Tomatoes are one of the most consumed foods in the world, grown in all corners of the globe and taking a feature role in virtually every kind of cuisine. Fresh tomatoes are juicy, vibrant, and sweet, but canned tomatoes are just as important in both home kitchens and professional settings, adding a different type of tomatoey goodness (and convenience) that impacts many dishes.
Sharing the health profile of their fresh counterparts, canned tomatoes are a great way to get nutrition and flavor into various dishes, from Spanish paella to Hungarian goulash, tomato soup to Mexican salsa. They are not just a backup option but a kitchen superstar in their own right, providing a unique depth of flavor to so many classic dishes.
Join us as we uncover everything you could possibly need to know about canned tomatoes — from navigating the different types to keeping them as fresh as possible once the can has been popped open and how to cook with them. These practical tips will help make sure youre able to use these tinned wonders to their full potential and enjoy them at their best, whether thats making a cozy dinner for one or creating a gourmet meal for a special occasion.
Can I ever use the tomatoes without cooking them? Um, no. Canned tomatoes should always be cooked and have no place in a BLT or salsa fresca. A long simmer in soups, braises, and sauces will soften them up, concentrate their flavors, and get rid of any bitter or tinny tastes.
How long do canned tomatoes last?
One of the most convenient aspects of canned tomatoes is their long shelf-life. It means you can stock up on them in your pantry and not need to worry too much about them going stale, especially if you rotate your canned goods. But just because they can be eaten years after purchasing them doesnt mean they should be.
In general, high-acid food such as tomatoes will be at their best for around 18 months after canning. You should aim to eat your tomatoes within this time period for the optimum flavor and texture. Beyond this point, they will still be safe to eat, but the quality may start to deteriorate.
It is important to note that, unlike perishable food, canned foods do not have an expiration date after which the food is unsafe to eat. Instead, a best before date will give a rough guide as to when the product will taste best. To increase the longevity, store your cans in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
Once opened, of course, the date on the can is irrelevant, and you should store your tomatoes in the fridge and eat them within a week. If you need them to last longer, pop them in the freezer in a plastic container or zip-top bag, where they will keep safely for many months.
Canned vs. fresh tomatoes: when to use each one
The question of whether to use fresh or canned tomatoes in your cooking is one that may not be as clear-cut as it seems. In general, we tend to think of fresh ingredients as being better than canned, but just as dried herbs can give a different flavor profile to a dish than their fresh counterparts, canned tomatoes have unique qualities that they can bring to your culinary creations.
If your tomato dish needs to be bright and zingy, fresh tomatoes should always be your go-to option. When in season, fresh tomatoes add a juicy sweetness that cant be matched, but out of season, they can be a different story. After a long journey to reach your kitchen, the texture and flavor may be lackluster over a short period of time.
Canned tomatoes, on the other hand, can be relied upon all year-round. They lend their flavor well to hearty, slow-cooked dishes such as casseroles and sauces, where the tomatoes take on flavors from other ingredients. They also come with the added convenience of very little preparation being needed.
The best approach is to use a mixture of fresh and canned tomatoes across your repertoire. Obviously, canned tomatoes are not going to be starring in your Caprese salad any time soon, but if your tomatoes need to be cooked, consider using fresh while they are in season and canned the rest of the year.
RECIPES USING CANNED TOMATOES | CANNED TOMATO RECIPES | FEEDING THE BYRDS
FAQ
Do canned diced tomatoes need to be cooked?
Can you eat canned diced tomatoes without cooking?
Are canned diced tomatoes ready to eat?
Do you have to cook tomatoes before you can them?
Do you cook with canned diced tomatoes?
If you’ve been around here even a short time you’d know I cook with canned diced tomatoes a lot. Like, A LOT, a lot. For several reasons – they’re cheap, they are super healthy, and they add TONS of flavor to whatever you’re cooking. Canned diced tomatoes are also good in a WIDE variety of recipes.
Can one eat too many tomatoes?
Eating too many tomatoes can cause skin discoloration, digestive troubles, body aches, and acid reflux. There is not a recommended number of tomatoes to eat per day, but it is important to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet instead of relying on just one option like tomatoes.
What can I make with a can of diced tomatoes?
This super-easy salsa recipe starts with a can of diced tomatoes (fire-roasted are ideal) and a few dried chiles. Drizzle it on tacos, scrambled eggs, or just dip your chips. This earthy pasta sauce has a touch of bacon but no other meat. The flavor comes from marinated lentils and a big can of diced tomatoes.
What is a can of diced tomatoes?
We love that a can of diced tomatoes includes both the lighter tomato juices (a great stand-in for broth, as you’ll see below) and pieces of firm, diced tomato (no messy squeezing or mashing needed, as with stewed or whole versions).