DIRECTIONS

• The prep time of 1 hour is broken down into two activities:  30 minutes to sterilize jars, lids, and rings, and 30 minutes to the prep tomatoes.
• Wash the tomatoes thoroughly, quarter lengthwise, trim off the tough stem base and discard (see photo above).  Place the quartered and trimmed tomatoes in large, non-reactive (stainless steel) soup or stock pot; set aside.
  • For whole, stewed tomatoes:
    • Wash the tomatoes thoroughly, use a pairing knife to cut out the tough stem base at the top of each tomato.  Place the whole and trimmed tomatoes in large, non-reactive (stainless steel) soup or stock pot; set aside.
  • For diced, stewed tomatoes:
    • Wash the tomatoes thoroughly, quarter lengthwise, trim off the tough stem base and discard (see photo above), slice the quartered tomatoes in half lengthwise, then slice crosswise into 1/2 inch pieces.  Place the diced tomatoes in large, non-reactive (stainless steel) soup or stock pot; set aside.
• Sterilize the jars and lids:
  • To determine how much water to put into a large canning pot:
    • Place the jars in the canning pot, fill the pot with enough water to have at least 1 inch above the top of the jars.
    • Bring to a boil for 1 minute.
    • Using canning tongs, carefully remove the jars and empty the hot water in the jars into the sink; set aside the sterilized jars.
    • Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-high heat.

Cooking:

• The total cook time of 30 minutes broken down into two activities:  15 minutes to cook the Roma tomatoes, and 15 minutes to pasteurize the filled jars.
• Place the pot containing the tomatoes (quartered, whole, or diced) on a burner set to medium-high, add the water and salt, cover and bring to a simmer, cook for 15 minutes.
• For puréed tomatoes:
  • Carefully ladle the cooked Roma tomatoes into a high-speed blender and purée until you get a smooth and consistent texture.
  • SAFETY TIP!:  BE CAREFUL!  Hold the top of the blender down when pureeing in a blender!
    • Hot liquids in a blender will react more vigorously when processed (i.e. the top will fly off the blender because of the expanding steam if the top is not held down )
  • You may need to add a little more of the purée if the level goes below 1/4 inch from the top.
  • Pour the puréed, stewed tomatoes into each sterilized jar to fill no higher than 1/4 inch below the top of the jar.  (Give each jar a couple of taps to ensure any trapped air is allowed to escape.)
    • You may need to add a little more of the purée if the level goes below 1/4 inch from the top.
• For whole or diced tomatoes:
  • Carefully ladle the whole (with liquid) or diced stewed tomatoes into each sterilized jar to fill no higher than 1/4 inch below the top of the jar.  (Give each jar a couple of taps to ensure any trapped air is allowed to escape.)
    • You may need to add a little more if the level goes below 1/4 inch from the top.
• Once each jar has been filled wipe the top of each jar with a clean paper towel.
  • This will ensure there aren’t any particles on the rim that would potentially cause a poor seal.
• Place the sterilized lid and ring on top of each jar and hand tighten.
• Raise the temperature of the canning pot to high and return to a boil.
• Using canning tongs, carefully place each jar in the boiling water, cover, and boil for 15 minutes.
• Using canning tongs, carefully remove each jar and place it on a rack to cool.
• Your canned Roma tomatoes are done.
  • Assuming a proper seal, the rings may be removed.  Store in a cool and dark space like a pantry or cupboard.  Use within one year.

Note:  You should hear a little “pop” once the jars have cooled and a vacuum is created inside the jar.  If you look at a canning lid you will notice a small, circular bump in the center of each lid.  If the canning process is successful and you have a good seal, once the pasteurized jars have cooled and created a vacuum inside the jar, that circular bump of the lid will be “sucked” into the jar, so to speak, creating that “popping” sound.  If you don’t hear that sound and the circular bump isn’t flat then you did not get a good seal.  Not a loss but you must refrigerate that jar because of the poor seal and use it within 30 days.