Ohio farmers and gardeners harvest a cornucopia of tomatoes in late summer. Yes, they are a fruit from a horticultural perspective, but nutritionists would say they’re vegetables since they’re low in fructose but high in phytonutrients, vitamins A and C. A tomato a day, no matter what the form whether consumed fresh, frozen, sauced, […]
Salsa Time
Red, Yellow or Green tomatoes come in many different sizes, shapes and colors, but when it comes to processing them, they are all treated the same. When you are making a particular recipe, look for the qualities that best fit your need. I’ve had several calls about making salsa, so here are a few tips […]
Acidifying Canned Tomatoes & Tomato Products
You’ve heard us say it before – vegetables and other low acidity foods must be canned in pressure canners in order to reach temperatures high enough to kill harmful microorganisms that would otherwise grow. Many consumers typically think of tomatoes as highly acidic foods. However, due to several factors, including ease in harvesting and consumer […]
Making Fresh Salsa
Everyone seems to have their favorite salsa recipe. And, this time of year the salsa ingredients are abundant in gardens, at farmer’s markets and at the grocery — ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, pepper and other fresh vegetables and herbs. If you are making fresh salsa to eat or store in the refrigerator you don’t […]
It’s Salsa Time
Fresh salsa is a delicious summer treat. It is a healthy food option that adds color and zest to family meals and is also a great choice for summer picnics. My family loves making, and eating, homemade salsa! Making and preserving salsa is an easy way to use those extra tomatoes that will soon be […]
Preserving Tomatoes
Are tomatoes taking over your garden? You can only eat so many at one time. Think about preserving them by canning or freezing. Freezing Tomatoes It’s easy to freeze tomatoes. Select firm, ripe tomatoes with deep red color. Wash them thoroughly in cool water. Core them and then dip in boiling water for 30 seconds […]