Old-Fashioned Tomato Canning Recipe

Learn how to preserve fresh, ripe tomatoes in glass jars with this traditional homemade tomato canning recipe. It’s a simple way to enjoy the fresh taste of summer tomatoes all year long.

🕒 Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 pint jars

🛒 Ingredients

• 8 pounds fresh, ripe tomatoes
• 8 tablespoons bottled lemon juice (2 tablespoons per pint jar)
• Canning salt (optional)

🥣 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under running water. Remove the stems and any damaged parts.

Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 30–60 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. Peel off the skins and remove the cores.

Step 2: Prepare the Jars

Wash the canning jars and keep them hot until ready to use. Add 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice to each clean pint jar.

Step 3: Fill the Jars

Cut the peeled tomatoes into quarters. Pack them into the jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace. Press gently to release air bubbles and adjust the liquid level if necessary.

Wipe the jar rims clean and secure the lids according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4: Process the Jars

Place the jars in a boiling-water canner, making sure they are covered by at least 1–2 inches of water.

For pint jars, process for 40 minutes at elevations up to 1,000 feet (305 meters). Adjust the processing time for higher elevations using a tested canning guide.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Turn off the heat and let the jars rest for 5 minutes before removing them.

Place the jars upright on a towel and allow them to cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours. Check that the lids have sealed properly.

Label the jars with the date and store sealed jars in a cool, dark place.

💡 Old-Fashioned Canning Tips

• Choose firm, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Always use bottled lemon juice to ensure consistent acidity.
• Never use tomatoes that are moldy or spoiled.
• Follow tested canning instructions and altitude adjustments to ensure safe preservation.

🍅 Serving Ideas

Use your home-canned tomatoes in homemade pasta sauce, soups, stews, chili, or your favorite family recipes.

Enjoy the taste of summer all year long with this classic tomato canning recipe!