Knowledgebase

Canning Tomatoes without adding lemon juice #773117

Asked September 26, 2021, 11:57 AM EDT

I canned tomatoes then realized I was supposed to add lemon juice for an acid. I did a hot water bath for 35 minutes for the chopped tomatoes. They have been in the jars for a week. Can I put them in freezer containers and freeze them at this point or do I need to throw them away? Thank you.

Polk County Oregon

Expert Response

You have passed the 24 hour time when it is safe to reprocess the jars.  Because botulism could form in the jars after that time so your tomatoes could be unsafe.  It would not be safe to consume them or freeze them.  

So sorry you forgot the lemon juice.  It is easy to do.  I did it just the other day but thank goodness remembered just as I put them in the canner.  

Thanks for using Ask Extension

Nellie


An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 28, 2021, 11:11 PM EDT

You have passed the 24 hour time when it is safe to reprocess the jars.  Because botulism could form in the jars after that time so your tomatoes could be unsafe.  It would not be safe to consume them or freeze them.  

So sorry you forgot the lemon juice.  It is easy to do.  I did it just the other day but thank goodness remembered just as I put them in the canner.  

Thanks for using Ask Extension

Nellie Oehler

An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 28, 2021, 11:11 PM EDT

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