Canned tomatoes are an essential ingredient in many recipes, from stews and sauces to soups and chili. They are convenient, shelf-stable, and usually more affordable than fresh tomatoes. Plus, they come in a variety of types that can be used for different purposes. Whether you’re looking for a healthy addition to your favorite recipe or simply don’t have time to chop fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes are a great option.
There are many different types of canned tomatoes out there, so let’s take a closer look at each type and see what they can be used for.
What are the different types of canned tomatoes?
The different types of canned tomatoes are crushed, diced, whole, stewed, sauce, and paste.
Now, let’s take a closer look at these different types of tomatoes and what they can be used for in cooking.
Crushed tomatoes
These tomatoes have been peeled and seeded, then crushed into a thick purée. They are great for making sauces, stews, and soups.
Diced tomatoes
Diced tomatoes are exactly what they sound like—they’ve been peeled and seeded, then diced into small pieces. They can be used in place of fresh tomatoes in recipes, or you can use them to make your own diced tomato sauce.
Tomato paste
This thick, concentrated tomato product is made by cooking down tomatoes until they turn into a thick paste. It’s often used as an ingredient in sauces and stews, or mixed with water to make a quick tomato sauce.
Whole peeled tomatoes
These tomatoes have been peeled and seeded, but they are left whole. They can be used in recipes that call for fresh tomatoes, or you can purée them yourself to make a sauce or soup.
Stewed tomatoes
Stewed tomatoes are whole or diced tomatoes that have been cooked down with spices and seasonings. They are a great shortcut for making tomato-based recipes, and they can also be eaten on their own as a side dish.
Tomato sauce
Tomato sauce is a smooth purée of tomatoes that has been cooked with onions, garlic, and spices. It’s a key ingredient in many recipes, and it can also be used as a condiment.
Now that you know the different types of canned tomatoes, you can experiment with them in your cooking to find the perfect ingredient for your next dish.
Questions About Canned Tomatoes
Have more questions when you’re trying to figure out what types of canned tomatoes to buy? Don’t worry we have you covered.
Are all canned tomatoes plum tomatoes?
No, not all canned tomatoes are plum tomatoes. Plum tomatoes are a type of tomato that is specifically grown to be used in canning. They are usually more oblong in shape and have fewer seeds than other types of tomatoes. However, you can find all types of canned tomatoes at the store, including crushed, diced, whole, stewed, sauce, and paste.
What is the difference between crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes?
Crushed tomatoes have been peeled and seeded, then crushed into a thick purée. Diced tomatoes are exactly what they sound like—they’ve been peeled and seeded, then diced into small pieces. Both types of canned tomatoes can be used in place of fresh tomatoes in recipes, but the crushed tomatoes will have a smoother texture.
What are the best canned tomatoes to use for sauce?
The best canned tomatoes to use for sauce are tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, or diced tomatoes. These types of canned tomatoes have already been cooked down and seasoned, so they will add flavor and depth to your sauce. If you want a chunkier sauce, you can use whole peeled tomatoes or stewed tomatoes and purée them yourself.
What canned tomatoes are peeled and seeded?
All of the canned tomatoes that have been peeled and seeded are: crushed, diced, whole, stewed, sauce, and paste. Crushed tomatoes have been peeled and seeded, then crushed into a thick purée. Diced tomatoes are exactly what they sound like—they’ve been peeled and seeded, then diced into small pieces. Whole peeled tomatoes are tomatoes that have been peeled and seeded, but they are left whole. Stewed tomatoes are whole or diced tomatoes that have been cooked down with spices and seasonings. Tomato sauce is a smooth purée of tomatoes that has been cooked with onions, garlic, and spices. Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated tomato product that is made by cooking down tomatoes until they turn into a thick paste.
Do canned tomatoes have a lot of salt?
Canned tomatoes usually have some added salt, but the amount varies depending on the brand. You can find low-sodium or no-salt-added canned tomatoes at some stores. Or, you can rinse the canned tomatoes before using them to remove some of the salt.
What is the difference between canned whole tomatoes and canned diced tomatoes?
Canned whole tomatoes are tomatoes that have been peeled and seeded, but they are left whole. Canned diced tomatoes are exactly what they sound like—they’ve been peeled and seeded, then diced into small pieces. Both types of canned tomatoes can be used in recipes that call for fresh tomatoes, or you can purée them yourself to make a smooth sauce.