Once you can it, and open a jar, how long does it last? I read about a week, but want to be sure. I can't find a lot of information aout that part. Thanks!
Just got an e-mail back from our extension office on this. Here is what she said:
"I will be glad to give you some information about ketchup. Once canner the jars of canner ketchup are of highest quality and nutrient value if used within a year. You can keep them a second year whoever the color, and flavor and nutrient value may change some.
After opening home made ketchup, it is important to keep it in the refrigerator. There is not a definite “use by” date for the opened product. It will change color (darken) after a period of time. It is not a food safety issue just a food quality issue. Ball canning recommends the ketchup is best used within a few days of opening.
For best quality of ketchup you might want to consider smaller jars instead of larger ones for the quality issue. All of the recommendations for preserving/ canning ketchup using USDA recommendations call for canning in pints or smaller containers."
Just wanted to share in case there are others who are canning ketchup this year too.
We've had ketchup - homemade - in the fridge for a few weeks with no issue. That's us and I tried to use smaller jars so it wouldn't go bad too fast. Hubby wants bigger jars - figures. I think you have to make your own choices here as the fed agencies/businesses are too worried about being sued so will very much be cautious about giving you any dates or recommendations.
I'm using my first sauce maker to make my first ketchup today. I am going to boil seal the jars. I use ketchup to make homemade baked beans, sloppy joes and add it to other recipes. I'm canning in pint and 1/2 pint jars today. When I get enough tomatoes ripe at once, I will can 9 qts. of spaghetti sauce and then maybe can some taco sauce too.
It's been a very long day today. I'm freezing a dozen more green peppers and making another quart of salsa, while the ketchup is being made.
canning ketchup ??
Posted - Aug 09 2011 : 3:22:48 PM
