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Water at bottom of canned tomatoes #876388

Asked July 08, 2024, 4:56 PM EDT

Just finished water bath canning tomatoes and have at least an inch and a half of water at bottom of my jars. Is this ok? My first time canning.

Guilford County North Carolina

Expert Response

That is fairly common.  Once they are cool shake them up the tomatoes will mix probably with the liquid.  It happens more when canning raw pack than hot pack tomatoes.  What method did you use to can your tomatoes?  It is not a safety factor so don't worry if you canned them according to researched based methods outlined in the publication below.  You might try the crushed tomato method in the publication listed below.    https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/pnw300-s 
The tomatoes are cooked first and then put into the jar.  You don't get much if any separation using this method and the processing time is much shorter.  

Your tomatoes look good.  Hope you enjoy them.  

Thanks for using Ask Extension

Nellie Oehler
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 08, 2024, 6:33 PM EDT

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