It’s garden time! Get those tomato plants in the ground! You can use any tomatoes in your home canning, but Romas, also known as paste tomatoes, are the most popular selection for many uses because they have thicker, meatier walls and contain less water. Other popular canning varieties are Beefsteaks and Better Boys. My favorite tomato for canning, however, is the free tomato! Whatever type of tomato you use, make sure there are no cracks or rotten spots. I can tomatoes by the boxful every summer and it’s the one item in the pantry I’m sure to run out of because I use tomatoes in so many things. It’s been a long time since I had to buy canned tomatoes to make pizza or lasagna or spaghetti. Home-canned tomatoes will really spoil you to anything else!
Several people asked about the Roasted Roma Tomatoes recipe shown in the photo on my last post. I’ve added it to Farm Bell Recipes here. For more great recipes and canning know-how, you need a BBB!
It’s a Ball Blue Book Project day! Today’s Ball Blue Book is sponsored by the Ladies at Auburn Meadow Farm. Visit them here!
For a chance to win: Leave a comment on this post and let me know you want it. You can just put (BBB) at the end of your comment or otherwise note that you want to be in the draw. One winner will be drawn by random comment number to receive a Ball Blue Book. Eligible entry cut-off is midnight Eastern (U.S.) time tonight (May 13). This post will be updated with the winner by 9 a.m. Eastern (U.S.) time tomorrow (May 14). Return to this post to claim your book if your name is drawn (or check the BBB Winners List).
Find out more about the Ball Blue Book Project and become a sponsor.
NOTE: You must be registered to comment. If you’re not registered, you can register here. If you’re already registered but not logged in, go here to log in.
UPDATE 05/13/11: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is comment number 43, kindigo27. Email me at [email protected] with your full name and address for shipping!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED TO ENTRY.
Blessings says:
It finally seemed to quit raining every day so here in Michigan we can plant the garden soon.with that being said BBB, PLease!
~~HUGS~~
On May 12, 2011 at 2:39 am
JRR.Esq says:
BBB please!!
On May 12, 2011 at 4:08 am
collector1 says:
BBB please!! — Thank you
On May 12, 2011 at 4:13 am
Granny Trace says:
Thanks for sharing more canning recipes. I just started last year and sooo excited to do more this year.
Granny Trace
http://www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com
On May 12, 2011 at 5:47 am
Kathy in FL says:
I agree! Home canned tomatoes are the best! BBB, please.
On May 12, 2011 at 5:52 am
jim says:
BB Book please. i grew up with everyone home canning and just tried my hand at for thr first time last week. going to go picking termaters again tomorrow
On May 12, 2011 at 6:40 am
momtoadiva says:
BBB please :wave:
On May 12, 2011 at 7:02 am
HomesteadJen says:
BBB, please.
This year I am planting Amish Paste tomatoes, a heritage variation of Romas. If they can survive our clay soil, we will be rocking the sauce! Right now, though, they are suffering.
On May 12, 2011 at 7:04 am
cabighorse says:
There’s nothing more rewarding than opening a pantry filled with home canned favorites. Please add me to the list of potential winners. BBB
On May 12, 2011 at 7:10 am
justdeborah2002 says:
I’m having a garden for the first time this year, so please BBB
On May 12, 2011 at 7:16 am
GaPeach says:
BBB, please! Thanks!
On May 12, 2011 at 7:21 am
kelly jo kirby says:
I would love to have the BBB, please!
On May 12, 2011 at 7:38 am
Rockyshore says:
I just got my plants yesterday, but it’s gonna rain this weekend…again. BBB, me please. Thanks.
On May 12, 2011 at 7:41 am
prayingpup says:
We’ve got in 12 plants and I’m so hoping they survive and then produce. This will be my first time at trying to can tomatoes. BBB please!
On May 12, 2011 at 7:54 am
renee on the move says:
BBB, please!
On May 12, 2011 at 8:00 am
heidiannie says:
I would like a chance at the BBB, please.
Special thanks to the ladies at AMF and of course, to you, Suzanne!
On May 12, 2011 at 8:25 am
dgkritch says:
Nothing better than a “warm off the vine” tomato!
Please add my name to the list!
On May 12, 2011 at 8:28 am
farmerlady2 says:
BBB please, thanks!
On May 12, 2011 at 8:43 am
ladybird_1959 says:
I love canning tomatoes. I found some different plants this year, they’re called Amish Paste (I think). They are suppose to be like Roma’s, but larger. We’ll see how they turn out. BBB, please!
On May 12, 2011 at 8:44 am
debg says:
Would love to have the BBB
On May 12, 2011 at 8:44 am
marylecompte says:
I am down to one jar of tomato sauce, so it must be canning time again!! Sign me up.
On May 12, 2011 at 8:45 am
debby68 says:
I just cannot wait for tomato time!!!! My main canning tomato will be San Marzano. I have heard rave reviews on them for years so I am getting on the bandwagon this year! BBB Please!
