|
| According to USDA tomatoes in canning require a pH of 4.6 and lower. Correct me if I am wrong. Here a list of some varieties with pH of LOWER than 4.6. This means that they can be safely canned without further acidification. To be on the safe side, less than 1/2 TBSpoon of lime/lemon juice or vinegar per quart, can lower the pH much further, likely to under 4, well into/within safe range. NOTE of acknowledgement: The list is provided by The University Of Illinois , according to Pupila C in tomato forum. The first number after the name represents avrg. tomato size, in oz and the second number is the pH. So when we talk about tomato acidification in canning, this information can give an idea what we are talking about. Federle 6.5 4.59 UNDER 4.50 UNDER 4.40 Rose de Berne 5.4 4.40 UNDER 4.30 Giant Syrian 10.6 4.29 UNDER 4.2O Bianco Great White 9.2 4.16
|
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| The flaw in your theory is this: The amount of acid, and other components like sugars, varies in fruits based on the climate (the amount of heat/sun/rain), the soil, the variety, and other factors. For instance, when North Dakota State University tested Opalka, their test resulted in a pH of 5.08. Quite a difference from the University of Illinois's test result of 4.51. The point that you are obviously missing is that pH is wildly variable. So just acidify everything and be safe. Is there a particular reason you keep bringing this up? As I recall, you don't even can tomatoes. Actually, I don't think you can anything, correct? |
|
| Is there a particular reason you keep bringing this up? As I recall, you don't even can tomatoes. Actually, I don't think you can anything, correct? %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% I do can tomatoes although not a whole lot. So far this season I have canned just 10 quarts. The list that I put up is just to get an some idea about tomatoes acidity and what is required for safe canning. In the absence of a pH meter I add about 1/2 TB spoon per quart, just to be sure. And that should bring pH of any tomato under 4. |
|
| If you think you need any lemon juice at all, why don't you just add the 2 Tbsp/quart as NCHFP recommends? I mean, they've done testing and came up with that amount to bring the pH of any tomato well within the safe limits - and they DO have pH meters. If you object to the taste of lemon juice, there's always citric acid. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Harvest Forum
Information about Posting
- You must be logged in to post a message. Once you are logged in, a posting window will appear at the bottom of the messages. If you are not a member, please register for an account.
- Please review our Rules of Play before posting.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review your post, make changes and upload photos.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- Before posting copyrighted material, please read about Copyright and Fair Use.
- We have a strict no-advertising policy!
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.
Learn more about in-text links on this page here





