[seascape]

Can anyone help me with canning, preserving tomatoes ?  The only way that I know how is to use mason, kerr, or ball jars with the screw on lid and seals. I cannot however purchase these jars anywhere.  does anyone know where I would find and purchase these jars and lids?  I've searched everywhere, I can only fid them in the states and they won't post overseas.  I am so looking forward to hearing from someone.  Thanks.

[Ropster]

a lot of places , like Lakeland (see allotment shop above) sell the spring top with a rubber ring type jars which are used for botteling, whould they do the job ?

[seascape]

thanks so much for replying well to be honest I am unsure as this is all new to me.... the only method I know for canning tomatoes are canning via steam canner and ring and lid jars.  do you know how to bottle tomotoes in the clip jar?  what is the method?

[Val H]

Try this link. It should help you.
http://www.allotment-garden.org/allotment_foods/bottling-canning/index.php

[Plottered]

the clip type jars can be got in Ikea.

[Patricia]

Hi I too was only used to using the Ball canning jars. I have found these three shops that sell jars and lids.

http://www.waresofknutsford.co.uk/products_level3.htm?cat1=preserving&cat2=Jars+-+Kilner+Style

http://www.jamjarshop.com/shop/product.asp?catid=6&pid=4

http://www.headcook.co.uk/-c-153.html

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thanks everyone.  I'm still not certain if the clip type jars will work in steam canning and in pressure canning like the ball type jars do.  Patricia you said you too were only used to the band and lid method - have you ever used the clip type for canning tomotoes ? thanks so much to you all.. I've asked so many people and got no answers till all of you.... thanks.

[mumofstig]

These Leifhelt jars have lids and seals, and you can buy paks of replacements separately, are they what you are looking for?

http://www.barnitts.co.uk/products/details/4887.html

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thanks mumsofstig, yes, I think that they are... I'm learning more and more as I follow all of your suggestions... this is new to me so still trying to figure it all out.  thanks so much to everyone for all the help and information.  I've one more qustion however, if bottling tomotoes and herbs can i use fresh herbs, most of the recipies i have call for dired herbs. Has anyone any experience with this?

[mumofstig]

I always use fresh basil/oregano in mine with no problems

[seascape]

Lovely, thanks for letting me know about the fresh herbs... do you use the screw  cap and lid method or another way?

[mumofstig]

I do some sauce o passata with screw tops in a saucepan but i do also use the jars that my daughter buys her pasta sauce in I do these in the saucepan in the same way, and as they cool the dimple in the top goes flat and you can see that you have a good vacuum. Any that don't flatten i either use immediately, or tip out and freeze

[Patricia]

I do have a few clip jars, but haven't just preserved things in them. I use mine more for storage of dried things and occasionally storing things in the fridge for immediate use. Maybe you should see if Val has used them. I never seem to have enough tomatoes to preserve them. Hopefully this year may be different.