Canning can be an intimidating process, but I am here to show you just how easy it is to can summer fresh tomatoes without a pressure cooker! Anyone can do it and you'll enjoy summer tomatoes all year round!
Growing up we had a MASSIVE garden. Full of okra, green beans, squash, eggplant, sunflowers, corn, zinnias, banana peppers, and tomatoes.
There was nothing better than summer meals consisting of the fruits of our labor.
But I will admit, I wasn’t the biggest fan of tending to it or the work it required growing up - but I LOVED eating from it!
I especially loved walking downstairs to the basement in December and grabbing a can of green beans for dinner. There was truly nothing better than being able to have summer veggies all year round because of canning.
We would have big canning days for green beans and tomatoes at the end of the summer. Sitting on the blanket snapping green beans with my grandmother, and helping my mom clean the jars for the tomatoes are some of my favorite memories!
Now that I am older, my soul craves some of those things from my childhood.
And while I do have a pressure cooker, it still scares me and canning can require a bit of work.
Justin and I don’t have a big garden (yet) but enjoy our local CSA box every year. And I love getting big boxes of the end of the summer canning tomatoes to stock up my own pantry for soups and stews throughout the winter.
And guess what?!
You can tomatoes WITHOUT A PRESSURE COOKER!
It is actually super easy. Anyone can do it! You only need tomatoes, salt, and a couple of supplies and you will be on your way to stocking your pantry for the colder months.
Jump to:
Ingredients Needed
- 10 pounds of tomatoes - any variety will work
- 5 teaspoons salt
What Equipment Do I Need to Can Without a Pressure Cooker?
Not a lot is required for this, just a couple of household items that you more than likely already have (or that are easy to get your hands on).
- Large stock pot*
- Wide mouth pint* or quart Mason jars
- New wide mouth Mason jar lids and seals* or regular lids and seals*
- Canning funnel*
- Large deep soup spoon*
- Towels
(*All links are Amazon affiliate links and I will get a small portion of the commission for each sale)
How to Can Tomatoes without a Pressure Cooker
- Wash and dry your tomatoes. Add a large stockpot to the stove over medium heat. Quarter or largely dice the tomatoes and add to the pot. Stir and bring to a shimmer.
- Place a lid on and let cook for 3-4 hours. The tomatoes will cook down during that time.
- While the tomatoes are cooking, prep your jars. Place each mason jar in the dishwasher and run on a hot sanitizing cycle. Wash and dry the new rings and seal with hot soapy water. NOTE - the mason jars need to be hot when ready to fill with tomatoes. Adding the hot tomatoes to a cold mason jar glass will result in the jar breaking.
- Once the tomatoes are finished and the jars are clean, place a canning funnel into the jar and slowly fill the jars with the cooked tomatoes to right under the start of the seal - making sure not to get anything on the rim of the jar! Do not fill all the way to the top. There needs to be room left in the jar.
- Continue filling until the tomatoes are all used. This will get you approximately 5-quart jars or 10-pint jars full.
- To each jar place ½ teaspoon of salt per PINT jar or 1 teaspoon salt per QUART in each jar. Again make sure not to get any salt or anything on the rim of the jar.
- Wipe the rims of the jars if any tomatoes are salt have gotten on the seal and rim with a clean dry paper towel.
- Once the salt is in, place the new lids and seals on and close tightly.
- Lay a beach towel (or a large towel) on the kitchen counter. Place each jar upside down on the towels and then place another towel on top. Leave wrapped in the towels on the counter overnight or for 24 hours to slowly cool.
- Once they have cooled completely, double-check that they have completely sealed by placing your finger on top and checking for the top to not “pop”. Once sealed, store in the pantry.
- Use in any recipe that calls for canned tomatoes.
Making sure to keep the seal completely clean is super super important! If there is any salt, juice, or oil on the rim it will prevent the jar from sealing and will spoil the tomatoes and cause bacteria to grow - making them unusable.
If something gets on it, just wipe totally dry with a clean dry paper towel.
Once the cooling process has finished, press your finger in the center of the lid to see if there is any give. If there is not, your tomatoes are good to be put away and stored. If there is any give to it ("popping" at all), discard it immediately. There was likely something on the rim or seal of the jar making this can unusable and bad.
