What are the commonly experienced problems while canning tomatoes?

Canning tomatoes are an effective and convenient process to preserve them for a long period of time. The flavor of tomato is being used in various kinds of dishes as they are good nutrition providers. Sometimes, one may face several canning problems due to immediate causes, but there are solutions for every problem.

Here are few common problems while canning tomatoes:-

·        Loss of Liquid During Processing- This may happen due to lowering pressure after processing, fluctuating pressure while processing, presence of air bubbles in the jar before processing and improper seal. This can be prevented by maintaining proper pressure and following appropriate directions.

·        Imperfect Seal- The main reasons behind this problem are Cracks or chips in jars, failure to follow directions, using old canners and lifting jars from the top. When the seal is not proper, discard the food as it is safe for 24 hours only after seal is broken. This can be prevented by checking the jars carefully before using.

·        Color Changes- The main reasons behind this is that material gets in touch with minerals like zinc, iron or copper in water or cooking utensils, over processing, over mature or immature tomatoes, exposure to direct light and distinct spoilage. This can be prevented by careful utensil and tomato selection and following proper processing methods.

·        Spoilage- This results due to incorrect pressure, incorrect timing, incorrect method, poor selection of tomatoes and poor selection of jars. The prevention methods include checking the pressure accuracy, following timing directions properly, selection of the suitable tomatoes and checking the jars and their seal.

·        Poor Flavor- This may be caused due to overripe, immature and inferior tomatoes used, using too much water and improper storage. One must use good quality tomatoes only and should use appropriate amount of water. Always keep the jars in a dark, cool and dry place.

There are lots of canning problems but they can be easily prevented by using certain useful tips. 

Tips to enhance the ‘shelf life’ of canned tomatoes

Canned tomatoes can be easily and safely kept for a long period of time until the seal is broken. Everyone wants to increase the shelf life of canned tomatoes so that they can be used for a long time period. 

The shelf life of tomatoes can be determined in two ways, first for how much time it stays edible and second for how much time it holds nutritional value. If processed properly, the canned tomatoes can stay preserved for many months along with its nutritional value. Still, there are certain exceptions with the shelf life of canned tomatoes and one needs to follow few tips to enhance the same.

Here are few tips to enhance the shelf life of canned tomatoes:-

·        Refrigeration- In order to avoid the metallic taste of canned tomatoes, refrigerate them properly. This will help in maintaining the original taste and color of tomatoes for a long period of time.

·        Proper Storage Containers- The storage containers made up of plastic or glass should be used instead of using metallic or tin containers. The metallic containers may spoil the whole taste of tomatoes as chemical substances are present. Do not use dented, rusty or bulging or leaking storage containers.

·        Proper Sealing- The storage containers must be chosen very carefully because canned tomatoes gets spoiled if cracked jars are used. One must follow all the recommendations very carefully and a clean cloth should be used to remove any seasoning for a perfect seal.

·        Appropriate Processing- The directions and instructions of processing provided by professionals should be used before canning the tomatoes. It is recommended to consume the canned tomatoes within 12 to 15 months otherwise there are chances of it being spoiled and lose flavor as well as nutrition.

One can easily increase the shelf life of preservatives like canned tomatoes by following direction of processing and usage carefully. 

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Quick tips for canning tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the basic and preliminary elements that can be used in so many dishes. Tomatoes can be used as a base for so many sauces and gravies. 

There are so many wonderful recipes that can be tried with the help of tomatoes. Canning of tomatoes is a good option in places where there is shortage of tomatoes.

Canning of tomatoes can be done with the help of many different processes. 

There is hot water bath method and the pressurized can method. There should be specific jars used so that they do not crack while the process of canning. The jars should be closed tightly otherwise it shall result in spoilage of tomatoes. The storage is an essential area that should be taken care of. 

If the storage is not done at the appropriate temperature, it will lead to spoilage and then it would not be fit for use anymore. The ingredients should be clean and safe for the consumption. The lids of the jars should be discarded and changed from time to time. This is because there is a possibility of the reaction of the juices of the tomato with the metal. This shall lead to poisonous substances being produced. 

Only the standard mason jars should be used. The tomatoes can be preserved in many ways such as chopped, paste, puree, sauce, salsa besides the others.

The canning should be done for the adequate time and with the exact procedure. This shall help in keeping the paste for a longer time. 

So all one needs to do is get canning the tomatoes and making them fit for the sake of preserving. This is how it shall stay for a long time and can stay fresh and can be used for a prolonged time. 

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Is canning tomatoes worthwhile?

It is an essential ingredient that cannot be overlooked when one is making any delicious food. Tomatoes are such an ingredient that is most essential for the flavor and stew of the food. 