On May 12, 2011 at 8:47 am
Cat M says:
BBB please!! We’re almost done with tomatoes here in Florida and I’m excited to move on to other items!
On May 12, 2011 at 8:47 am
eikome says:
Sign me up for a BBB please!
On May 12, 2011 at 8:48 am
drenee says:
BBB Please! I started teaching myself how to can last year. My garden this year has lots of tomatoes, beans and cabbage. Looking forward to some creative uses for them.
On May 12, 2011 at 8:54 am
Zusiqu says:
BBB Please?
On May 12, 2011 at 8:56 am
TinaBell says:
Thanks so much for posting the “Roasted Roma Tomatoes” recipe! I look forward to giving it a try. It looks similar to one I’ve tried already–SLOW roasted romas, they’re so uniquely good it’s ridiculous. I use ’em on pizza and on bruschetta or sandwiches; whatever strikes me! Yay for tomato season! Can’t wait to get growing! BBB please!
On May 12, 2011 at 8:57 am
WolfWalker says:
Been raining way to much here to do much about putting the garden in,am trying my hand at container gardening, have peas, lettuce and tomato plants started. My sister is putting a garden in, in her back yard as soon as we get some good weather, told me i could put in a few plants as well so I’m preying for good weather lol. BBB please.
On May 12, 2011 at 9:11 am
Fairygen says:
I have already put up 75 pounds of tomatoes..The 30 plants in the garden are strickly for eating fresh…I have memembers of this house that will not eat tomotoes unless they are staight from the garden…No grocery store tomatoes for them..Plus I can not stand the taste of metal cans..
On May 12, 2011 at 9:14 am
langela says:
I’d love a BBB!
On May 12, 2011 at 9:17 am
strljmnz says:
BBB Please!! :duck:
On May 12, 2011 at 9:21 am
Kathi says:
I’m SO hungry for real tomatoes. This is the weekend we hit our last frost date (May 15), so this is the weekend we will plant!
(BBB)
On May 12, 2011 at 9:30 am
azladychef says:
BBB
I got a bit of a late start this year, but my first tomatoes are finally getting ripe now. Thanks Suzanne and Auburn Meadow Farm.
On May 12, 2011 at 9:40 am
cabynfevr says:
BBB PLease! My favorite tomato is the Brandywine, except for making salsa, then I use Roma.
On May 12, 2011 at 9:51 am
farmershae says:
BBB me please. It’s not canning, but my favorite tomato presrvation is dehydrating Sun Gold tomatoes. We use them just like sun-dried tomatoes, they are practically candy.
On May 12, 2011 at 9:53 am
annabel52 says:
Let’s just skip the contest and send me the BBB!
Just kidding, put my name in the pot, pun intended.
On May 12, 2011 at 9:54 am
Breezy says:
Preservinf things is the best way I know to keep up with wasted time. If I go ahead and put leftovers in the fridge or freezer and can them later – I have wasted NO time and saved mucho money. I like that part fo it. :shimmy: BBB (please…)
On May 12, 2011 at 10:08 am
ashmmorgan2 says:
BBB Please! :woof:
On May 12, 2011 at 10:13 am
Bonnie S. says:
BBB, please.
On May 12, 2011 at 10:16 am
JerseyMom says:
DH grows Rutgers variety so that’s what I’ll be canning. BBB for me, please.
On May 12, 2011 at 10:31 am
Ramona Slocum says:
Good Morning, BBB me please.
MN MONA
On May 12, 2011 at 10:37 am
rephiddy says:
BBB please!
I love growing tomatoes and this year I have oh… about 20 different varieties for all different purposes. Canning, eating out of hand in the garden, slicing, freezing and dehydrating.
It’s still a bit early for me to be planting my maters out. They are all still patiently waiting under the grow lights for our last frost date and, I can hardly wait!
Wishing success to all the tomato growers out there this year.
On May 12, 2011 at 10:39 am
kindigo27 says:
BBB Please!
On May 12, 2011 at 10:42 am
Brittany P. says:
This year we planted Roma and rutger tomatoes. It will be our first year canning them though. BBB Please! Thanks.
On May 12, 2011 at 10:43 am
Rebel Homemaker says:
I just put my tomato plants in the ground last week, four different varieties, one of them Romas! I sure hope they do better this year as I didn’t get to can any tomatoes last year. BBB!
On May 12, 2011 at 10:44 am
AnnieB says:
Yes, BBB please!!!
On May 12, 2011 at 10:58 am
LaChienne says:
BBB please!!!
On May 12, 2011 at 11:01 am
alosyu says:
I would love the BBB, please. Don’t can tomatoes, but do can jams and pickles/relishes.
