I'm new here - and just learning how to can. We canned some wild plum jelly yesterday and it turned out great.
Now I want to can some of our tomatoes. However, I don't want to use bottled lemon juice due to the added stuff in it which I am trying to stay away from. I want to use fresh lemon juice. Can I do this if I just add a little more in case it's not as acidic as the bottled?
Hello Mary and Welcome! I've also wanted to can tomatoes but wasn't sure the best way. I'll keep checking back and maybe we'll get a hint or two. Check out the barters, there are a couple ending today. You will enjot it here so much fun and great ladies!
Jennifer
Never let yesterday use up too much of today - Will Rogers
I'm sure you can use fresh lemon juice without any adjustments to the amount. When I can my tomatoes, I just add a tsp of salt to each quart, stuff the tomatoes in and add hot water to a half inch from the top. That's how I do plain tomatoes. I also can some by adding some chopped onions and whole basil leaves for dishes I know I will want those seasonings in.
I have read the reason for using bottled lemon juice is the same reason you have to add lemon juice to tomatos. Through the years of hybridizing you can't be sure that the acidity of store bought lemons is high enough. I agree with you I do not like to use bottled lemon juice but the safty of my canned goods is more important.
Canning Tomatoes
Posted - Sep 15 2009 : 1:00:24 PM
