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Easy Water Bath Canned Whole Peeled Tomatoes Recipe for Beginners Step by Step

easy water bath canned whole peeled tomatoes - featured image

A simple and foolproof water bath canning method for preserving whole peeled tomatoes, perfect for beginners and busy home cooks. This recipe delivers fresh, rich tomato flavor with minimal ingredients and equipment.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 pounds ripe, firm whole tomatoes (Roma or plum recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice per quart jar
  • 1 teaspoon non-iodized salt per quart jar (optional)
  • Water for blanching and water bath

Instructions

  1. Wash jars, lids, and bands in hot soapy water. Rinse well. Place jars in a large pot or canner filled with water, bring to a simmer, and keep hot until ready to use. Heat lids in simmering water to soften sealing compound.
  2. Score a small ‘X’ on the bottom of each tomato with a sharp paring knife.
  3. Blanch tomatoes in boiling water for 30-60 seconds until skins loosen, then transfer immediately to ice water to stop cooking.
  4. Peel tomatoes starting at the scored ‘X’. If skin resists, dip again briefly in boiling water.
  5. Pack peeled whole tomatoes gently into hot jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
  6. Add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon salt (if using) to each quart jar.
  7. Fill jars with boiling water to cover tomatoes, maintaining headspace. Remove air bubbles with a non-metallic spatula.
  8. Wipe jar rims clean, place hot lids on jars, and screw on metal bands fingertip tight.
  9. Place jars on rack in canner or large pot with water covering jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to rolling boil and process for 40 minutes for quarts (35 minutes for pints) at sea level. Adjust time for altitude if needed.
  10. Remove jars with jar lifter and place on towel or cooling rack. Let sit undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
  11. Check seals (lids should not flex up and down). Label and store in a cool, dark place.

Notes

Use firm, ripe tomatoes for best texture. Lemon juice is essential for safe acidity. Maintain 1/2-inch headspace to prevent jar breakage and ensure vacuum seal. Adjust processing time for altitude above 1,000 feet. Remove air bubbles carefully to avoid spoilage. Cool jars undisturbed to prevent leaks.

Nutrition

Keywords: water bath canning, whole peeled tomatoes, canned tomatoes, beginner canning, preserving tomatoes, home canning, tomato recipe