Canning with boiling water is a simple way to can your tomato-based salsa.
Making homemade tomato salsa is a fresh alternative to buying it from the store. There are many different varieties of salsa but one made with vine-ripened tomatoes provides the acidity needed for water canning. Canning can seem daunting but with patience it is a relatively simple task and worth the effort.
Instructions
Prepare Jars, Lids and Pot
1. Wash jars in hot soapy water, inspecting for any chips or cracks in the jars.
2. Pour boiling water over the jars and keep them in the water for about 10 minutes to sterilize them.
3. Check the lids and rims to ensure they close properly. If the seals are uneven they will not seal properly and should not be used.
4. Fill pot about half-way with water and place on the stove.
Fill Jars
5. Place hot jars on a towel to prevent them from slipping.
6. Pour salsa into the jars using the ladle, leaving a half-inch of space from the top.
7. Wipe jar lids with a damp cloth, any food on the rim will prevent a proper seal.
8. Place lids on the jars and tighten the bands.
9. Set jars into pot as they are filled, making sure the jars don't touch.
Seal Jars
10. Check to make sure that the water level reaches to about an inch above the jar tops. Then put the lid on top of the pot.
11. Turn stove on high and when you hear the water boil, start your timer. The jars will need to boil for 35 minutes.
12. Remove jars using the tongs and place on a towel, leaving one inch of space between the jars so that air can circulate.
13. Press the center of each jar lid to test jars for proper seals after they've cooled for about 12 to 24 hours. If the dip in the lid holds, it's sealed. If the lid bounces up and down, the jar hasn't sealed. Check the unsealed jars for flaws, if you don't find any you can reprocess it within 24 hours or refrigerate it and use within three days. If you decide to reprocess, use a new jar, lid and rim.
14. Label jars with contents and the date and store in a cool, dry place for up to one year.
Tags: boiling water, jars using