To jar cherry tomatoes safely at home, you'll need to properly prepare and process them using a boiling water bath method. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Steps for Jarring Cherry Tomatoes
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Prepare Tomatoes: Wash cherry tomatoes thoroughly. You can leave them whole, halve them, or prick them with a fork to prevent them from bursting during processing.
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Prepare Jars and Lids: Sterilize canning jars and prepare lids according to manufacturer's instructions. Keep jars hot until ready to fill.
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Prepare Tomato Juice (Optional): While not explicitly required, simmering tomatoes in juice enhances flavor and pack quality. Heat tomato juice (or make your own by crushing some extra tomatoes) in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Fill Jars: Pack the hot tomatoes into the hot jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
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Add Liquid: Pour the hot tomato juice over the tomatoes, ensuring they are covered and maintaining 1/2 inch of headspace. If you skip tomato juice, add boiling water.
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Remove Air Bubbles: Gently tap the jars on the counter or use a non-metallic utensil to release any trapped air bubbles.
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Adjust Lids: Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth. Place lids on the jars and screw bands on until fingertip tight.
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Process in Boiling Water Bath: Place the jars in a boiling water bath canner. Ensure the water covers the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a rolling boil and process according to the following table.
Processing Times for Boiling Water Bath Canning
| Jar Size | Altitude (0-1000 ft) | Altitude (1001-6000 ft) | Altitude (Above 6000 ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pints | 85 minutes | 90 minutes | 95 minutes |
| Quarts | 85 minutes | 90 minutes | 95 minutes |
Important Considerations:
- Acidification: Cherry tomatoes are generally considered low-acid. Following the USDA guidelines by using a boiling water bath for the recommended time ensures a safe product by eliminating botulism risk.
- Headspace: Maintaining the correct headspace is crucial for proper sealing.
- Jar Size: The processing times are consistent for both pint and quart jars.
- Altitude: Adjust processing times based on your altitude. Refer to the table above.
- Safety: Always follow safe canning practices to prevent spoilage and foodborne illness. Refer to USDA guidelines for further instruction.
- Cooling: After processing, turn off the heat, remove the canner lid, and let the jars sit for 5 minutes before removing them. Place jars on a towel-lined surface to cool completely (12-24 hours). Do not tighten bands.
- Checking Seals: After cooling, check the seals. Lids should be concave and not flex when pressed. If a jar didn't seal properly, refrigerate it immediately and use within a few days, or reprocess it with a new lid within 24 hours.
Properly jarred cherry tomatoes offer a delicious and safe way to preserve your harvest for later enjoyment.
