still safe to eat?

**Mischka** · January 29, 2006

I canned a load of Martino's Roma in August 2004; I didn't can any of these in 05 and I still have a dozen or so jars left from 04. I did add extra citric acid in each jar when I canned them....think they are still ok to eat?

They look ok, but I know looks can be deceiving.

I'm craving some homemade tomato sauce

angelstiger · January 29, 2006

As long as they were canned right, I see no problem eating them. I regularly use home canned goods for a couple of years, If they last that long, LOL.

Charlie

**nctomatoman** · January 29, 2006

Good question - I have some of my 2004 quarts left - they don't look quite like the 2005 (more distributed in the bottle) - I think that one sniff would tell what you need to know - and be sure to cook them well if you do decide to use them!

clay199 · January 30, 2006

If the canned tomatoes make the sealed sound when you open them then I think they are fine, if the lid does not then I would not eat them. I am finishing the 2004 canned tomatoes now.

**Mischka** · January 30, 2006

ummm......is there a cure for botulism?

or will eating botulism-laced tomatoes erase the wrinkles on my face?

Enquiring minds want to know.

bonekittyslug · February 1, 2006

Ya'll can look at me funny if you want, but, I still grab a jar of mater juice that was canned in the 92-94 time frame. Tastes fine to me. Never had any problem from these.

Nothing was added to the juice other than some salt.

Same with the canned tomatoes. Some 10 years old, still fine.

I'm always amazed.

*Still haven't figgered out why I have so many oldies setting around. May never know....

**Mischka** · February 3, 2006

I'm still alive and well after using some '04 canned tomatoes to make Craig's tortellini soup - that recipe is excellent, by the way.

Think I'll heat up another bowl right now, as a matter of fact.
:wink:

Earl · March 5, 2006

If they look good and the seal is steadfast, then I'll go back about 5 years.

Miss_Mudcat · August 20, 2006

Oh gosh... I just found this post and had to comment...

I don't think you can get botulism from tomatoes... however, low acid items should ALWAYS be boiled for 15 minutes before serving.

My limited knowledge and understanding from what I have read on the subject indicates that the nutritional value of canned goods, commercial and home, decreases rapidly after a year, so it is best to use them within that time frame.

I read recently that there is no need to add citric acid when canning tomato products anymore, according to the latest thinking. The acid content is high enough, even in the "mild" tomatoes to prevent botulism. It's just that the sugar content is higher. Anyone else heard this?

Lisa

January 29, 2006	#1
Mischka Tomatoville® Administrator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The Bay State Posts: 3,207	still safe to eat? I canned a load of Martino's Roma in August 2004; I didn't can any of these in 05 and I still have a dozen or so jars left from 04. I did add extra citric acid in each jar when I canned them....think they are still ok to eat? They look ok, but I know looks can be deceiving. I'm craving some homemade tomato sauce

January 29, 2006	#3
nctomatoman Tomatoville® Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Hendersonville, NC zone 7 Posts: 10,385	Good question - I have some of my 2004 quarts left - they don't look quite like the 2005 (more distributed in the bottle) - I think that one sniff would tell what you need to know - and be sure to cook them well if you do decide to use them! __________________ Craig

February 1, 2006	#6
bonekittyslug Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: SW VA Zone 6b-7a Posts: 176	Ya'll can look at me funny if you want, but, I still grab a jar of mater juice that was canned in the 92-94 time frame. Tastes fine to me. Never had any problem from these. Nothing was added to the juice other than some salt. Same with the canned tomatoes. Some 10 years old, still fine. I'm always amazed. *Still haven't figgered out why I have so many oldies setting around. May never know.... __________________ More Harvest, Mark The life of a cat...Sleep 'til you're hungry...Eat 'til you're tired! Spay or neuter your best friend!!

February 3, 2006	#7
Mischka Tomatoville® Administrator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The Bay State Posts: 3,207	I'm still alive and well after using some '04 canned tomatoes to make Craig's tortellini soup - that recipe is excellent, by the way. Think I'll heat up another bowl right now, as a matter of fact. :wink: __________________ Mischka One last word of farewell, Dear Master and Mistress. Whenever you visit my grave, say to yourselves with regret but also with happiness in your hearts at the remembrance of my long happy life with you: "Here lies one who loved us and whom we loved." No matter how deep my sleep I shall hear you, and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail.

August 20, 2006	#9
Miss_Mudcat Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Central Georgia Posts: 366	Oh gosh... I just found this post and had to comment... I don't think you can get botulism from tomatoes... however, low acid items should ALWAYS be boiled for 15 minutes before serving. My limited knowledge and understanding from what I have read on the subject indicates that the nutritional value of canned goods, commercial and home, decreases rapidly after a year, so it is best to use them within that time frame. I read recently that there is no need to add citric acid when canning tomato products anymore, according to the latest thinking. The acid content is high enough, even in the "mild" tomatoes to prevent botulism. It's just that the sugar content is higher. Anyone else heard this? Lisa __________________ Farmers don't wear watches; they work until the job is done!

January 29, 2006	#2
angelstiger Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 79	As long as they were canned right, I see no problem eating them. I regularly use home canned goods for a couple of years, If they last that long, LOL. Charlie

January 30, 2006	#4
clay199 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Beyond Hope, British Columbia Posts: 201	If the canned tomatoes make the sealed sound when you open them then I think they are fine, if the lid does not then I would not eat them. I am finishing the 2004 canned tomatoes now.

March 5, 2006	#8
Earl Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 1,278	If they look good and the seal is steadfast, then I'll go back about 5 years.