There are so many delicious concoctions of the curries and the gravies that would be virtually meaningless without the tangy and tickling flavor of the red and luscious tomatoes.

There are many forms of tomatoes available. Canning of the tomatoes is a process that has been there since a while now. It became such an instant hit because of the convenience that it has brought in the area of cooking. 

Canned tomatoes, in whatever form they may be, are definitely well preserved and made from the best and the ripest of the tomatoes of the season. They have a long shelf life than the raw fruit and can be used for a prolonged period of time.

They are available in various forms such as crushed and diced and sauces and purees. They are the best of the tomatoes that can be used as and when required. 

They are a good match for the soups and the meat sauces and the blends that have a rich display of spices and herbs that are the best in the taste as well as the medicinal values. Another very important benefit of canned tomatoes is that they have a greater extent of Lycopene element in it. It is that element that can decrease the risk of cancer to a great level.

When the canning of the tomatoes is done, they become more nutritious. 

The storage is also comparatively easier and this makes it all the more a worthwhile deal to can the tomatoes rather than using them fresh. So it is a good option to can tomatoes to make them better for the use.

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How to make canned tomato soup

Soup is something one cannot do without, especially in the chilly winters. The soup is an excellent appetizer as well as good nutrition diet that is essential for the health of the body and the skin. Tomato soup is one of the most widely loved soups. It is sort of tricky to make. There may be many personalized recipes, but this one is a simple and basic one.

Olive oil is heated in a pan and then onion and garlic are sautéed in it. When they become tender and cook a little, basil is added in it. This mixture is then cooked for a span of 5 minutes, so that there is the perfect savor that is the result. Then diced canned tomatoes are added to it as well as the tomato sauce. 

After all these things are mixed well, the heat of the3 pot is lowered and it is allowed to simmer for a span of 15 minutes. This is the time when the tomatoes shall get rich and creamy and tender. After the flavors have settled and blended well, the heavy cream is added to the pot. This shall make the soup a rich treat. After this, it is mixed well and the heat is turned to a higher level. 

Then the mixture is stirred continually so that it does not spoil. Then the salt and pepper is added to it according to the taste of the individual.

When it comes to a homogenous boil, one should know that it is ready. It should then again be left to simmer for additional 10 minutes so that the soup is totally well blended and is in a rich and tasty form.

 It can then be poured into soup bowls and enjoyed with the traditional cheese sandwich, or alone.

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How to make canned tomato sauce

Sauces can be a base for many delicious concoctions and the gravies that one makes. There are many ways to make good tomato sauce. Here is a simple and basic one.

The oil is heated in a pan and the garlic is sautéed. It is the first step towards a mouthwatering sauce. 

Then the canned tomatoes are added in the oil. This mixture is then brought to boil. The mixture is brought to a quick simmer and is cooked for a span of 5 minutes. After this, a blender can be used for the purpose of making the paste of the tomatoes even more fine and plain. Even a large spoon can be used for the purpose of mashing the tomatoes and making the blend an even one. 

The mashing and the blending is the key to the perfect sauce. The sauce is blended and mixed well so that there is no sort of lump in it. This is what gives the even taste and the uniform texture to it.

Then the taste of the sauce can be enhanced and seasoned with the addition of spices like salt and pepper and chilies if one wants to make it spicy and tangy. The basil is then added to it. It can be served hot or cold. 

It can be preserved for a long time. It has a good and homogenous taste and at the same time one knows it is clean and fresh if it is homemade. So all one needs to do is to get the ingredients and the process right and then one can start making their own tomato sauce. 

There are many benefits of the canned tomato sauce over the freshly made one. This is because there is more of the Lycopene pigment in the canned tomatoes; this is great in reducing the risk of cancer.

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How to make canned tomato salsa?

There are so many innovative recipes that can be made from tomatoes. 

They are the juicy and ripe fruits that are used in so many curries and sauces. 

Tomato salsa is a great recipe that can be eaten with a number of things. 

There are so many different recipes that can be tried with canned tomatoes that one is sure to be lost in a world of exotic cooking.

Cooking with canned tomatoes is a good option for people who live in those places where there is shortage of tomatoes. There are so many innovative and novel recipes that can be tried with tomato salsa. It can be used as an ingredient or may be eaten with bread as well. 

It can act as a base for pizzas and can be used as the base sauce for so many concoctions that are spicy and tasty. Tomato salsa can be experimented and made from either canned tomatoes or the fresh ones. There is a great and simple recipe that canned tomatoes can make. 

First of all, the oil is heated in a pan and onions and the garlic is sautéed. 

