Canning homemade pizza sauce is a great way to preserve the fresh flavors of summer tomatoes and enjoy them all year round. However, there are some best practices that should be followed to ensure that your homemade pizza sauce is safe to eat and delicious to enjoy. Here are some tips for canning homemade pizza sauce.

1. Use high-quality ingredients: The key to a delicious pizza sauce is using fresh, ripe tomatoes and high-quality herbs and spices. Look for vine-ripened tomatoes at your local farmers market or grocery store, and opt for organic ingredients whenever possible.

2. Follow a trusted recipe: When it comes to canning, it’s important to use a trusted recipe that has been tested for safety. Look for recipes from reputable sources such as the National Center for Home Food Preservation, Ball Canning, or the USDA. These recipes will ensure that the pH level of the sauce is safe for canning, and that the processing times are accurate.

3. Use proper canning techniques: When canning pizza sauce, it’s important to use the proper canning techniques to ensure that the sauce is safely preserved. This includes using a water bath canner or pressure canner, sterilizing jars and lids, and following the recommended processing times for your altitude.

4. Adjust acidity levels: Tomatoes can vary in acidity, and it’s important to adjust the pH level of your pizza sauce to ensure that it is safe for canning. This can be done by adding lemon juice or citric acid to the sauce, as recommended by your canning recipe.

5. Leave proper headspace: When filling your jars with pizza sauce, be sure to leave the recommended amount of headspace at the top of the jar. This will allow for proper expansion of the sauce during processing and help to create a strong vacuum seal.

6. Label and store properly: Once your pizza sauce is canned, be sure to label the jars with the date and contents, and store them in a cool, dark place. Properly canned pizza sauce can last for up to a year or more, so you can enjoy the flavors of summer all year round.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your homemade pizza sauce is safely preserved and delicious to enjoy. Canning pizza sauce is a great way to enjoy the flavors of summer all year round, and with the right techniques, you can enjoy your homemade sauce with peace of mind. Happy canning!