Tomatoes and carrots, vibrant stars of the summer harvest, are packed with nutrients known to boost immunity and even combat the signs of aging. Beyond enjoying their fresh flavors, preserving these powerhouses through canning allows you to savor their goodness year-round. This process not only extends their shelf life but also locks in vital vitamins and antioxidants, providing a healthy and delicious treat long after the growing season ends. Imagine the satisfying crunch of perfectly canned carrots, or the rich, tangy taste of home-canned tomato sauce gracing your winter meals.
This simple yet rewarding method lets you transform garden-fresh produce into a pantry staple, providing a delicious and healthy addition to your meals throughout the colder months. Ready to unlock the secrets to creating your own supply of these immunity-boosting, wrinkle-fighting delights? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to perfectly canned tomatoes and carrots.
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Pot
- Vegetable brush
- Glass bottles
- Dishtowel
Ingredients
- Tomatoes: 3kg
- Black Carrots: 1kg
- Vinegar: 1 tablespoon per 1L of water
- Salt: to taste
- Honey: optional
- Extra virgin olive oil: 1 tablespoon per serving
- Oyster sauce: optional
- Gochujang: optional
- Minced garlic: optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Produce
- Wash tomatoes and carrots thoroughly. Soak tomatoes in water with vinegar (1 tbsp per 1L water) for 10 minutes, then rinse. Scrub carrots with a vegetable brush.
Step 2. Blend and Simmer
- Cut tomatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces.
- Blend tomatoes and carrots together. (Place tomatoes at the bottom and carrots on top for easier blending).
- Boil the blended mixture over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3. Sterilize and Fill
- Sterilize glass bottles by placing them upside down in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes after the water boils.
- Add salt to the simmered mixture, mix well, and while hot, fill the sterilized bottles about 80% full. Seal the lids, turn upside down, and leave for a day to create a vacuum.
Read more: Bibimbap Recipe: Delicious Korean Mixed Rice & Vegetables
Tips
- For a sourer taste, add more tomatoes; for a sweeter taste, add more carrots.
- Eating tomato and carrot mixture with oil increases lycopene and beta-carotene absorption nine times.
- Store canned tomatoes and carrots upright after a day for up to a year. Refrigerate after opening and consume quickly.
- For smaller quantities, use smaller bottles. Alternatively, freeze in ziploc bags or store in airtight containers for up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy the canned mixture in its purest form with olive oil, with honey for immunity boost, or stir-fried with eggs and oyster sauce. Also consider making a gochujang sauce.
- Do not exceed 400ml daily intake and reduce carrot consumption if you often eat carrots to avoid carotenemia.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Are canned tomatoes and carrots as nutritious as fresh ones?
Canning preserves many nutrients, but some vitamins are lost during the process. However, canned tomatoes and carrots still offer significant nutritional benefits, especially compared to processed foods.
2. How long do home-canned tomatoes and carrots last?
Properly canned tomatoes and carrots can last for 12-18 months or even longer if stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming.
3. Is home canning safe? What are the risks?
Home canning is safe when done correctly, following established procedures. Improper canning techniques can lead to botulism, a serious illness. Following tested recipes and using a pressure canner (for low-acid foods like carrots) is crucial.
By mastering the art of canning tomatoes and carrots, you've not only preserved the bounty of the harvest but also created a delicious and healthy pantry staple. Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you're boosting your immunity and potentially slowing down the aging process with every bite. So, stock your shelves, savor the flavors, and reap the rewards of your home-canned goodness!