Are Cherokee Purple Tomatoes Good for Canning? A Friendly Guide to Preserving Your Harvest

If you’re a tomato fan, you must have heard about the Cherokee Purple tomatoes. These tomatoes are a popular heirloom variety that has gained popularity in recent years due to their unique flavor and texture. But are Cherokee Purple tomatoes good for canning? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and more.

Before we dive into whether Cherokee Purple tomatoes are good for canning, let’s take a closer look at this variety. Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a beefsteak tomato variety that originated in Tennessee.

They have a deep, dusky purple color and a rich, sweet flavor that is often described as smoky or earthy. These tomatoes are meaty and have few seeds, which makes them a great choice for cooking and canning.

Now that we know a little bit more about Cherokee Purple tomatoes let’s talk about the canning process. Canning is a great way to preserve fresh produce for later use. To can Cherokee Purple tomatoes, you’ll need to follow the same guidelines you would use for canning any flavorful tomato variety.

Use the boiling water bath canning method to preserve the tomatoes. This involves boiling the jars of tomatoes in a large pot of water for a set amount of time to kill any bacteria and seal the jars.

Key Takeaways

• Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a meaty and flavorful variety that is great for canning.
• To can Cherokee Purple tomatoes, you’ll need to follow the same guidelines you would use for canning any flavorful tomato variety.
• Canning is a great way to preserve fresh produce for later use.

Are Cherokee Purple Tomatoes Good for Canning

If you’re wondering whether Cherokee Purple tomatoes are good for canning, the answer is a resounding yes! These tomatoes are a great choice for canning due to their unique flavor and texture. Here are some reasons why:

• Flavor: Cherokee Purple tomatoes have a rich, sweet flavor that is perfect for canning. They are known for their complex flavor profile, which includes notes of smokiness, sweetness, and acidity. This makes them a great choice for pasta sauces, salsas, and other tomato-based dishes.
• Texture: These tomatoes have a meaty texture that holds up well during the canning process. This means that they won’t turn mushy or lose their shape when canned, making them a great choice for canning whole or in large chunks.
• Nutritional value: Cherokee Purple tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making them a healthy addition to your diet.

When canning Cherokee Purple tomatoes, it’s important to follow proper canning techniques to ensure that they are safe to eat. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Choose ripe tomatoes: Make sure to choose ripe tomatoes that are free of blemishes or bruises. This will ensure that they have the best flavor and texture when canned.
• Use proper canning techniques: Follow proper canning techniques to ensure that your tomatoes are safe to eat. This includes using sterilized jars and lids, processing the jars in a water bath, and storing the jars in a cool, dark place.
• Consider adding acid: Cherokee Purple tomatoes are low in acid, which can make them more susceptible to bacterial growth. To prevent this, consider adding lemon juice or vinegar to your canned tomatoes to increase their acidity.

Overall, Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a great choice for canning due to their unique flavor, texture, and nutritional value.

Whether you’re making pasta sauce, salsa, or just canning them whole, these tomatoes are sure to add a delicious and healthy touch to your meals.

Understanding the Cherokee Purple Tomato

If you’re interested in canning tomatoes, you might be wondering if Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a good choice. Before we answer that question, let’s take a closer look at this variety.

History and Origin

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are an heirloom variety that originated in the southeastern United States. While there is some debate about the exact origin of this tomato, it is generally believed to have been cultivated by the Cherokee people in the region that is now Tennessee.

The seeds for Cherokee Purple tomatoes were saved and passed down through generations of Cherokee families. In the 1990s, a man named Craig LeHoullier received seeds for this tomato from a man named John D. Green.

LeHoullier grew the tomatoes and was impressed by their flavor and appearance. He began promoting the variety and it quickly became popular among gardeners and tomato enthusiasts.

Characteristics

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are known for their unique appearance and flavor. Here are some key characteristics of this variety:

• Color: Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a deep, dusky purple color. The skin is often mottled with green and brown.
• Size: These tomatoes are typically medium to large in size, with an average weight of 10-12 ounces.
• Flavor: Cherokee Purple tomatoes are known for their rich, sweet flavor. They have a complex taste that is often described as smoky or earthy.
• Texture: The flesh of Cherokee Purple tomatoes is soft and juicy, with a slightly meaty texture.

In terms of canning, Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a good choice because they have a high acid content. This makes them safe for canning using a water bath method.

However, it’s important to note that not all tomatoes are suitable for canning. Some varieties have a low acid content and must be canned using a pressure canner to ensure safety.

Overall, Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a delicious and unique variety that is well-suited for canning. Whether you’re an experienced canner or just starting out, these tomatoes are definitely worth a try.

Canning Process for Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

If you’re wondering whether Cherokee Purple tomatoes are good for canning, the answer is yes! You can preserve these flavorful tomatoes using the same guidelines you would use for canning any tomato variety.

Here are the steps to follow:

Preparation

1. Select ripe Cherokee Purple tomatoes that are free of blemishes, cracks, or bruises. The tops on either side of the stems might appear a bit green, and the purple might appear a bit more brown than purple. These are ready to harvest.
2. Wash the tomatoes thoroughly in cool water.
3. Remove the stem and core from each tomato and cut it into quarters or eighths, depending on the size of the tomato.
4. Blanch the tomatoes by boiling them for 1-2 minutes and then immediately transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will make it easier to remove the skins.
5. Remove the skins from the tomatoes by gently peeling them off.

