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Inspect all tomatoes carefully, discard any damaged ones, wash them thoroughly, remove the stems, cut them lengthwise, and press out the seeded core.
Collect the cleaned tomato pulp in one bowl and the extracted juice in another, then transfer the pulp to a large pot.
Cook the tomatoes over low heat for about 30 minutes, stir occasionally, and salt them once fully softened.
Pass the cooked tomatoes through a food mill in small batches, using a medium-fine disc, and gather the tomato passata in a clean container.
The passata can be eaten immediately or canned to preserve it for up to about one year, if proper hygienic and heat-processing steps are followed as described below.
Canning the tomato passata
Prepare jars and lids by properly sanitizing them before use. Three primary methods can be employed:Boiling sterilization (most reliable method): check integrity of jars and lids, then wash both thoroughly in hot water without detergent. Fully submerge jars and lids in a pot of water, bring to a rolling boil and maintain for about 30 minutes (≈ 100°C / 212°F). Allow to cool in the water or remove with sterilized tongs and place on a clean cloth.Oven sterilization (fan-assisted): wash jars and lids in hot water without detergent. Place jars (without lids) on a tray and heat at 170°C (≈ 338°F) for about 20 minutes. Lids and seals, also washed without detergent, should be placed in the switched-off oven for about 10 minutes. Handle all items with heat protection and let cool on a clean cloth.Dishwasher sterilization: place jars and lids suitable for high temperatures in the dishwasher, washed without detergent, with no other items. Run a high-temperature cycle (≥70°C / 158°F). At the end of the cycle, place jars and lids upside down on a clean cloth to air-dry completely.
Fill the sanitized jars with the hot passata, ensuring you leave about 1–1.5 cm (½ inch) of headspace at the top. If desired, add a small amount of previously washed basil leaves before sealing the jars.
Seal the jars firmly, submerge them in hot water, bring to a boil, and process them according to size: 30 minutes for 250 g jars (about 8.8 oz), 35 minutes for 500 g (about 17.6 oz), 40 minutes for 1 kg (about 2.2 lb).
Remove the jars with care, allow them to cool completely, and verify vacuum sealing before storing.
Notes:
Home-made preserves and products may involve food safety risks, as domestic conditions cannot replicate the controlled standards of industrial production designed to prevent contamination. Users are strongly advised to follow the official guidelines issued by national health authorities (e.g., the Ministry of Health) when preparing and storing such products. However, even with correct procedures, home preparations cannot ensure the same level of safety, stability, or shelf-life reliability as professionally manufactured foods, and the site disclaims any responsibility for the use or misuse of the information provided.