Canned tomato

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Homemade canned tomatoes are a convenience food across the former Soviet Union

Canned tomatoes, or tinned tomatoes, are tomatoes, usually peeled, that are sealed into a can after having been processed by heat.[1]

Variants[edit]

Canned tomatoes are available in several different forms. The traditional forms are whole peeled tomatoes, packed in juice or purée, and ground tomatoes, sometimes referred to as "kitchen-ready." Ground tomatoes are not to be confused with purée, which is similar but more cooked. Taste tests indicate that whole tomatoes packed in juice tend to be perceived as fresher-tasting than those packed in purée. Crushed tomatoes, commonly used for pasta sauces, are made by adding ground tomatoes to a heavy medium made from tomato paste. Diced tomatoes have become increasingly common for applications where a chunkier or more substantial product is needed. In recent years, the Petite Diced form (3/8" cut pieces) has become the fastest growing segment of canned tomatoes.[citation needed]

Usage[edit]

In areas and situations where in-season, perfectly ripe tomatoes are not available, canned tomatoes are often used as an alternative to prepare dishes such as tomato sauce or pizza. The top uses for canned tomatoes are Italian or pasta sauces, chili, soup, pizza, stew, casseroles, and Mexican cuisine.

Economic aspects[edit]

Industrially produced canned tomatoes are internationally a staple product[2] and subject to regular market analysis[3] as well as trade considerations.[4][5]

Home preservation[edit]

Home canned tomatoes may be prepared in a number of ways.[6] However, safety measures need to be taken since improperly canned tomatoes can cause botulism poisoning, whether produced industrially or at home.[7]

Diced tomatoes[edit]

Diced tomatoes usually refers to tomatoes that have been diced. In the United States retail environment, however, the term refers to canned chunks of plum tomatoes in tomato juice or tomato purée, sometimes seasoned with basil or garlic. This product is a relatively recent arrival in the processed tomato market, and has become quite popular since its introduction in the mid-90s, probably due to American tastes for a chunkier tomato sauce. Calcium chloride is sometimes added to stabilize the cell structure of the canned tomatoes, giving the end product a firmer texture.

Canned diced tomatoes are primarily used in Italian-American cuisine. They are generally available in two sizes, regular (roughly 2 cm or 7/8 in) for long-cooked dishes and petite (roughly 1 cm) for quicker applications.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Standard for Canned Tomatoes" (PDF). CODEX STAN 13-1981. Codex Alimentarius. 1981. Retrieved 2007-02-21.
  2. ^ lessingflynn (2023-01-13). "The Demographics Behind Tomato Consumers". ProAg. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  3. ^ ltd, Market Data Forecast. "Canned Tomatoes Market |Size, Share, Growth| 2022 – 2027". Market Data Forecast. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  4. ^ "Trade - Tomato News". www.tomatonews.com. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  5. ^ "Tomato Products Situation and Outlook" (PDF). Circular. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. June 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-05-15. Retrieved 2007-02-21.
  6. ^ Elizabeth L. Andress (May 2006). "Sorting Out Tomato Canning Directions". National Center for Home Food Preservation. Retrieved 2007-02-21.
  7. ^ Patricia Redlinger (September 2001). "Canning and freezing tomatoes" (PDF). PM 638. Iowa State University Extension. Retrieved 2007-02-21.