How to Store
Keep your tomatoes in a cool dry place like your pantry. Just as you would store any canned food item you buy from the store.
Frequently Asked Questions
These will last for 1-2 years. That is the beauty of canning! Being able to preserve food for an extended amount of time!
If for some reason the seal is broken or compromised at any time during the canning process or after, discard it immediately. You do not want to risk getting sick from the bacteria that can grow if the seal is broken and contaminated.
Use in any recipe that calls for canned tomatoes such as chili, tacos, marinara, pasta, etc.
Recipes Using Tomatoes
- Instant Pot Taco Soup
- Rustic Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale
- Sheet Pan Quesadilla
- Chili Con Carne
- Instant Pot Taco Soup
- Award Winning Instant Pot Chili
Recipe
How to Can Tomatoes - without a pressure cooker
- Total Time: 28 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 pints 1x
Description
Canning can be an intimidating process, but I am here to show you just how easy it is to can summer fresh tomatoes without a pressure cooker! Anyone can do it and you'll enjoy summer tomatoes all year round!
Ingredients
- 10 Pounds Ripe Tomatoes
- 5 Teaspoons Salt
Equipment Needed
Instructions
- Wash and dry your tomatoes. Add a large stockpot to the stove over medium heat. Quarter or largely dice the tomatoes and add to the pot. Stir and bring to a shimmer.
- Place a lid on and let cook for 3-4 hours. The tomatoes will cook down during that time.
- While the tomatoes are cooking, prep your jars. Place each mason jar in the dishwasher and run on a hot sanitizing cycle. Wash and dry the new rings and seal with hot soapy water. NOTE - the mason jars need to be hot when ready to fill with tomatoes. Adding the hot tomatoes to a cold mason jar glass will result in the jar breaking.
- Once the tomatoes are finished and the jars are clean, place a canning funnel into the jar and slowly fill the jars with the cooked tomatoes to right under the start of the seal - making sure not to get anything on the rim of the jar! Do not fill all the way to the top. There needs to be room left in the jar.
- Continue filling until the tomatoes are all used. This will get you approximately 5-quart jars or 10-pint jars full.
- To each jar place ½ teaspoon of salt per PINT jar or 1 teaspoon salt per QUART in each jar. Again make sure not to get any salt or anything on the rim of the jar.
- Wipe the rims of the jars if any tomatoes are salt have gotten on the seal and rim with a clean dry paper towel.
- Once the salt is in, place the new lids and seals on and close tightly.
- Lay a beach towel (or a large towel) on the kitchen counter. Place each jar upside down on the towels and then place another towel on top. Leave wrapped in the towels on the counter overnight or for 24 hours to slowly cool.
- Once they have cooled completely, double-check that they have completely sealed by placing your finger on top and checking for the top to not “pop”. Once sealed, store in the pantry.
- Use in any recipe that calls for canned tomatoes.
Notes
- links for equipment are Amazon affiliate links
- Canned tomatoes will last for 1-2 years stored in a cool dry dark place like your pantry
- Use in any recipe that calls for canned tomatoes
- If the top "pops" after the cans have cooled (meaning, if you press down on the lid with your finger and there is a give), the cans have not sealed properly. Discard immediately and do not use. There was likely something on the rim preventing from getting a complete and tight seal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 24 hours: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Vegetable
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pint
- Calories: 82
- Sugar: 11.9 g
- Sodium: 1185.4 mg
- Fat: 0.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 17.6 g
- Fiber: 5.4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: How to Can Tomatoes - without a pressure cooker
Pauline says
Hello, I just subscribed and look forward to many great recipes. I did have one question regarding your canning tomatoes without a pressure canner. You didn't mention anything to do with putting them in a Boiling Water Bath for X amount of time as so ? Thanks, simply want to be as safe as possible when it comes to food.
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Heather says
Hi! Yes - this is a recipe to can without a pressure cooker or cooking the tomatoes in the can. By cooking the tomatoes themselves and then placing them in the cans and turning them upside down to cool, it automatically seals and keeps the tomatoes safe and perfect to eat - just like canning does. Just make sure the top "pops" after the cans have cooled (meaning, if you press down on the lid with your finger and there is a give), the cans have not sealed properly. Discard immediately and do not use. There was likely something on the rim preventing from getting a complete and tight seal. Hope this helps!
