Beti wrote:

>
> I used SETP's recipe for raw pack tomatoes in water (2T lemon juice,
> boiling water, 1/2 in headspace, 40 min BWB). While they were
> processing, I was rereading the recipe and decided that the water that
> I added to the jars probably hadn't been actually boiling so I
> processed for 85 minutes per the tomatoes in juice recipe.

> Second, the quarts seem to have tomato bits stuck in the "corners" -
> inside the jar where the rim meets the lid. I shook the jars to see
> if I could dislodge them but they are stuck fast. This tells me there
> is probably tomato under the lid and the jar may not have sealed
> properly. There is also a 1-2 inches of liquid at the bottom of the
> jars and about an inch of tomato sticking out of the liquid at the
> top. The lids don't flex when I push down on them and they don't move
> when I try to pull them off but I'm thinking I'll probably toss those
> two.
>
> I'm thinking that the headspace wasn't quite correct and that there
> may not have been enough boiling water over the tops of the jars.
> (Probably closer to 1 inch than 2.)
>
> Any input will be appreciated.

Won't comment on question 1.

Question 2: Our method for canning tomatoes in a BWB is: scald
'em,(only a minute or two to loosen the skin) peel em, cut 'em up, pack
'em with a little vinegar 15ml/pint or 30ml /quart and process 15
minutes for pints, 20 minutes for quarts. We never add liquid.
We only fill jars to the bottom of the neck, so probably closer to an
inch of headspace.

We start timing when the BWB starts boiling vigorously, and only have
maybe an inch or water covering the jars.

Stuff coming out is usually an indication of too full a jar; it does
expand a little when in the BWB.

The tomatoes floating up is normal, usually settles when sitting in the
pantry.

Don't throw jars out that don't seal; leave a little more headspace and
freeze, or make pasta sauce, chili, soup, etc.

Our method is from Putting Food By, probably 30 year old book by now.

PLEASE; no flames. Yeah it's 30+ years old. This is what we do. Not
gonna change our method based on your rant. Follow the latest to be safe
if it makes you feel better.

Mark