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Safe Water Bath Chunky Tomato Salsa for Canning

A close-up of a white bowl filled with chunky, vibrant red homemade salsa, featuring visible diced tomatoes and green peppers.
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Follow this tested recipe to make safe, chunky salsa for water bath canning using garden tomatoes.

Ingredients

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  • 6 cups peeled, cored, and chopped tomatoes (about 3 lbs)
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped jalapeño peppers (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 1/4 cup bottled lemon juice (5% acidity)
  • 1 tablespoon canning salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Prepare your water bath canner, jars, lids, and bands according to manufacturer instructions. Keep jars hot.
  2. In a large, non-reactive pot, combine the chopped tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, jalapeño peppers, lemon juice, salt, cumin, oregano, and garlic.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring often to prevent sticking.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The salsa should thicken slightly.
  5. Taste the salsa and adjust seasonings if needed. Remember, acidity is key for safe canning.
  6. Ladle the hot salsa into hot canning jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
  7. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth. Center the lids and screw on bands until fingertip tight.
  8. Process the jars in the boiling water bath canner for 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude if necessary.
  9. Remove jars and let them cool undisturbed on a towel-lined counter for 12 to 24 hours. Check seals. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place.

Notes

  • For a smoother salsa, pulse the ingredients briefly in a food processor before simmering. Do not over-process; you want some texture remaining.
  • If you are using very watery tomatoes, simmer the mixture for an extra 10 minutes to reduce liquid before jarring.
  • Use only tested canning salt; do not use iodized table salt.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/homemade-salsa-water-bath-canning-recipe/