1. Prepare the Jars: Start by sterilizing your jars and lids to eliminate any bacteria. You can do this by boiling them in a large pot of water for about 10 minutes, then leaving them to air dry on a clean towel.
2. Prepare the Tomatoes: Choose fresh, ripe tomatoes. Wash them under cold running water and then remove the stems. To make the peeling process easier, you might want to blanch the tomatoes. Cut a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato and immerse them in boiling water for about a minute. Transfer them immediately into ice water to stop the cooking process. The skins should now peel off easily.
3. Pack the Jars: Peel your tomatoes and pack them into the sterilized jars. You can leave them whole, slice them in half, or chop them, depending on your preference. If desired, add a pinch of salt and a fresh basil leaf to each jar for extra flavor.
4. Seal the Jars: Fill the jars with boiling water, leaving about half an inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rim of the jar with a clean towel to ensure a good seal, then tightly screw on the lids.
5. Process the Jars: To ensure the jars are sealed and the contents are preserved, place the filled jars back into a pot of boiling water, making sure they are completely submerged. Boil for about 15 minutes. Carefully remove the jars and set them aside to cool without touching the lids.
6. Check the Seal: Once the jars are cooled, check the seal by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid does not pop back, it’s sealed. If it pops back, the jar hasn’t sealed properly and should be refrigerated and used first.
Conclusion
Preserving tomatoes using grandma’s chemical-free recipe is an excellent way to extend the life of your summer harvest and enjoy the fresh taste of tomatoes all year round. This method is simple, effective, and gives you a wonderful ingredient to use in your cooking throughout the winter months. Enjoy the fruits of your labor in your favorite dishes and relish the fresh, pure taste of your home-preserved tomatoes.
