How to Can Salsa

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Does your garden produce a surplus of tomatoes? If you have more tomatoes than you can eat during the summer, consider using them to make salsa that you can can and enjoy in the winter months. Canned tomato salsa is made with vinegar (which helps preserve it) and stored in sealed canning jars. Read on for a good tomato salsa recipe and USDA-approved canning procedure. This canning recipe makes approximately six pints of tomato salsa.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Making the Salsa

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  1. Make sure the vegetables you use are ripe and undamaged with no spots or bruises. You will need:
    • 5 pounds tomatoes
    • 1 pound canned green chilis, chopped
    • 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped (if you want extra spicy salsa, add two more jalapeños)
    • 2 cups chopped white onion
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup white vinegar
    • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Can Salsa
    Canned tomato salsa tastes best when the tomatoes have been peeled. To peel the tomatoes, use the following method:
    • Remove the stems from the tomatoes and give them a rinse.
    • Use a sharp knife to cut an "x" at either end of each tomato.
    • Put a large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil.
    • Blanch the tomatoes by dropping them in the boiling water and allowing them to cook for 30 seconds.
    • Remove the tomatoes, allow them to cool, and peel off the skin at the "x." It should come right off.
    • Taking care to preserve the juices, use a knife to slice out the core of the tomatoes.
    • Chop the tomatoes and set them aside in a bowl with their juices.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Can Salsa
    Bring them to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low and allow the salsa to simmer. Taste to make sure the salsa has enough spices, and add more if necessary.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Can Salsa
    Use a thermometer to make sure it reaches a temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82 degrees Celsius). This kills any enzymes or bacteria that may otherwise spoil your canned salsa.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Canning the Salsa

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Can Salsa
    Fill the jars to within a quarter inch (half a cm) of the rim. Use a funnel to ensure that the seal between the jar and the lid stays clean.
    • You may want to wash the canning jars using the hot water cycle on your dishwasher before starting the process. Place the lids into boiling water for a couple of minutes to sanitize them.
    • If you spill salsa on the rim of the jars, wipe it off with a paper towel before proceeding.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Can Salsa
    Screw on the lid rings to make sure they stay put. Don't tighten the lids too much at this point, since air needs to escape at the next stage of the canning process.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Can Salsa
    Fill the pot with water until it covers the jar by 2 inches (5 cm). Turn the burner to high heat and bring the water to a boil.
    • If you live at low elevation, boil the jars for 15 minutes.
    • If you live at high elevation, boil the jars for 25 minutes.
  4. Allow them to cool completely. The lids will make popping noises as they cool and seal.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Can Salsa
    If a lid makes a popping noise when pressed down and released, the can has not been properly sealed. You can place unsealed jars in the refrigerator to use immediately, or put them through the canning process again.
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  • Question
    Should I place something in the bottom of the pan to keep the jars from touching it?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you need to have a rack on the bottom to keep the jars from touching the bottom of the pan, because that will cause them to get too hot and crack. The jars have to have at least 2 inches of boiling water over their tops the whole time they are boiling.
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  • Question
    Can I use lime juice instead of vinegar?
    Community Answer
    Yes, I use lime juice instead of vinegar all the time, I prefer it that way.
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  • Question
    Can I add cooked sweet corn to this salsa? If so, do I have to pressure can it?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can add cooked sweet corn into this dish, and you don't have to pressure can it. Just store it as you otherwise would.
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      Tips

      • If you use jalapeno peppers during the salsa making and canning, wear gloves while you handle them. The oils in the peppers can remain on your skin even after washing and inadvertently end up in your eyes, nose or mouth. The oils from the pepper can cause an unpleasant burn.
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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      • USDA-approved salsa recipe
      • Salsa ingredients
      • Pint-sized canning jars
      • Canning lids
      • Large pot
      • Funnel
      • Mixing spoon
      • Large ladle
      • Jar grabber

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      References

      1. https://www.pickyourown.org/salsa.htm
      2. http://learningstore.uwex.edu/assets/pdfs/B3570.PDF
      3. http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/canned_tomato_salsa/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To can salsa, start by adding your salsa to a clean canning jar. Then screw on the lid, taking care to not tighten too much, so some air can escape during the canning process. Place the jar in a pot, cover it with 2 inches of water and boil it for 15 to 25 minutes. Carefully remove the jar with tongs to prevent burns and allow it to cool. Finally, check that the lid sealed by pushing down on the top of the lid. If the lid pops, you should repeat the canning process or eat the salsa right away. To learn how to make tomato salsa from scratch, scroll down!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • S. L.

        Sep 4, 2017

        "Just made my first batch of salsa, but didn't know how to can. I feel confident to try it now. Thanks!"
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