Tomatoes are a beloved staple in kitchens around the world. Whether used in sauces, stews, soups, or eaten fresh, their flavor adds depth and richness to countless dishes. However, fresh tomatoes have a short shelf life. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy their delicious taste all year round, this homemade preservation method is a game changer. It’s easy, affordable, and doesn’t require any special equipment.
Below, you’ll learn how to preserve tomatoes in jars with onions, garlic, and herbs, using only natural ingredients and a safe pasteurization method. This technique allows you to store your jars in the pantry for months, retaining the freshness and aroma of summer tomatoes.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Fresh ripe tomatoes – any variety you love
- 1 onion – sliced or chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic – chopped
- A handful of fresh parsley – chopped
- Bay leaves – 1 per jar
- Whole black peppercorns – a few for each jar
- Salt – ½ teaspoon per jar
- 9% vinegar – 1 tablespoon per jar
- Clean water – for filling the jars
- Sterilized glass jars and lids
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Wash and Prepare the Tomatoes
Start by thoroughly washing the tomatoes under running water. Remove any damaged or bruised parts. Then, cut out the core from the top of each tomato and slice them into medium-sized pieces or rounds, depending on your preference.
2. Prepare the Flavors
- Chop one medium onion into thin slices or small cubes.
- Chop four garlic cloves finely.
- Chop a handful of fresh parsley to add a vibrant, herbal aroma to the jars.
These ingredients not only boost the flavor but also add natural antibacterial properties, helping with preservation.
3. Sterilize the Jars
Use clean, sterilized jars with matching lids. Wash them thoroughly, rinse well, and leave them to dry. You can sterilize them by placing them in boiling water for a few minutes or heating them in the oven at 100°C (212°F) for 15 minutes. Make sure both jars and lids are completely dry before use.
4. Begin Layering the Ingredients
Start packing your jars in the following order for best distribution:
- Place 1 bay leaf at the bottom of each jar.
- Add a few black peppercorns.
- Add a layer of chopped garlic.
- Follow with a layer of onion.
- Sprinkle in some parsley.
- Add a layer of tomato slices.
- Repeat: add more onion, parsley, and more tomatoes, until the jar is full.
- Top with a final layer of onions and a pinch of parsley.
5. Add Salt and Vinegar
To each jar, add:
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of 9% vinegar
This step is essential. The salt enhances flavor, and the vinegar creates an acidic environment that helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, including Clostridium botulinum.
6. Fill with Water
Slowly pour clean water into each jar until the contents are fully covered. Leave about 1 cm of space from the top to prevent overflow during pasteurization.
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth or paper towel to ensure a proper seal. Close the jars tightly with clean lids.
7. Pasteurization Process
To safely preserve your jars:
- Place a cloth or towel at the bottom of a large pot. This prevents jars from cracking when heated.
- Arrange the jars inside the pot upright.
- Pour warm water into the pot, reaching up to the height of the lids (but not covering them).
- Cover the pot with a lid, place it on the stove, and bring the water to a low boil.
- Once the water begins to boil, pasteurize the jars for 35 minutes at around 80°C (176°F). This temperature is enough to kill pathogens while keeping the tomatoes intact.
8. Cooling and Storage
After 35 minutes:
- Turn off the heat and carefully remove the jars from the water using jar tongs or a towel.
- Place them on a towel or wooden surface to cool at room temperature.
- Once cooled, check that the lids are sealed — the center of each lid should be slightly sunken.
- If sealed properly, store your jars in a dark, cool place such as a pantry or cellar.
These preserved tomatoes will last for several months and can be used as a flavorful base for countless dishes.
How to Use Your Preserved Tomatoes
- In stews and soups: Pour the contents into your cooking pot and heat directly.
- For sauces: Blend and simmer with olive oil and herbs for a delicious tomato sauce.
- On pizza or pasta: Drain slightly and use as a fresh topping.
- As a side dish: Serve cold with olive oil for a quick salad.
This homemade tomato preservation method is a practical way to extend the life of your garden harvest or market purchases. The combination of garlic, onion, parsley, pepper, vinegar, and salt creates a delicious flavor profile while ensuring safety and longevity. No artificial preservatives. No additives. Just real food prepared with care.
Disclaimer
This method is designed for short- to medium-term storage (a few months) and relies on proper hygiene and pasteurization. Always inspect your jars before use. If a jar has a broken seal, unusual smell, or discoloration, discard it.
Preserve your tomatoes the natural way and enjoy the taste of summer in every season!
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