Last Updated on August 8, 2024 by Veronica Sparks
If you find yourself with a bountiful tomato harvest, canning diced tomatoes is an excellent way to preserve that fresh, juicy flavor for months to come. Preserving food through water bath canning not only saves space in your refrigerator but also ensures that you have a stockpile of organic tomatoes ready for your favorite recipes.
Whether you are new to canning or a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through the steps to successfully can diced tomatoes.
Why Can Diced Tomatoes?
Canning diced tomatoes offers a plethora of benefits that make the process worthwhile.
Uses Up a Ton of Tomatoes
Firstly, it is an efficient way to use up a large tomato harvest, ensuring that none of your homegrown or store-bought tomatoes go to waste. Instead of letting them spoil on the counter, you can transform them into a pantry staple.
Extends Tomatoes’ Shelf Life
Extended shelf life is another significant advantage. Properly canned tomatoes can last up to a year or more, allowing you to enjoy the taste of summer even in the depths of winter. This not only reduces food waste but also provides a sense of self-sufficiency.
Cost Savings
Cost savings are also a notable benefit. Canned tomatoes bought from the store can be expensive, especially if you prefer organic or specialty varieties. By canning your own home-grown tomatoes, you save money and can tailor the tomatoes to your preference, avoiding additives and preservatives found in many store-bought options.
Convenience
Lastly, canned diced tomatoes are incredibly convenient. They are ready to use in a variety of recipes, from soups and stews to sauces and casseroles. Having a stash of home-canned tomatoes on hand can make meal preparation quicker and easier.
What You’ll Need for Canning Diced Tomatoes
| Granite Ware Water Bath Canning Starter Kit |  | BUY ON AMAZON |
| Kamota Mason Jars 16 OZ |  | BUY ON AMAZON |
| Magicorange 7-Piece Kitchen Knife Set |  | BUY ON AMAZON |
Before you start the canning process, gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients. Here’s a comprehensive list to ensure you have everything you need:
Equipment
- Large pot or water bath canner
- Canning jars with lids and bands
- Jar lifter
- Funnel
- Bubble remover/headspace tool
- Ladle
- Large bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Slotted spoon
- Clean towels
Ingredients
- Fresh tomatoes (about 20 pounds for 7 quarts)
- Lemon juice or citric acid (to ensure safe acidity levels)
- Salt (optional, for flavor)
How to Water Bath Can Diced Tomatoes
Now that you have all your supplies ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of water bath canning diced tomatoes:
1. Prepare the Tomatoes
Start by washing your tomatoes thoroughly. Remove the stems and any blemishes. To peel the tomatoes easily, first cut off the stem end and then blanch them in boiling water for 30-60 seconds before transferring them to an ice water bath. The skins should slip off effortlessly. Once peeled, dice the tomatoes into your desired size and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Jars
Sterilize your canning jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Keep the jars warm until you are ready to fill them. This helps prevent the jars from breaking when hot tomatoes are added.
3. Fill the Jars
Using a funnel, ladle the hot diced tomatoes into the prepared jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top. This space allows for the expansion of the tomatoes during the canning process. Remove any air bubbles by running a bubble remover tool or a non-metallic spatula around the inside edges of the jars. Adjust the headspace if necessary.
4. Add Lemon Juice or Citric Acid
To each quart jar, add 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice or ½ teaspoon of citric acid. This step is crucial as it ensures the tomatoes have the proper acidity level for safe canning. If you are using pint jars, use 1 tablespoon of bottled lemon juice or ¼ teaspoon of citric acid per jar.
5. Seal the Jars
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp towel to ensure a good seal. Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip tight.
6. Process the Jars
Place the filled jars into the water bath canner. Ensure they are covered by at least 1-2 inches of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and process the jars for 45 minutes for quarts and 35 minutes for pints. Adjust the processing time according to your altitude if necessary.
7. Cool and Store
Once the processing time is complete, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the canner for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove the jars using a jar lifter and place them on a towel to cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
8. Check the Seals
If any lids click once they’ve cooled, they haven’t sealed properly. Any jars that haven’t sealed should be refrigerated and used within a week. Otherwise, store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Ready to Get Canning?
Canning diced tomatoes is a rewarding and practical way to preserve the fresh taste of tomatoes year-round. By following these steps, you can ensure that your tomatoes are safely and deliciously preserved, ready to enhance your culinary creations.
Whether you’re a canning novice or an experienced preserver, the satisfaction of opening a jar of home-canned tomatoes on a cold winter day is unparalleled. So gather your tomatoes, fire up the canner, and enjoy the fruits of your labor for months to come.