Tomatoes Canning
Exceptions
Maybe you don't want to just can straight tomatoes,
but also don't want to bother with pressure canning...
Here are some slight variations that still allow
SAFE canning, but with a bit of a flare.
First, check out the basics of canning tomatoes, if you haven't already.
Pre-Seasoned Tomatoes
One of the ways you can make canned tomatoes your own is adding some herbs to the jars while you can. There are several wonderful reasons to add herbs to your tomatoes now...
- It gives you a head start when you're using your tomatoes later...the seasoning is already in them.
- It adds variety to your canning pantry
- You can personalize your tomatoes according to your taste
- You can add variety--as you add spices to individual jars, you don't have to make one batch all the same.
Herb Blends
Feel like Italian? Cajun? Mexican? How about all three? Here are some blends to get you going, but feel free to adjust the proportions. Adding herbs is something you can do without messing up the safety factor when water bath canning tomatoes.
Mexican:
Mix 2 teaspoons chili powder with 1 teaspoon each of the following: cumin, oregano, garlic powder and coridander. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Add 2 1/2 teaspoons of mix to each pint jar before adding tomatoes.
Italian:
Mix 1 teaspoon each of basil, thyme, oregano together with 1/2 teaspoon each romsemary and sage, and 1/4 teaspoon each garlic powder and hot pepper flakes.
Add 2 1/4 teaspoons of mix to each pint jar before adding tomatoes.
Cajun:
Mix 1 teaspoon each of chili powder and paprika, with 1/2 teaspoon each of onion flakes, garlic powder, allspice and thyme. Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
Add 2 teaspoons of mix to each pint jar before adding tomatoes.
Mix and match. Each set of seasoning mixes above are enough for 6 pint jars, but don't feel as though you need to do a whole batch of tomatoes one way. Mix it up for variety.
Follow the tomatoes canning process to finish your pre-seasoned tomatoes.
Tomato Salsa
Another way to mix your tomatoes up a bit and still be safe is to make tomato salsa. Make sure, when canning salsa, you're using an approved recipe. Within salsa canning recipes, there can be some variation, but make sure you follow the rules to keep your family safe. Check out the salsa variations here, if you want to know the safe things you can change.
