Imagine savoring the taste of sun-ripened tomatoes in the dead of winter without losing a single ounce of their flavor. If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, why not make delicious homemade preserves that will spice up your meals for months? Discover this simple and effective method to keep tomatoes fresh and flavorful for up to two years.
Why is it worth canning tomatoes at home?
Homemade tomato preserves are like capturing a little bit of summer in a jar. They allow you to say goodbye to store-bought sauces and enjoy authentic, rich, and natural flavors year-round.
Homemade preserves are not only more economical, but also give you complete control over the ingredients. No additives, no preservatives, just pure, delicious tomato goodness.
In France, canning is a highly valued culinary tradition, passed down from generation to generation. Few things are more satisfying than enjoying homemade tomato sauce with steaming pasta in the dead of winter.
Selection of the best tomatoes
Not all tomatoes are suitable for canning. For best results:
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Choose fleshy varieties such as Roma or San Marzano , rich in flesh and low in water.
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Choose ripe tomatoes with smooth skin and a uniform color. A good sign of ripeness is if the stem separates easily from the stem.
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Buy seasonal tomatoes: Summer tomatoes are tastier and cheaper.
Tip: If your tomatoes are slightly underripe, let them ripen at room temperature for a few days. This will enhance the flavor.
Ingredients and equipment (for 3 2-liter jars)
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7 kg of fresh, fleshy tomatoes
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Fresh basil (optional, for a more intense flavor)
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Boiling water (for sterilizing jars)
Preparation time: 15 minutes 
Cooking time: 30 minutes 
Shelf life: up to 2 years
An easy recipe for homemade canned tomatoes
1. Preparing the tomatoes
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Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and cut into pieces.
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Blend them until you get a coarse consistency.
2. Cooking tomato puree
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Transfer the puree to a large saucepan and bring to a boil.
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Remove any foam that has formed on the surface.
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Cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to dissolve and concentrate.
