why do you add lemon juice to canned tomatoes

Why add lemon juice to tomatoes and salsa before canning?

Why Add Lemon Juice to Tomatoes and Salsa Before Canning? You may have heard that adding lemon juice, citric acid or another acid to tomatoes before canning is important, but maybe you are not sure why. It’s all about pH. Kari Houge, R.D., Program Assistant (former); Ronald Smith, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus

How do you acidify canned tomatoes before canning?

Do acidify the tomatoes. To assure a safe acidity level, add bottled lemon juice or citric acid to each jar before processing. Place 2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice or ½ teaspoon citric acid crystals in the bottom of each quart jar before filling with the tomato product. Use half those amounts when canning in pint jars.

How much citric acid do you put in canned tomatoes?

Canning Tomatoes To ensure safe acidity in whole, crushed or juiced tomatoes, add 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice or ½ teaspoon of citric acid per quart of tomatoes. For pints, use 1 tablespoon of bottled lemon juice or ¼ teaspoon of citric acid. Acid can be added directly to the jars before filling with product.

How much lemon juice do you put in a canning jar?

Place 2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice or ½ teaspoon citric acid crystals in the bottom of each quart jar before filling with the tomato product. Use half those amounts when canning in pint jars.