Theres a misconception that fresh produce is superior to canned fruits and vegetables. In reality, both fresh and canned food have their pros and cons.
In the case of tomatoes, fresh ones are available all year long. Tomatoes are the most flavorful when they are in season, which is about half of the year. During the other half of the year, diced canned tomatoes may be a more flavorful option as the tomatoes are usually picked during peak ripeness.
Canned tomatoes are also a more affordable and accessible option that has a longer shelf life, so they wont go bad if you forget about them. Tomatoes are actually the most consumed canned vegetable in the U.S., according to the USDA.
Depending on the time of year and your recipe, you may prefer canned tomatoes over fresh ones. Heres how to substitute canned and fresh tomatoes for each other, so you can always use the type of tomatoes you prefer or have on hand.
Yep, fresh tomatoes will work fine. You’ll likely need to cook them longer than you would canned tomatoes, and you may need to use more.
Dice the Tomatoes
Place the tomatoes on a cutting board and dice them into 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch pieces, as desired. Then use them according to the recipe instructions. Feel free to freeze the excess.
Fresh tomatoes are well-suited for eating raw. Chop them and use them as an ingredient in salads and sandwiches or by themselves as a snack.
You can also cook fresh tomatoes to make homemade marinara sauce, pizza sauce or other tomato-based sauces.
Rinse Raw Tomatoes
Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds. Then, run the tomatoes under cool water for a few minutes.
Chili made with fresh tomatoes
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?
Do I have to use diced tomatoes in chili?
Is it better to cook with fresh tomatoes or canned?
Can you use canned tomatoes to make chili?
Store any leftovers in a covered dish in the refrigerator. Be sure to let the chili simmer for at least an hour so that the tomatoes have enough time to break down and become soft. If you don’t have fresh tomatoes to make this chili, you can use canned tomatoes instead. If you canned diced tomatoes in pint jars, use two full pints, undrained.
What is the best substitute for chili powder?
Chili powders are usually a combination of garlic, salt, ground chilies, and cumin. For those who cannot eat chili peppers or need a substitute for a recipe, a homemade spice blend is a good option. For example, garlic powder, salt, black pepper for the spicy kick, and cumin. Some people cannot consume peppers because of a nightshade allergy. Making spice blends at home can help minimize the possible cross contamination and give the individual more control over the flavor of their blend.
What can I make with fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?
Today’s recipe: A meaty homemade chili made with fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes, a great way to use up a surplus of garden tomatoes, especially late in the season when it’s cooled down a bit too. Most of all, fresh tomatoes served on top of chili are wonderful!
Do fresh tomatoes make a good chili?
Yes, fresh tomatoes make a great chili – no better than canned tomatoes but still, a great chili. If you have lots of tomatoes to use up, yeah, for sure, make chili. But chili made with fresh tomatoes isn’t much different than chili made with canned tomatoes. A great chili topped with really good fresh garden tomatoes? Now that’s special!