Best Tomatoes for Canning

Tomatoes for canning should have thick, meaty flesh, rich flavour and fewer seeds — ideal for making sauces, whole canned tomatoes, salsas and preserved jars to enjoy year-round. These varieties perform well in UK gardens, greenhouses and polytunnels, giving dependable crops that hold up beautifully during processing.

⭐ Recommended Products — Tomatoes & Growing Essentials

• Tomato Seed Collection (Garden & Greenhouse Varieties)
A mix of popular tomato seeds — including salad and beefsteak types — perfect for sowing indoors early and planting out when warm.
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• Tomato Plants (Ready-Grown)
Save time with healthy young tomato plants — excellent if you prefer planting established plants rather than starting from seed.
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• Tomato Support Cages & Stakes
Helps keep vines upright, improving air circulation and reducing disease — essential for healthy growth and easier harvesting.
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• Tomato Feed & Fertiliser
Formulated with high potassium to support strong flowering and fruiting — use regularly through the growing season for bigger, juicier tomatoes.
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• Tomato Grow Bags / Containers
Ideal for patios, balconies, or greenhouse growing — provides good drainage and space for roots to develop big, productive plants.
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1. San Marzano

The classic Italian canning tomato with long, dense fruits and rich, balanced flavour. San Marzano’s firm flesh and low seed count make it perfect for sauces and whole-tomato jars.

2. Roma VF

A dependable plum tomato with thick walls and good disease resistance. Roma VF’s smooth, firm fruits are ideal for canning, purées and passata.

3. Opalka

Long, cylindrical fruits with minimal juices and dense flesh. Opalka is excellent for canning whole or in sauces, with rich flavour that intensifies when preserved.

4. Amish Paste

Large, meaty tomatoes with bold, sweet flavour — Amish Paste is versatile for canning, sauces, chutneys and soups.

5. Plum Regal

A modern determinate plum type bred for reliable cropping and great flavour. Plum Regal’s firm fruits can be canned whole or processed into thick sauces.

6. Viva Italia

Deep-red, firm tomatoes with balanced taste. Viva Italia works beautifully for canning and holds flavour and texture well in jars.

7. Principe Borghese

Small, firm fruits traditionally used for drying also make excellent canned pieces or concentrated sauce bases.

8. Little Napoli

Compact plum tomatoes with thick walls and solid flavour — trustworthy for canning from smaller spaces or patios.

9. Plum Lemon

Yellow plum tomatoes with tangy, fruity flavour add colour and variety to canned mixes, sauces or relishes.

10. Roma II

An improved plum type with firm texture and good yields — perfect for canning, sauces and preserved purées.

Canning Tips for UK Growers

• Harvest ripe: Fully coloured, slightly soft fruits give the best flavour and sugar levels for preserving.
• Blanch and peel: Easy way to remove skins before canning whole or sauce.
• Pack tightly: Firm-fleshed tomatoes hold shape better in jars.
• Use quality jars: Sterilise jars and lids before filling to ensure safe preservation.
• Balance acid: Use tested recipes for acidity when canning to ensure safe storage.

Whether you’re making whole canned tomatoes, sauces or summer preserves, these varieties deliver the flavour, texture and density you want in every jar.