# Recipe for Canning Cherry Tomatoes: A Delicious Guide to Preserving Summer's Bounty

## Introduction to Canning Cherry TomatoesIf you’re looking for a way to savor the vibrant taste of summer all year round, then you’ve come to the right pla……

## Introduction to Canning Cherry Tomatoes

If you’re looking for a way to savor the vibrant taste of summer all year round, then you’ve come to the right place. This **recipe for canning cherry tomatoes** will not only help you preserve these juicy gems but also elevate your culinary creations throughout the seasons. Canning cherry tomatoes is an enjoyable and rewarding process that allows you to capture their sweet flavor and bright color, making them a perfect addition to soups, sauces, and salads.

## Why Choose Cherry Tomatoes for Canning?

Cherry tomatoes are a favorite among home gardeners and chefs alike due to their rich flavor and versatility. Their small size makes them easy to handle, and their natural sweetness intensifies during the canning process. Whether you’ve harvested a bumper crop or simply want to enjoy the taste of fresh tomatoes in the off-season, this **recipe for canning cherry tomatoes** is your ticket to deliciousness.

## What You’ll Need

Before diving into the canning process, gather the following ingredients and tools:

- **Fresh cherry tomatoes**: About 5 pounds, preferably ripe and firm.

- **Canning jars**: Quart or pint-sized, with new lids.

- **Water bath canner**: Essential for processing your jars safely.

- **Salt**: Non-iodized canning salt or kosher salt.

- **Lemon juice**: For acidity, which helps preserve the tomatoes.

- **A large pot**: For blanching the tomatoes.

- **A ladle and funnel**: To fill the jars without mess.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare Your Tomatoes

Start by washing your cherry tomatoes thoroughly under running water. Remove any stems and blemished tomatoes. To make peeling easier, you can blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. Once cooled, the skins should slip off effortlessly.

### Step 2: Sterilize Your Jars

While you’re preparing the tomatoes, it’s crucial to sterilize your canning jars. Place them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, or run them through a hot cycle in your dishwasher. This step is vital for preventing spoilage.

### Step 3: Pack the Jars

Once your tomatoes are peeled, it’s time to pack them into the jars. Start by placing a layer of cherry tomatoes in the bottom of each jar. Add a teaspoon of salt and a tablespoon of lemon juice to each jar to ensure proper acidity. Continue packing the tomatoes, leaving about half an inch of headspace at the top.

### Step 4: Fill with Water

After packing the jars with tomatoes, fill them with boiling water, ensuring that the tomatoes are fully submerged. Again, leave about half an inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue, then place the sterilized lids on top.

### Step 5: Process the Jars

Seal the jars tightly and place them in your water bath canner. Process the jars for about 35 minutes for pint-sized jars and 45 minutes for quart-sized jars. Make sure the water covers the jars by at least an inch.

### Step 6: Cool and Store

Once the processing time is up, carefully remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a clean towel or cooling rack. You’ll hear the satisfying “pop” of the lids sealing as they cool. After 24 hours, check the seals by pressing down in the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed properly.

## Conclusion: Enjoy Your Preserved Cherry Tomatoes

Now that you’ve mastered this **recipe for canning cherry tomatoes**, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor all year long. Use them in pasta dishes, stews, or as a topping for bruschetta. Canned cherry tomatoes also make a fantastic gift for friends and family who appreciate homemade goodness. Happy canning!