The Lazy Person’s Guide to Canning Tomatoes

Step 1

Make sure jars are clean.

Step 2

Remove stems from tomatoes and pack (unpeeled) into jars, pushing down to fit in as many as possible.

Step 3

Cut tomatoes to fit more in as needed.

Step 4

Use damp paper towel to wipe rims of jars and place lids on top.

Step 5

Screw rings on securely.

Step 6

Place in canning pot, on rack (or folded towel).

Step 7

Place brick or stone on top of jars to weight them down, then fill pot with water, being sure to cover jars with at least an inch of water.

Step 8

On high heat, bring to rolling boil.

Step 9

Reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.

Step 10

Shut off heat, leave jars in pot.

Step 11

Let cool for 1/2 to 1 hour in pot.

Step 12

Remove jars from pot and let cool completely on counter, tomatoes will have slumped significantly in jar, leaving air space.

Step 13

Tomatoes will slump more as they cool and liquid settles.

Step 14

Tighten rings and store in cool, dark place.