On May 12, 2011 at 11:04 am
Ms.Becky says:
thank you Ladies at Auburn Meadow Farm, for sponsoring this BBB giveaway. it’s still too early for planting tomatoes here in S E Wisconsin, but I’m thinking about it. One day it will warm up!
thanks for the giveaway Suzanne! BBB
On May 12, 2011 at 11:15 am
tami says:
I have cherry tomatoes and as soon as they rippen, they disappeare… Do squirls like tomatoes. How do I keep the squirles out of my garden?? any ideas?????? BBB please.
On May 12, 2011 at 11:15 am
lavenderblue says:
Still bucket planting. My tomatoes are all “Celebrity”. We wanted to plant fresh eating tomatoes since, with the buckets, we don’t get enough to can. I’ve already planted four of them. Two more are waiting to be planted. I have to do some minor bucket repair.
I know it’s early up here to be putting them out, last frost date is around Memorial Day, up here, but since we’re using the global buckets again, if we need to, we can just carry them into the backroom for a night.
Alas, probably not enough to can. Particularly since the neighbors seemed really interested in them. Still, I would love a BBB!
On May 12, 2011 at 11:16 am
Nadeanne says:
BBB, please!
On May 12, 2011 at 11:17 am
countrygirl221 says:
BBB please :wave:
On May 12, 2011 at 11:57 am
mburbage says:
:woof: Oh Please , oh Please, oh please BBB :snoopy:
On May 12, 2011 at 12:00 pm
morningstar says:
I would love to be the owner of a BBB so please enter me into the drawing. Thank you.
On May 12, 2011 at 12:07 pm
lilacwolf says:
Oh I missed this last week. BBB
On May 12, 2011 at 12:44 pm
marymac says:
Pleas put me in for the BBB.
On May 12, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Peggy in KY says:
I would like a BBB. I am running out of tomatoes I canned last year. I still have tomatoes and okra plus spaghetti sauce.
On May 12, 2011 at 1:25 pm
atlast says:
BBB please.
On May 12, 2011 at 1:32 pm
melonhead says:
Gonna work on the garden this weekend. BBB! Thanks. :woof:
On May 12, 2011 at 1:41 pm
AmandaLeighB says:
I’d like a BBB!
On May 12, 2011 at 1:56 pm
jeepdriver says:
BBB please. I can almost taste those summer tomatoes next winter. Yumy.
On May 12, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Cherylls says:
I’ve been doing green beans for a couple of years, but they are so easy. Tomatoes scare me. So please add me to the list for a BBB.
On May 12, 2011 at 2:29 pm
Richelle says:
Oh yes, BBB please!
On May 12, 2011 at 3:52 pm
AmyI says:
BBB Please!
On May 12, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Luann says:
BBB PLEASE……..
On May 12, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Ann says:
Roma tomatoes are wonderful. BBB please!
On May 12, 2011 at 4:34 pm
kristen says:
BBB, pretty please.
:happyflower:
On May 12, 2011 at 4:38 pm
missamy says:
BBB, please!
On May 12, 2011 at 5:26 pm
jan n tn says:
The free tomato, is the best ever. :eating: Enter me in the BBB drawing please. Now that I’m ‘smart enough to register'(for some reason,I was having a :devil: of a time)to leave a comment….it’s got to be a sign. 😆
On May 12, 2011 at 5:40 pm
OperationEmily says:
:dancingmonster: <—— this is the coolest thing ever
I could really use this book. Planting out first garden this weekend and need to learn how to can! Also have our goats coming next weekend! Can't wait!
On May 12, 2011 at 6:58 pm
OperationEmily says:
I forgot! BBB! please enter me!
On May 12, 2011 at 6:59 pm
LisaAJB says:
Last fall I didn’t can enough tomatoes and we ran out in February. I will have more this year. Bbb me! Thanks.
On May 12, 2011 at 7:27 pm
Jennifer S says:
BBB please!
On May 12, 2011 at 7:35 pm
mrsdmahogany says:
I would LOVE to win the BBB! :happyflower:
Dianna
On May 12, 2011 at 7:53 pm
laurie crawford says:
BBB please!
On May 12, 2011 at 8:34 pm
jkubemt1 says:
BBB Please :woof:
On May 12, 2011 at 8:47 pm
oddgirl says:
BBB please. :yes:
On May 12, 2011 at 9:09 pm
TeresaJM says:
BBB please
On May 12, 2011 at 9:31 pm
mafong says:
I planted 120 tomato plants yesterday in the garden. I could really use a new BBB Thanks
On May 12, 2011 at 11:14 pm
scollard says:
BBB please! 😉
On May 12, 2011 at 11:28 pm
Willamette Valley Girl says:
Thanks for the opportunity – BBB please!
On May 13, 2011 at 12:12 am
Vicki in So. CA says:
BBB please! :wave:
On May 13, 2011 at 4:16 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
UPDATE 05/13/11: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is comment number 43, kindigo27.
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED TO ENTRY.
On May 13, 2011 at 6:30 am