Center hot lid on jar. Apply band and adjust until fit is fingertip tight.

PROCESS filled jars in a boiling water canner for 35 minutes for pints and 45 minutes for quarts, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed.