Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to preserve through home canning. Tomatoes can be canned as whole, diced, or sauced, and they are a great way to enjoy the delicious taste of tomatoes all year round. However, not all tomato varieties are equal when it comes to canning. Some tomato varieties are better suited for canning than others. So, what are the best determinate tomatoes for canning? Let's find out!
When it comes to canning, having the right type of tomato is essential. Determinate tomatoes are a great choice because they produce a lot of fruit at once, making it easier to can in bulk. In this article, we will discuss the best determinate tomatoes for canning, including heirloom, hybrid, and open-pollinated varieties.
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Types of Tomatoes for Canning
Before we dive into the specific varieties of determinate tomatoes, let's first discuss the different types of tomatoes that are best for canning.
Slicing Tomatoes
Slicing tomatoes are large and meaty, making them ideal for slicing and canning as diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. These tomatoes are often the mainstay of many home canners' tomato preservation. When choosing a slicing tomato for canning, look for varieties that are disease-resistant, as you don't want to can tomatoes that have been affected by blight or other fungal diseases.
Roma Tomatoes
Roma tomatoes have thick flesh and small seed cavities, making them perfect for canning as tomato sauce or paste. This tomato variety is ideal for those who want to make homemade tomato sauce, as it has a sweet flavor that is perfect for pasta dishes.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are small, sweet, and delicious, making them a great choice for canning as whole or halved, either pickled or in tomato juice. These little tomatoes can add a burst of fresh tomato flavor to your winter meals and are great for salads and stews.
Big Mama
Big Mama is a large and disease-resistant tomato variety that produces large amounts of fruit. It is ideal for canning as diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. This variety of tomatoes is perfect for those who want to make a large number of canned tomatoes in one go.
Best Determinate Tomatoes for Canning
When it comes to determinate tomatoes for canning, there are many great options to choose from. Here are some of the best varieties:
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Roma Tomato
The Roma tomato is a classic choice for canning because of its meaty flesh and small seed cavities. It produces large amounts of fruit, making it easy to can in bulk. It is great for canning as tomato sauce, paste, or diced tomatoes.
Big Mama
As mentioned earlier, Big Mama is a large and disease-resistant tomato variety that produces large amounts of fruit. It is ideal for canning as diced tomatoes or tomato sauce.
Open-Pollinated Varieties
Open-pollinated varieties are great for canning because they are easy to save tomato seeds from year to year. They also tend to have a sweet flavor and are great for canning as diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. Some popular open-pollinated varieties include:
- San Marzano
San Marzano is a classic Italian variety that is great for canning as a tomato sauce. It has a sweet flavor and is perfect for making authentic Italian sauces.
- Amish Paste
Amish Paste is a large, meaty tomato variety that is great for canning as a tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. This variety has a sweet flavor that is perfect for pasta sauces.
- Costoluto Genovese
Costoluto Genovese is a beautiful and unique tomato variety that is great for canning as a tomato sauce. It has a sweet flavor and is perfect for use in Italian recipes.
- Opalka
Opalka is a Polish tomato variety that is long and meaty. It is great for canning as a tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. It has a sweet and tangy flavor that is perfect for stews and soups.
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Heirloom Varieties
Heirloom tomatoes are a popular choice for canning because they offer unique flavors and are often disease-resistant. Here are some of the best heirloom varieties for canning:
- Brandywine
Brandywine is a large and flavorful heirloom variety that is great for canning as diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. It has a sweet flavor and is perfect for use in salads and sandwiches.
- Cherokee Purple
Cherokee Purple is a beautiful heirloom variety that is great for canning as tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. It has a rich, meaty flesh and a sweet flavor that is perfect for making homemade salsa.
- Yellow Pear
Yellow Pear is a small, pear-shaped heirloom tomato variety that is great for canning as whole or halved cherry tomatoes. It has a sweet flavor and is perfect for salads and appetizers.
Canning Tips
When canning tomatoes, it is important to follow proper procedures to ensure food safety. Here are some tips for canning tomatoes:
- Use a hot water bath to sterilize your jars and lids before filling them with tomatoes.
- Always add lemon juice or citric acid to your canned tomatoes to ensure they are acidic enough to prevent botulism.
- Follow a trusted recipe for canning tomatoes and do not alter the ingredients or cooking times.
- Store your canned tomatoes in a cool, dry place and use them within one year for best quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great determinate tomato varieties for canning, including Roma, Big Mama, open-pollinated, heirloom, and hybrid varieties. When selecting tomatoes for canning, consider their size, fleshiness, and disease resistance. Always follow proper canning procedures to ensure food safety, including using a hot water bath and adding lemon juice or citric acid to your canned tomatoes. With the right tomatoes and canning techniques, you can enjoy delicious tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and more all year round.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best tomatoes for canning?
When choosing tomatoes for canning, look for varieties that are meaty, have a low water content, and are disease-resistant. Good choices for canning include Roma tomatoes, Big Mama, and San Marzano.
Can I use heirloom tomatoes for canning?
Yes, you can use heirloom tomatoes for canning. Heirloom tomatoes offer unique flavors and are often disease-resistant, making them a popular choice for canning.
Can I can cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can can cherry tomatoes. To can cherry tomatoes, start by washing and sterilizing your jars and lids. Then, pack the cherry tomatoes into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Add a teaspoon of salt to each jar if desired. Cover the tomatoes with boiling water, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, place the lids on top, and screw on the bands. Process the jars in a hot water bath for the recommended amount of time based on your altitude and jar size.
Can I can orange tomatoes?
Yes, you can can orange tomatoes. Orange tomatoes are similar to red tomatoes in terms of texture and acidity, so they can be canned in the same way. Choose orange tomato varieties that are meaty and have a low water content for the best results.
How can I tell if my tomatoes are acidic enough for canning?
To ensure that your canned tomatoes are acidic enough to prevent botulism, add lemon juice or citric acid to the jars before processing. The amount of lemon juice or citric acid needed depends on the acidity of the tomatoes and the recipe you are using. Always follow a trusted recipe and do not alter the ingredients or cooking times. If in doubt, use a pH meter to test the acidity of your tomatoes. The pH should be below 4.6 for safe canning.
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