Canning Method

1. Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
2. Fill the jars with the prepared tomatoes, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of salt per quart jar, if desired.
4. Pour hot water over the tomatoes, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
5. Remove any air bubbles by running a knife or spatula around the inside of the jar.
6. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills or residue.
7. Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are just tight.
8. Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 40 minutes for pints or 45 minutes for quarts.
9. Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a towel for 12-24 hours.
10. Check the seals by pressing down on the center of the lid. If it pops up and down, the jar is not sealed and should be refrigerated and used within a few days.

Canning Cherokee Purple tomatoes is a great way to preserve their unique flavor for use in sauces, stews, and other dishes throughout the year. With a little bit of preparation and the right equipment, you can enjoy the taste of summer all year round.

Benefits of Canning Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

If you’re looking for a flavorful tomato variety that can be canned, then Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a great choice. Here are some benefits of canning Cherokee Purple tomatoes:

• Great taste: Cherokee Purple tomatoes are known for their rich, sweet, and tangy flavor. When canned, the flavor is preserved, making them perfect for use in sauces, stews, and other dishes.
• Healthy: Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. When canned, the nutrients are preserved, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
• Versatility: Canned Cherokee Purple tomatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, and chili. They can also be used as a topping for pizza or as a base for salsa.
• Convenience: Canning Cherokee Purple tomatoes allows you to preserve the harvest and enjoy them year-round. They are also convenient to use in recipes since they are already cooked and ready to go.

When canning Cherokee Purple tomatoes, it’s important to follow the proper guidelines to ensure safety and quality. Use the boiling water bath canning method and be sure to add the appropriate amount of acid to ensure a safe pH level.

Overall, canning Cherokee Purple tomatoes is a great way to enjoy their unique flavor and health benefits all year round. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or new to the process, Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a great choice for your next canning project.

Alternatives to Canning Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

While Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a great option for canning, you may want to consider other varieties as well.

Here are some alternatives to canning Cherokee Purple tomatoes:

1. San Marzano Tomatoes

San Marzano tomatoes are a popular choice for canning due to their meatiness and low water content.

They have a sweet and slightly tangy flavor that makes them a great base for pasta sauces, soups, and stews. They are also easy to peel and have fewer seeds than other tomato varieties.

2. Roma Tomatoes

Roma tomatoes, also known as plum tomatoes, are another great option for canning.

They have a firm texture and a low water content, which makes them perfect for sauces and pastes. They are also easy to peel and have a rich, sweet flavor.

3. Amish Paste Tomatoes

Amish Paste tomatoes are a large, meaty tomato with a sweet, tangy flavor. They are perfect for making tomato paste and sauce. They have a low water content and few seeds, which makes them ideal for canning.

4. Beefsteak Tomatoes

Beefsteak tomatoes are a large, juicy tomato with a sweet, slightly tangy flavor. While they are not as meaty as San Marzano or Roma tomatoes, they are still a great option for canning. They are perfect for making tomato sauce and salsa.

5. Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes come in a variety of colors and shapes and have a unique, complex flavor. While they may not be as meaty as other tomato varieties, they are still a great option for canning. They are perfect for making tomato sauce, salsa, and chutney.

When choosing a tomato variety for canning, it’s important to consider the texture, water content, and flavor. While Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a great option, there are many other varieties that can be used for canning as well.

Experiment with different varieties to find the one that best suits your taste and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I properly can Cherokee Purple tomatoes?

To can Cherokee Purple tomatoes, you can use the boiling water bath canning method, which is the same method used for canning most tomato varieties. First, wash the tomatoes and remove the stems. Then, blanch them in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the skins start to crack.

Immediately transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water to cool. Once the tomatoes have cooled, peel off the skins and remove the cores. You can then pack the tomatoes into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.

Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid to each jar to ensure safe acidity levels. Finally, process the jars in a boiling water bath for the recommended time based on your altitude.

What are some tips for canning Cherokee Purple tomatoes?

When canning Cherokee Purple tomatoes, it’s important to use only high-quality, ripe tomatoes. Avoid using tomatoes that are overripe or have any signs of spoilage.

Also, make sure to sterilize your jars and lids before using them to prevent contamination. When packing the tomatoes into the jars, try to remove as much air as possible to prevent spoilage.

Finally, make sure to follow the recommended processing times based on your altitude to ensure safe canning.

Can I use Cherokee Purple tomatoes for making tomato sauce?

Yes, you can use Cherokee Purple tomatoes for making tomato sauce. In fact, their rich flavor and meaty texture make them an excellent choice for sauces, salsas, and other tomato-based recipes.

To make tomato sauce, you can either cook the tomatoes on the stovetop and then blend them or use a food mill to remove the skins and seeds before cooking.

What are some recipes that use canned Cherokee Purple tomatoes?

Canned Cherokee Purple tomatoes can be used in a variety of recipes, including soups, stews, chili, pasta sauce, and more.

One popular recipe is tomato soup, which can be made by blending canned tomatoes with broth, cream, and seasonings.

Another recipe is salsa, which can be made by combining canned tomatoes with onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.

Are there any safety concerns when canning Cherokee Purple tomatoes?

When canning Cherokee Purple tomatoes, it’s important to follow proper canning procedures to ensure safety.

This includes using high-quality, ripe tomatoes, sterilizing your jars and lids, packing the tomatoes tightly into the jars, and processing the jars for the recommended time based on your altitude.

Additionally, it’s important to add lemon juice or citric acid to each jar to ensure safe acidity levels.

How long can I store canned Cherokee Purple tomatoes?

Canned Cherokee Purple tomatoes can be stored for up to 18 months in a cool, dry place. However, it’s important to check the jars for signs of spoilage before using them. If you notice any bulging lids, off odors, or discoloration, do not use the tomatoes.