Module 4 – Hot Packing Tomatoes

This module introduces one of the most versatile methods of preserving tomatoes for your pantry. While raw packing offers simplicity, hot packing removes excess air, reduces floating, and creates a more compact, consistently filled jar.

In this lesson, I’ll walk you through every step of hot packing diced tomatoes—from preparing the tomatoes and filling the jars to processing them for long-term shelf stability. Along the way, I’ll explain why each step matters so you’ll gain the confidence to successfully preserve tomatoes in your own kitchen.

By the end of this demonstration, you’ll understand when hot packing is the better choice and how to produce beautiful jars of home-canned tomatoes you’ll be proud to place on your pantry shelf.

Watch the Complete Demonstration:

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Homemade Tomato Spice Blends (Printable PDF)

One of the easiest ways to elevate home canned tomatoes is by adding a small amount of seasoning before processing. Whether you’re canning diced, quartered, or whole tomatoes, these homemade spice blends allow you to customize each jar for future meals without overwhelming the natural flavor of the tomatoes.

Inside this printable you’ll find four versatile blends designed for everyday cooking:

• Italian Herb Blend
• Mediterranean Blend
• Mexican Taco Seasoning
• Herbs de Provence

Download Tomato Spice Blends PDF

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Put Your New Skills to Work

Now that you’ve learned how to hot pack tomatoes, it’s time to put those techniques into practice. These recipes use the same principles demonstrated in this lesson while giving you delicious ways to stock your pantry. Whether you’re preserving tomatoes for everyday cooking or preparing meals from scratch, these recipes will help you build confidence one jar at a time.

Every recipe you preserve strengthens your understanding of home canning. As you build your pantry, don’t be afraid to experiment with different tomato varieties, herbs, and seasonings while following safe preservation methods. Before long, you’ll discover your own favorite combinations and gain the confidence to preserve far more than tomatoes.

If you’re looking for even more inspiration, explore my growing collection of tested recipes here on The Canning Diva® website or dive deeper with my cookbooks, including From Seed to Table, where you’ll find dozens of practical recipes, gardening tips, and food preservation techniques designed to help you create a pantry you’ll enjoy using all year long.

Bruschetta in a JAr

Transform your freshly canned tomatoes into a vibrant bruschetta topping perfect for appetizers, toasted bread, pasta, or even grilled chicken.

Explore the Bruschetta Recipe

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Simple Tomato Sauce

One of the most versatile recipes every home preserver should have. Keep jars on hand for pasta, pizza, soups, casseroles, and countless family meals throughout the year.

Make Simple Tomato Sauce

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Stewed Tomatoes

A pantry staple packed with flavor. Use these tomatoes as a side dish or as the foundation for soups, stews, chili, casseroles, and slow-cooked meals.

View the Stewed Tomatoes Recipe

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Diane’s Basil Diced Tomatoes

If you’re looking for an easy way to elevate everyday cooking, these basil-infused diced tomatoes are perfect for pasta sauces, skillet meals, soups, and Italian-inspired recipes.

Make Diane’s Basil Diced Tomatoes

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Ready for the Next Module?

Excellent work! You’ve now prepared and preserved tomatoes both by way of raw packing and hot packing.

In the next lesson, we’ll explore how to use tomatoes to make sweet treats like chutney and green tomato jam. Tune in and listen while you work, following along creating and preserving every step of the way.

➡️ Continue to Module 5: Using Tomatoes as Sweet Treats