Tomato canning - Ask Extension
The bulletin for canning tomatoes suggests adding bottled lemon juice. I have fresh lemons and limes. How much should I add to each quart when water b...
Knowledgebase
Tomato canning #217071
Asked October 15, 2014, 4:23 PM EDT
The bulletin for canning tomatoes suggests adding bottled lemon juice. I have fresh lemons and limes. How much should I add to each quart when water bath canning crushed tomatoes? Can I use coarsely chopped field tomatoes? (No seeds, no peels)?
2 T bottled lemon juice = ??? Fresh lemon juice?
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
You are correct-as stated in our fact sheet 9.341 Canning Tomatoes, it states "To ensure safe acidity in whole, crushed or juiced tomatoes, add 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice or 1/2 teaspoon of citric acid per quart of tomatoes. For pints, add 1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice or 1/4 teaspoon citric acid."
It is NOT recommended to use fresh lemon juice due to possible variation in strength / acidity. Use only bottled lemon juice.
The link is http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09341.html
Thanks for using eXtension.
