Can tomatoes frozen or dying on the vine be canned?
Tomatoes that become frozen or die on the vine are not safe to use in home canning. This is because the acid level in the tomatoes drops significantly and at varying levels. Therefore, even if adding lemon juice to increase the acid content, the tomatoes may not be safe. The tomatoes can be eaten fresh or frozen. To save tomatoes from a frost or hard freeze, remove them from the vine before a potential frost or hard freeze. Wrap each tomato in newspaper or wax paper. Store in a cool, dark location at 55 to 60 degrees. Check frequently for decay or damage. As color develops, remove from the paper and continue ripening at 70 degrees. With this method, it is possible to have fresh tomatoes at Thanksgiving or Christmas.