Laura Syty says
If I do sauce and add the salt during the cooking period is that ok instead of adding at the end?
Heather says
It needs to be added at the end to each mason jar.
Jenn Klotz says
Hello!
I love this method and I'm so glad that you put this out here as it's hard to find anywhere else. It's become out tried and true way for our tomatoes.
I have a question for you; do you think it would work with green beans as well?
TIA
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Heather Bilyeu says
I have never done this method on green beans and I do not think it would work. I always use the traditional method for canning green beans. Hope this helps!
Taylor Victor says
Does the salt need mixed in, or just sprinkled on top?
And can o add peppers, onions, and herbs and still use this method?
Heather says
Nope, just sprinkle it on top, seal it, and turn it upside down to cool. It will mix in on its own! Great question though! And as far as adding the other ingredients, I have not ever done that before, and honestly would need to ask my mom who taught me how to do this. I don't see why not but I have not done it and do not know for sure. I will ask and get back to you ASAP!
Nicole Straka says
Hello. Can other spices be added such has jalapeños or fresh herbs to this recipe?
Heather Bilyeu says
Hey Nicole! I have never done that before but I do not see why not. If you try let me know how it turns out! Thanks for asking!
Sonia says
I have added spices, herbs, onions and peppers and everything was great
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Heather Bilyeu says
Thank you Nicole for making this and letting me know those additions worked! Good to know!
Fran says
I forgot to add the salt when I canned the tomatoes. What do I do now? Is this going to ruin the tomatoes?
Heather Bilyeu says
Hi Fran - no not at all! It just won't be seasoned so you will need to add salt whenever you use them! Thanks for making this, I hope you enjoy it in a bunch of yummy recipes!
Fran says
Thank you! It was actually a very easy recipe. With only two ingredients, I don't know how I forgot one of them.
Mary Lee says
Is it necessary to add lemon juice
Heather Bilyeu says
Hi Mary Lee - lemon juice isn't called for in this recipe. Just tomatoes and salt.
Dori Poteet says
I would love to add okra to this do you think that could work?
Heather Bilyeu says
Oh man Dori, I am not sure - I have never tried or used this method with anything but tomatoes before. I will ask my mom (the canning expert!) and find out!
Debbie says
Do I need to peel the tomatoes first? Sounds like an easy way to can tomatoes. I've gotten quite a few out of my garden this year
Heather Bilyeu says
Nope - no peeling required! It is a very easy way to save all of those beautiful summer tomatoes in abundance! Hope it is helpful and useful for you Debbie!
Kelly says
I'm wondering if instead of simmering the tomatoes for 3-4 hours on your stove top, could I accomplish the same results in a crockpot on high to avoid a hot kitchen?
Heather Bilyeu says
Hey Kelly! Totally understand that - a hot kitchen is not fun during the summer. I have not done that before but I don't see why it wouldn't work as it would be achieving the same results for cooking the tomatoes, just in a different method. I would say give it a go and see how it does! Let me know how it works for you!
B says
Howdy! Was just wondering how much the cooking time changes if you're using less than 10 lb. Also, do the tomatoes need to be stirred while simmering? Thanks!
Heather Bilyeu says
Hi Kelly, it depends on how much less. It will need at least 2 hours. And yes, I stir occasionally and keep an eye out on them. I would say I stir once every 30 minutes or so. Hope this helps!
Kris says
I love that you don’t have to do the hot water bath where you have to boil the full jar(s). Makes it so much easier! Just out of curiosity, why cool them upside down? Does it hurt anything if you cool them right side up? I love hearing the ‘ping’ as they cool, because then you know it worked!
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Heather Bilyeu says
Hi Kris - yes, this recipe is so much easier than using a pressure cooker! My mom has been doing this all my life and it is so much easier, and less intimidating IMO. You can definitely cool right side up. Just wrap them with bath or pool towels to keep the heat in and let them cool completely until they "ping". Wrapping them in towels keeps the heat in and acts as the pressure cooker and boiling water of sorts. Hope you give this a try and it works well for you!