Canning Your Salsa

(I forgot to get a picture when they were on the kitchen counter and I am too lazy to drag them out again).

The following is the procedure I use to can my salsa. The processing time that I use is for an altitude of 2,700 feet. Processing times will vary depending on your altitude, so if you are unsure, please contact your local agricultural extension office for more information. Here is a chart to help you... MSU Extension Processing Guide

What you need

• Water canner



• Mason jars w/seals and rings


• Jar lifter




• Your salsa, of course

what to do

1. Fill the canner with water and begin to boil


2. Make sure to wash all your jars and lids


3. Turn the oven on low and store your jars there (it will keep them warm)


4. Fill small pot with water and add lids


5. Put heat on low (you do not want to boil the water...just a low simmer)


6. Get a big pot (8 quarts or larger) and add your salsa


7. Heat to boil


8. Boil for 20 minutes


9. After 20 minutes, remove from heat and begin filling your jars


10. Fill jars with salsa, but leave about 1/4-1/2 inch space from top


11. Place lid on jar on get ring and tighten lid


12. Repeat until all the salsa is in the jars


13. Once the water in the canner is boiling, put your jars in and cover with lid


14. Once water boils again, set timer for 55 minutes


15. After 55 minutes, remove jars to cool


16. Repeat procedures for any remaining salsa


17. As the jars cool, you should hear the lids "pop" as they seal


18. If you have any jars that do not seal, consider that jar "fresh" and use within a week or so

Do the Salsa

This past week, our tomato plants just went wild and we ended-up with about 60 ripe tomatoes. Now, in addition to adding tomatoes to hamburgers, sandwiches, and creating my famous Tuna-Stuffed-Tomato, I had to find something to do with them all. Naturally, we shared some with the neighbors, but my wife had other ideas…Salsa.

Using her feminine wiles and various threats, she told me that she wanted me to make salsa. Well, given the fact that I misplaced the recipe I usually used (actually, it was bits and pieces from several recipes that I used), this was going to be a challenge. Thankfully, I remembered the main ingredients; I just forgot the proportions. Since it turned-out very well, if I do say so myself, I will bore you with the recipe. This will serve me in two ways: First, I will have something to post and Second, I will be able to find the recipe the next time I make it.

Stuff you will need:

• Tomatoes (duh)


• Green onions…4-5 bunches


• Chilies, fire roasted…6- 6 oz. cans. We used mild, but if you like yours hotter, than get medium to hot, or mix and match.


• Pickling Salt…1-1 ½ Tablespoons


• White Wine Vinegar…1 cup

Next time: If you decide to Can…

See also...
Do the Salsa:Part-2

Do the Salsa:Part-3