what is the open kettle method of canning tomatoes... does anyone know what it is? And if so how is it done.?

Question

trying to learn to can tomatoes using the open kettle method... My grandmother used to do it and now I can't find the recipe....

Help.. please and thanks

Answer 1

Hi, Chey...

I come from a long line of 'canners'. I learned to can tomatoes using the open kettle method from my Grandma and Mom. It's really simple and can cut down on time when you've got others things going also.

If you've ever canned before you know that one of the most important things in canning is to use absolutely clean and sterile jars, lids and rings. If they're not 100% clean that in itself can literally spoil your whole canning process.

For the open kettle method we started by 'bathing' the tomatoes in hot water for a few minutes and then dropping them into cold or icy water to better remove the tomato skins. In canning, if any skins aren't completed cooked in the process they too can cause spoiling in the sealed jars. So make sure you've not left any behind.

In a large canning pot place your skinned tomatoes and add just a bit of water to prevent burning. At this time you can also add spices and/or salt if you'd like. I prefer to can the tomatoes without anything else so that they can be used for several different recipes in the future.

Just continue to stir the tomatoes once they begin to boil. You'll notice the reddish/pink foam on top and it's best if you skim that off as it gathers, just makes for a prettier presentation when you do.

My Grandma used to cut the tomatoes in half before cooking just so that they cook down into bigger pieces. It just depends what you prefer to do this or not. I've known some to dice up the tomatoes before cooking, but this seemed like an unnecessary added task to me.

Cook the tomatoes down to the consistancy that you prefer. Depending on how big your canning pot is will determine how long this will take. When they've become very soft and you've skimmed off the foam a couple of times they'll probably be ready to put into jars.

I'm guessing you know they call this the open kettle method simply because the tomatoes are cooked 'not' under pressure and by not placing a lid on the kettle.

Putting the tomaotes into jars is fairly easy, just be cautious to not spill any of the hot liquid on yourself. Using a wide mouth or canning funnel worked really well for me. Place the funnel on the jar and pour enough tomatoes to almost the top of the jar. Leave a small amount of space for expansion but not too much.

It's best if your canning lids have been gently boiling or simmering in a pot of clean hot water with the rings. Make sure there is absolutely no tomato product on the rim of the jar, any remaining once the lids are placed can cause the whole jar to spoil. Anything on the rim of the jar can also cause the lid not to seal properly.

Once the lids are on place the rings over them and set your jars away from the cooking/canning area. I always set them on a dishtowel on the counter, not sure why I've always done this but probably because that's how my Gram and Mom used to.

And now for one of the best parts of canning!! If all goes well... you'll now enjoy the sound of your jars sealing by the popping of the lids! When you think you've heard the last one double check to make sure they're all sealed. If one hasn't sealed you can remove the lid and put on another one in the same manner.

Again, if all goes well you'll have a pantry filled with the bounty of summer canning! Enjoy!! I hope I've been helpful to you. You might want to check an older Betty Crocker cookbook for canning tips also. Boy did some of those older gals know how to do some serious canning! hehe.. Peace... Juana

Answer 2

Open Kettle Canning

Answer 3

My grandmother did the same thing but it is not recomended. She just boiled her skinned and cut up tomatoes. Then poured them into sterilize jars, added salt, wiped the tops off and sealed. Be sure to keep the tomatoes boiling as you do this. But as I said it isn't a recomended way to can. You can cold pack by putting the tomatoes in jars and sealing and then hot water bath them for about 40 min. I think.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
what is the open kettle method of canning tomatoes... does anyone know what it is? And if so how is it done.?
trying to learn to can tomatoes using the open kettle method... My grandmother used to do it and now I can't find the recipe....

Help.. please and thanks

Answer 5

How Long To Can Tomatoes

Answer 6

Yes, I certainly do, Here is how it is done, You fill your jars that have been sertilized in boiling water with your parboiled skin removed tomatoes, add a teaspoon of salt to each quart size jar and fill with boiling water to with in a inch of the top. place tops and rims firmly on jars, place on rack in a open bath canner fill with water to cover jars. Cover with lid bring to boil and time 25 minutes turn off and lift jars out to cool and that is all there is to it

Answer 7

why are they telling us no open kettle it is wrong i have do it for years.they say the stuff they put in grow is bad .

Answer 8

www.motherearthnews.com;check this out....