Heinz Tomato Catsup

By jannycerv

Ingredients

• 1 c white vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp whole cloves
• 3 " stick cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp whole allspice
• 1 tsp celery seed
• 8 lb tomatoes
• 1 c onion, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 c sugar
• 4 tsp salt

Preparation

Step 1

Combine vinegar, cloves, cinnamon stick, allspice and celery seed. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and set aside so vinegar can absorb spices. Wash and cut tomatoes into quarters. Combine with onions and cayenne pepper. Boil, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking. Press vegetable mixture through sieve. Combine sugar in large kettle. Boil, uncovered, stirring frequently until mixture is reduced by half, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. In the meantime, strain vinegar solution and discard spices. Add vinegar and salt to boiling tomato mixture. Continue boiling, uncovered, 30 minutes longer, or until thick. Stir frequently. Quickly pour into hot sterilized jars, filling to 1/2 inch from top. Cap each jar at once. Process 5 minutes in boiling water. Yield: 2 pints.

This recipe was distributed by the H.J. Heinz company during World War 2 when there was a shortage of materials for manufacturing the product. The Heinz Company made their recipe available for home use.