After heating, place peppers in a pan and cover with a damp cloth. The acid ingredients used in salsa help preserve it. You must add acid to home canned salsas because the natural acidity may not be enough. Commonly used acids in home canning are vinegar and lemon juice. Lemon juice is more acidic than vinegar but has less effect on flavor.
Spices add flavoring to salsas.
The amount of spices and herbs may be altered in these recipes. Cilantro and cumin are often used in spicy salsas. You may leave them out if you prefer a salsa with a milder taste. For a stronger cilantro flavor, add fresh cilantro just before serving the salsa. The only changes you can safely make in these salsa recipes are to substitute bottled lemon juice for vinegar and to change the amount of spices and herbs.