Learn how to can fresh tomato salsa from your garden for a delicious, shelf-stable pantry staple. This recipe is perfect for beginners and offers options for spice level.
Author:Sarah Peterson
Prep Time:30 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:50 min
Yield:Approximately 7 pints1x
Category:Canning
Method:Water Bath Canning
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
6 quarts tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1–2 cups onions, chopped
1 cup green bell peppers, chopped
1/2 cup jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced (adjust to taste)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup white vinegar (5% acidity)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
Prepare your water bath canner, jars, lids, and bands. Jars should be sterilized.
Combine tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, and garlic in a large pot.
Add vinegar, salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in cilantro.
Ladle hot salsa into hot jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace if necessary.
Wipe jar rims clean and place lids and bands on jars.
Process jars in a boiling water bath canner for 15 minutes for pints or 20 minutes for quarts (adjust for altitude if needed).
Turn off heat, remove canner lid, and let jars sit for 5 minutes before removing them.
Let jars cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Check seals.
Label and store in a cool, dark place.
Notes
For a milder salsa, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For a spicier salsa, leave some seeds in or add more jalapeños.
Ensure your vinegar has at least 5% acidity for safe canning.
Properly sealed jars can be stored for up to a year.
This recipe is inspired by Ball canning guidelines for safe home food preservation.