There’s a special kind of joy in preserving what you’ve grown or chosen with care. When summer’s at its peak and tomatoes are overflowing in gardens and farmers markets, it’s the perfect time to think ahead. Learning how to can diced tomatoes allows you to capture that juicy, sun-ripened flavor and enjoy it all year long. Whether you’re prepping for winter meals or building up a pantry of homemade staples, this guide walks you through how to can diced tomatoes at home with confidence.
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How to Can Diced Tomatoes at Home (Step-by-Step)
Preserving diced tomatoes through canning isn’t just practical—it’s empowering. You control the ingredients, the quality, and the flavor. Here’s why learning how to can diced tomatoes makes sense for your kitchen:
- Save money by buying tomatoes in bulk or using homegrown produce.
- Avoid additives and preservatives often found in store-bought cans.
- Reduce waste by storing tomatoes in reusable jars instead of tin cans.
- Customize flavor by choosing your tomato varieties.
- Emergency-ready: Home-canned goods are great for long-term food storage.
What You Need Before You Can Diced Tomatoes
To get started with how to can diced tomatoes, gather the essential ingredients and supplies. Having everything ready ahead of time makes the process smoother.
Ingredients Checklist:
- Fresh tomatoes (about 3 pounds per quart): Roma or paste types work best.
- Bottled lemon juice (2 tablespoons per quart) or citric acid (½ teaspoon per quart).
- Canning salt (optional, 1 teaspoon per quart).
- Boiling water (used to top off jars).
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Water bath canner or pressure canner
- Quart or pint-size glass canning jars
- Lids and screw bands
- Jar lifter, funnel, and bubble remover
- Large pot for blanching
- Bowl for ice water
- Ladle and slotted spoon
Blanching Tomatoes Before You Can Diced Tomatoes
Step 1: Blanch and Peel
To remove skins easily when you can diced tomatoes:
- Score an “X” on the bottom of each tomato.
- Dip them in boiling water for 30–60 seconds.
- Immediately transfer to an ice water bath.
- Skins will slip right off.
Step 2: Core and Dice
- Cut out the cores and remove any blemishes.
- Dice into uniform cubes.
- Collect any juice that runs out and reserve it for the jars.
Sterilizing Jars Before You Can Diced Tomatoes
Before filling your jars when you can diced tomatoes, it’s critical to ensure everything is sterile:
- Wash jars, lids, and bands with hot, soapy water.
- Sterilize jars by boiling them or using your dishwasher’s hot cycle.
- Keep them warm until ready to fill (hot jars + hot contents = no cracks).
Filling the Jars and Sealing Jars When You Can Diced Tomatoes
Step 1: Add Acid
Tomatoes are borderline low-acid and must be acidified to be safely canned using a water bath. Add one of the following to each quart jar:
- 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice, or
- ½ teaspoon of citric acid.
Pints require half the amount.
Step 2: Pack the Diced Tomatoes
- Using a funnel, fill jars with diced tomatoes and their juices.
- Add optional canning salt if desired.
- Pour in boiling water if needed to maintain ½ inch headspace.
- Run a bubble remover tool around the inside edge to release trapped air.
Step 3: Wipe and Seal
- Wipe jar rims with a clean cloth to ensure a good seal.
- Place lids on top and screw bands on until fingertip-tight.
Processing: How to Can Diced Tomatoes Safely
Water Bath Method (Most Common)
Place filled jars into your water bath canner. Ensure jars are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Bring to a rolling boil before starting the timer.
For jars at altitudes less than or equal to 1,000 feet:
- Pints: Process for 35 minutes
- Quarts: Process for 45 minutes
For altitudes above 1,000 feet:
- Pints: Process for 40–45 minutes
- Quarts: Process for 50–55 minutes
Pressure Canning Option (Optional but Faster)
Set to 10 PSI (adjust for altitude).
- Pints: 15 minutes
- Quarts: 20 minutes Follow your canner’s instruction manual for safety.
After Canning: How to Can Diced Tomatoes and Store Them Properly
Once the processing time is up:
- Turn off the heat.
- Let the jars sit for 5 minutes in the canner.
- Remove with a jar lifter and place on a towel-lined surface.
- Let them sit for 12–24 hours undisturbed.
Check seals by pressing the center of the lid—no flex means it’s sealed. Label with the date and store in a cool, dark place. This is the final essential step in how to can diced tomatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Can Diced Tomatoes
- Skipping the acid: This is non-negotiable for food safety when learning how to can diced tomatoes.
- Not removing bubbles: Trapped air can compromise the seal.
- Overfilling jars: Always leave ½ inch headspace.
- Using overripe or bruised tomatoes: Quality in = quality out.
Creative Ways to Use Your Canned Diced Tomatoes
With a pantry full of home-canned diced tomatoes, you’re never far from a wholesome meal. Once you’ve mastered how to can diced tomatoes, try them in:
- Hearty chili or stew
- Classic marinara sauce
- Tomato-based soups
- Baked shakshuka
- Salsa, bruschetta, or pasta salad base
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Quick Reference: How to Can Diced Tomatoes
- Prepare ingredients: Tomatoes, lemon juice, optional salt.
- Blanch, peel, and dice the tomatoes.
- Sterilize jars and keep them hot.
- Add acid and fill with tomatoes.
- Seal jars tightly.
- Process using water bath or pressure method.
- Cool jars undisturbed.
- Check seals and label.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Can Diced Tomatoes
Do I really need to add lemon juice when learning how to can diced tomatoes?
Yes, always. Even though tomatoes are somewhat acidic, not all varieties have enough acid to prevent botulism. Use bottled lemon juice for consistent pH levels.
Can I season the tomatoes in the jar when I can diced tomatoes?
It’s best to keep seasonings minimal. Garlic, onions, or herbs should only be added using tested recipes or after opening.
How long do home-canned diced tomatoes last after you can diced tomatoes?
Up to 18 months if stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. Always check the seal and contents before using.
Can I use heirloom or cherry tomatoes when I can diced tomatoes?
Yes, but they may be more watery. Paste tomatoes like Roma hold up better during canning.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Learn How to Can Diced Tomatoes
Now that you know how to can diced tomatoes, you have a skill that brings real value to your home and your kitchen. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly useful. Whether you’re new to food preservation or a seasoned homesteader, this method connects you to tradition—and to a future of delicious meals made from scratch.
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