After this, the canned tomatoes are added to it. The chopped tomatoes are then stir- fried. 

The other peppers and the salts can then be added in it and should be left to simmer for a while.

Then the other spices can be added according to the choices and preferences. 

It is then sprinkled with basil. Then the salsa is ready to serve, hot or cold. 

It can be stored and used for a long time. So all one needs to do is put on their chef’s apron and get experimenting with the many possibilities that can be made from tomato salsa. It’s sure to be a treat!

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Hot water bath method for Canning tomatoes

Tomatoes are best canned and there are many ways in which the canning of the tomatoes can be done. 

There are so many complex methods that have now been developed but the best and the oldest method for this purpose is the hot water bath method.

First of all, the tomatoes are peeled and the pulp is crushed and made to a paste. The content is then filled in preferably air tight glass jars.

These jars are then submerged in water till the top. Then more water is added and the jars are then completely submerged in the water. The lid of the pot is then placed over it.

The water is then brought to a boil. The water is brought to a rolling boil and then the time for the processing of the tomatoes is counted. 

There can be more water added from time to time so that the jars are totally drenched. One needs to be careful while doing this. The extra water should be added on the sides of the jars and in between them and not directly over them. 

When the processing time is up, the heat can be turned off. The Jars are then removed from the water and placed away from the heat in a cooler place. 

To check whether the job is done well, one can tap the lid of the jars with the flipside of a spoon.

The jar, if it gives a high pitch sound, then the job is fine. 

If it gives a dull sound, there are particles of the mixture onto the inner side of the jar lid. 

As for the storage of this paste so made, they can be stored in a cool and dry place where there is no moisture to spoil it. The canned tomatoes are now ready for use.

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Do BPA-Free canned tomatoes cause any harm?

No, BPA-Free canned tomatoes do not cause any harm to the people consuming it. While, Tomatoes are very high in acid causing increased discharge in canned goods, thus many suppliers do not prefer to sell them BPA-Free. 

Nowadays, as everything is going to be organic and people are much aware of various health issues, many manufacturers are planning to provide BPA-Free canned tomatoes. 

There are some people, who still doubt the existence of BPA-Free products especially when it comes with tomato, but it is true that they are available. 

The companies are trying to withstand with the strong tomatoes’ acidity by packaging them in specially designed containers.

Now, all countries are trying to reduce the use of BPA for preserving various foods, in their packaging or cans. It is recommended to the users of canned tomatoes to buy glass jars as they have very less exposure to BPA. 

The linings in the tin jars include use of some harmful chemicals, which should be avoided. The glasses jars do not have any silver lining thus are more safe and reliable for daily consumption. Another way to stay protected is consuming the canned tomatoes within 12 to 15 months otherwise it may get spoiled.

When one is going to buy canned tomatoes, keep in mind to check whether the container is BPA-Free or not. Do not use it until one is pretty clear that the purchased item will not cause any harm. 

Try to buy glass bottles or jars and avoid cans, this will ensure the consumption of something health as well as environmental friendly. 

Every manufacturer does not supply BPA-Free canned tomatoes thus demand for the brands offering the same.

Nowadays various manufacturers have announced to offer BPA-Free canned tomatoes recently, being very health friendly. 

This will be really interesting to see whether they will take their promise seriously or not. Till then, keep enjoying. 

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Canning tomatoes using ‘Pressure Canning’ Method

Pressure canning method is a method of canning used to can low acidic foods. It is not that this method of canning cannot be used to can high acid foods; it is just that pressure canning method is more suitable to can low acidic foods. 

If low acidic foods are canned using other canning methods, there are chances that the food will be spoilt by a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. 

For home canning especially, pressure canning method is considered to be the safest method.

Although, Clostridium botulinum does not cause any harm to the body till it gets into a low-acid, oxygen-free and a moist environment. 

Even in partial vacuum situations, the bacteria tends to cause harm to the food contents. 

So, it is always better to can low acidic foods using pressure canning method.

To be able to employ this type of canning method, you will require a pressure canner which can be readily procured from the market. 

This pressure canner works on the same mechanism as a pressure cooker. Put a metal rack into the canner along with nearly two inches of water and put this canner on a high flame burner. 

Now, put the filled jars inside the rack and cover the canner with a tight lid. Allow the water to boil. A forceful pressure will build up inside the canner and let it be till the processing time gets over. Once, the desired processing settings are reached, take off the canner from the burner and allow it to cool down. 

After some time, take the jars out of the rack and place them in a cake cooling rack. The jars should be allowed to cool down for approximately eight hours.

Pressure canning method is a very easy method used to can vegetables. It is a safe and a reliable method to employ at home.

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