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How do I?...Can Salsa
How do I?...Can Tomatoes

Preparing and Canning Salsa

Chile Salsa (Hot Tomato-Pepper Sauce)

5 lbs tomatoes (as purchased)
2 lbs chile peppers (as purchased)
1 lb onions (as purchased)
1 cup vinegar (5 percent)
3 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Yield: 6 to 8 pints

Please read Using Boiling Water Canners before beginning. If this is your first time canning, it is recommended that you read Principles of Home Canning.

Procedure:

Caution: Wear plastic or rubber gloves and do not touch your face while handling or cutting hot peppers. If you do not wear gloves, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your face or eyes.

Peel and prepare chile peppers as described in making Mexican Tomato Sauce. Wash tomatoes and dip in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds or until skins split. Dip in cold water, slip off skins, and remove cores. Coarsely chop tomatoes and combine chopped peppers, onions, and remaining ingredients in a large saucepan. Heat to boil, and simmer 10 minutes. Fill jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Adjust lids and process according to the recommendations in Table 1.

Table 1. Recommended process time for Chile Salsa in a boiling-water canner.
		Process Time at Altitudes of
Style of Pack	Jar Size	0 - 1,000 ft	1,001 - 6,000 ft	Above 6,000 ft
Hot	Pints	15 min	20	25

This document was adapted from the "Complete Guide to Home Canning," Agriculture Information Bulletin No. 539, USDA, revised 2009.

Reviewed November 2009.

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