The flavor of beefsteak tomatoes is undeniably superb! It makes sense you may want to preserve them to enjoy later. But are they truly good for canning?
I’ve been preserving my garden’s harvest for a long period now. That’s why I know beefsteak tomatoes are good for canning because of their texture. These tomatoes are solid and don’t release excess water, which makes your canned product perfect to eat anytime.
And you know what? The beefsteak tomatoes are indeterminate plants. It means you can grow them in the whole season and preserve them whenever you find it easy.
In this post, I’ll reveal:
- 8 reasons why Beefsteak tomatoes are good for canning.
- What makes beefsteak tomatoes a better option to preserve rather than other varieties?
1. Meaty Texture
Beefsteak tomatoes are perfect for canning because of their special meaty texture. When you cut into this variety, it’s not all watery and mushy (The inside is quite firm and solid).
There’s more! This variety has fewer or no seeds at all. This means you can say “goodbye” to the bitter taste of the seeds and enjoy the preserved goodness!
2. Rich Flavor
The flavor of beefsteak tomatoes is very rich and mouth-watering. There’s a striking balance of sweetness and acidity. This makes them a good choice for canning.
The unique taste of beefsteak tomatoes adds depth to all the dishes that you prepare because they go really well with various herbs and seasonings.
By canning them, you add a touch of summer’s best flavors to your table year-round.
3. Ideal Size
The beefsteak variety falls into the medium to large range, which is suitable for canning. Their size allows an easy canning process that can save you a lot of time, too!
You can opt to can them whole or cut them into small chunks like sliced or diced (Even make sauce or puree, for that matter)
4. Indeterminate Plants
Beefsteak tomatoes are indeterminate plants. This means they grow throughout the season. So, instead of harvesting all your tomatoes at once, you can pick ripe ones and can them whenever you feel like it (Unlike the determinate tomato varieties).
This is how you are able to preserve beefsteak tomatoes when they’re at their prime. It makes them taste super yummy.
And I am not finished yet! These tomatoes have a sparser foliage. So, there’s more space around the fruit, which allows a better airflow.
To cut the story short, some diseases in tomatoes, like fungal infections, can spread more easily when the plant’s leaves and fruit are tightly packed together. But with these indeterminate tomatoes, the fruit has room to breathe, and that’s a good thing.
Healthy plants mean healthier fruit, and that’s important when you’re canning because you want to preserve tomatoes that are in top-notch condition!
5. Freezes Well
Beefsteak tomatoes freeze exceptionally well, which makes them good for canning at a later stage. This preserves the freshness and flavor and provides you with a wonderful taste even after many days.
It is particularly helpful when you have a surplus of ripe beefsteak tomatoes from your garden and can’t can them all at once.
Freezing them gives you the freedom to schedule your canning activities at your convenience.
How?
You avoid the rush of doing everything at once and can spread out the process over time. Tasks like blanching, peeling, and removing cores can be done gradually and reduce the stress of last-minute preparations.
6. Lasting Firmness
The firmness of beefsteak tomatoes during the canning process is a real game-changer. When you can tomatoes, they tend to soften and release their juices. It’s quite normal and part of the canning process. However, not all tomatoes are like this!
The beefsteak tomatoes handle canning exceptionally well and are ideal for this process. They don’t become overly mushy or lose their shape.
So, when you’re making a rich pasta sauce with canned beefsteak tomatoes, and you open that jar, you’ll find tomatoes in good shape. The same goes for chili, soups, and stews! You want your ingredients to stay intact (To create a visually appealing and delicious dish)
7. Less Peeling or No Peeling
When you’re canning tomatoes, the whole peeling process can sometimes feel like a real chore. But here’s where beefsteak tomatoes step in and make canning breezy!
These tomatoes have a larger size compared to many others. This means you have less surface area to peel. That’s a time-saver right there!
But it gets even better. These tomatoes come with thicker skin. So, when you feel like canning them with the skin intact, you can do that without any worry!
The skin is hard and less likely to break or tear while canning. This results in a uniform texture with no compromise on taste!
8. Full of Nutrition
Beefsteak tomatoes not only have a delicious taste but also come packed with essential nutrients that make them an even better choice for canning. There’s Lycopene in it (A potent antioxidant that plays an important part in preventing bone loss)
As you age, your bones start to become weak and may suffer from partial damage. This is where Lycopene comes to your rescue (hand in hand with beefsteak tomatoes!)
It helps protect bone cells from oxidative damage and contributes to better bone density and reduced risk of conditions like osteoporosis.
On top, this antioxidant lowers bad cholesterol levels in your body and decreases the risks of heart attacks and strokes.
Well, there’s so much more! Take notes! These tomatoes contain a phytonutrient called alpha-tomatine, which has shown promise in preventing prostate cancer in men.
On the other hand, if you’re watching your weight, beefsteak tomatoes can be a great addition to your meals. Their wholesome goodness provides valuable nutrients and makes your meals yummy (without adding excess calories to your diet)
Key Takeaways!
In a nutshell, I unveiled 8 reasons why beefsteak tomatoes are good for canning. They are not just flavorful; they also bring a number of benefits to the table.
Whether you’re a seasoned canner or just starting out, beefsteak tomatoes simplify the process and ensure that your creations turn out delicious and visually appealing.
So, embrace the culinary adventure, and feel free to can this variety!