FSM 350: It’s Important to Peel Tomatoes Before Canning

Transcript [Music] Welcome to Food Safety in a Minute. I’m Susie Craig. Crushed tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, tomato juice, whole tomatoes, tomato ketchup, and tomato paste. Find delicious, and most importantly safe, tested recipes for all things tomato at the National Center for Home Food Preservation, University of Georgia. The Center is easily found online. Did you know that peeling tomatoes prior to processing and canning is a key factor in food safety? According to the National Center for Home Food Preservation, “skins may interfere with heat penetration during the canning process, leading to under-processing and potentially unsafe products.” “Removing skins not only enhances safety by reducing the bacterial load but also improves the texture and flavor of the finished product. Tomato skin can taste bitter. Thanks for listening to Food Safety in a Minute from Washington State University Extension. [Music] Resources National Center for Home Food Preservation University of Georgia. Newsflash – Why Should You Peel Tomatoes Before Canning. (Revised 6/25/25). https://nchfp.uga.edu/newsflash. Assessed online 6/28/25.