This afternoon, Emily and I rolled up our sleeves and dove into our first tomato canning adventure of the season—and what a satisfying afternoon it turned out to be. There’s just something about the smell of simmering tomatoes and the rhythmic pop of sealing lids that marks the shift toward late summer and the quiet preparation for the colder months ahead.
We started by harvesting a beautiful variety of heirloom determinate tomatoes from the garden. Our basket was brimming with classic Romas, rich San Martin Romas, and the deep, full-bodied Rutgers—each one chosen for their meatiness and flavor, perfect for preserving. The colors alone were enough to make us appreciate the classic tomato: ruby reds, dusky oranges, and those subtle streaks of gold that heirlooms are so loved for. The reason I plant these specific varieties each year.
Once we got to the kitchen, the real work began. We washed every tomato with care, cored them one by one, and began the process of cooking them down into a rich, fragrant base.
After processing the mixture to a smooth, hearty consistency, we moved on to water bath canning. Emily filled each jar was filled with that gorgeous red goodness and carefully lowered into the bath for 35 minutes. When Emily pulled them out and lined up on the counter to cool, we both stood back and admired the sight: shelf-stable jars of potential, each one packed with the promise of future meals and waited for the popping to begin. Don’t you agree the sound of jars popping is just so exciting!
What we love about this simple recipe is its versatility. These jars can easily be transformed into a fragrant marinara sauce with a little garlic and basil, or poured straight into a winter stew for a burst of summer flavor when we need it most. It’s not just about food—it’s about saving a moment from the garden, sealing it tight, and knowing it will bring warmth when the days get short and cold.
Preserving the garden with Emily makes the process all the more meaningful. It’s work, yes—but the kind that fills your heart as much as your pantry. Here’s to many more jars, and many more late-summer afternoons spent elbow-deep in tomatoes.
Thank you, sweet Emily, for helping me today!
— Laurie
The Farme LLC 
Leave a comment