Our tomatoes are flourishing this year. We've got about 20 plants and so many beautiful tomatoes. Which is great, because last year they did not grow or produce. We canned zero tomatoes.

We are making up for it this year!

Learn how to water bath can tomatoes for long term storage.

Each week we are busy in the kitchen canning tomatoes. I learned how to water bath can tomatoes about 14 years ago and have been doing it each year ever since.

We don't need a lot of canned tomatoes, but I do like them for use during the winter in soups and stews. And I can used them for salsa, as well, if I don't have fresh tomatoes.

Can you safely can tomatoes in a water bath?

Yes! Water bath canning is safe for foods with high acidity, such as tomatoes. Some recipes will vary in ingredients and will need to be pressure canned for safety. But simple tomato recipes like plain tomatoes and tomato sauces are safe to water bath can.

How long do you water bath can tomatoes?

Each recipe is a little different in the time needed to water bath. Your elevation also changes the amount of time needed. Most recipes call for at least 45 minutes in the water bath. Others, like this one, require 85 or more minutes.

Do you need lemon juice when canning tomatoes?

In the past, you didn't need lemon juice for canning tomatoes. However, extension programs now say that tomatoes aren't as acidic as they have been in the past and suggest the use of lemon juice in canning tomatoes. Lemon juice will stop the development of Botulism when added in the correct amount.

Is citric acid better than lemon juice for canning tomatoes?

Citric acid can be a better option if you don't want the taste of lemon juice in your tomatoes. The amount of citric acid for each tomato recipe varies. Make sure to follow the instructions so you get the correct amount.