Preserving fresh tomatoes for long-term storage can be simple and effective with Grandma’s tried-and-true method. Using glass containers, you can keep your tomatoes fresh for up to six months. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
- Fresh, ripe tomatoes
- Glass jars with lids (mason jars work well)
- Large pot for boiling water
- Slotted spoon
- Ice water bath
- Kitchen towels
- Salt (optional)
Step 2: Select and Prepare Tomatoes
- Choose ripe, unblemished tomatoes for the best results.
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residues.
Step 3: Blanch the Tomatoes
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Prepare an ice water bath in a separate large bowl.
- Using a slotted spoon, carefully place a few tomatoes at a time into the boiling water for about 30-60 seconds, or until the skins start to peel away.
- Immediately transfer the tomatoes to the ice water bath to stop the cooking process.
Step 4: Peel and Core the Tomatoes
- Once cooled, peel the skins off the tomatoes. The blanching process should make this step easy.
- Remove the cores and any blemished parts.
Step 5: Pack the Tomatoes into Glass Jars
- Sterilize the glass jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes, then let them air dry on clean kitchen towels.
- Pack the peeled and cored tomatoes into the sterilized jars, pressing down slightly to release some juice and remove air bubbles.
- Optionally, add a pinch of salt to each jar to enhance flavor and preservation.
Step 6: Seal the Jars
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a good seal.
- Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight.
Step 7: Process the Jars
- Place the filled jars into a large pot of boiling water, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Process the jars in the boiling water bath for 40-45 minutes to ensure proper sealing and sterilization.
- Carefully remove the jars from the boiling water using jar tongs and place them on a towel to cool. You should hear the lids pop as they seal.
Step 8: Check Seals and Store
- After the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed properly.
- Label the jars with the date and store them in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Success
- Use Quality Tomatoes: Only use fresh, ripe tomatoes without any signs of spoilage.
- Proper Sterilization: Ensure jars and lids are thoroughly sterilized to prevent contamination.
- Check Seals: Always check that jars are properly sealed before storing them.
- Cool Storage: Store jars in a cool, dark place to maximize shelf life.
By following Grandma’s time-tested method, you can enjoy the taste of fresh tomatoes all year round. This simple yet effective preservation technique using glass containers will keep your tomatoes fresh for up to six months, providing a delicious addition to your meals even during the off-season.