How Many Fresh Tomatoes in 28 oz Can?
When it comes to cooking with canned tomatoes, one question that often arises is how many fresh tomatoes are equivalent to a 28 oz can of tomatoes.
In using tinned tomatoes in recipes, determining the correct quantity can prove difficult, more so if you're familiar with cooking with fresh tomatoes.
Experimenting with varying ratios of tinned tomatoes might help you find a balance that suits your taste palette.
In this short post, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide some additional tips for cooking with canned tomatoes.
How Many Fresh Tomatoes in 28 oz Can?
Prior to exploring the number of fresh tomatoes which equates to a 28 oz can, let's signpost the dimensions of the tin.
Grasping this perspective will assist in accurately determining the correct amount of fresh tomatoes for recipes.
A 28 oz can of tomatoes is a standard size used in many recipes. It contains approximately 3.5 cups of crushed or diced tomatoes, which is roughly equivalent to 7-8 medium-sized fresh tomatoes.
Opting for Fresh Tomatoes Over Tinned Varieties
If your preference leans toward fresh tomatoes in place of tinned ones, it is crucial to ascertain the right quantity needed as a replacement for a 28 oz tin.
Working out the correct quantity will ensure your dish maintains the sought after flavour profile.
As we mentioned earlier, a 28 oz can contain about 7-8 medium-sized tomatoes. So, if you’re using fresh tomatoes, you’ll need to chop up enough to equal 3.5 cups.
Do bear in mind that tinned tomatoes present unique texture and taste profiles, contrasting with that of their fresh counterparts.
You may have to adjust your recipe to factor in these differences, to attain your targeted outcome.
Canned tomatoes are often picked at the peak of ripeness and are cooked and canned within hours, which gives them a more concentrated flavor.
Fresh tomatoes, on the other hand, can vary in ripeness and may not have the same intense flavor as canned.
To compensate, you may want to add some tomato paste or extra seasoning when cooking with fresh tomatoes.
Directions for Cooking Utilising Tinned Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are a convenient and versatile ingredient to have on hand, whether you’re making pasta sauce, chili, or soup. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your canned tomatoes:
- Drain and rinse the tomatoes: Many canned tomatoes are packed in juice or sauce, which can affect the consistency of your recipe. To prevent this, drain the tomatoes and rinse them under cold water before using.
- Use a food processor: If you prefer a smoother sauce or soup, you can puree the canned tomatoes in a food processor or blender before using them.
- Cook the tomatoes: While canned tomatoes are already cooked, you may want to simmer them for a few minutes with other ingredients to help the flavors meld together.
- Store leftovers properly: If you have leftover canned tomatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Here are Some Common Types of Canned Tomatoes
- Whole Tomatoes: These are tomatoes that are canned whole with their skins and seeds intact. They can be used in recipes where the texture of the tomato is desired.
- Diced Tomatoes: These are tomatoes that are chopped into small pieces and canned with their juices. They are often used in recipes that call for smaller tomato chunks.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes are tomatoes that have been mashed or pureed to a chunky consistency. They are suitable for recipes that require a smoother tomato texture.
- Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce is made from cooked and pureed tomatoes, often with added seasonings and herbs. It serves as a base for pasta sauces, pizza sauce, and other tomato-based dishes.
- Tomato Paste: Tomato paste is a concentrated tomato product made by cooking tomatoes for an extended period and reducing them to a thick paste. It adds intense tomato flavor to dishes and is commonly used in small quantities to enrich sauces and soups.
Benefits and Advantages of Canned Tomatoes
-
- Year-round Availability: Canned tomatoes are available throughout the year, allowing you to enjoy tomato-based dishes regardless of the season.
- Longer Shelf Life: Canning extends the shelf life of tomatoes, making it possible to store them for several months or even years without spoilage.
- Convenience and Time-Saving: Canned tomatoes are pre-cooked and ready to use, saving time in meal preparation compared to using fresh tomatoes.
- Consistent Quality: Canned tomatoes maintain a consistent flavor, texture, and acidity, ensuring reliable results in your recipes.
Assorted Tinned Tomato Varieties and Their Uses in Cooking
-
- Whole, Diced, or Crushed: Understanding the differences between various canned tomato types and how to use them appropriately in different dishes.
- Tomato Sauce and Its Versatility: Exploring the uses of tomato sauce as a base for pasta dishes, pizza, and other flavorful sauces.
- Tomato Paste as a Flavor Booster: Discovering the concentrated flavor of tomato paste and how it enhances soups, stews, and braised dishes.
Potentially Handy Hints for Cooking with Tinned Tomatoes
-
- Draining and Straining Techniques: Techniques for adjusting the consistency and texture of canned tomatoes by draining or straining excess liquid.
- Balancing Acidity and Sweetness: How to balance the natural acidity of canned tomatoes with sweeteners or other ingredients to achieve the desired flavor profile.
- Storage and Safety: Best practices for storing opened and unopened canned tomatoes to maintain quality and safety.
Adapting Tinned Tomatoes in a Variety of International Cuisines
-
- Italian Classics: Iconic Italian dishes like spaghetti bolognese, marinara sauce, and minestrone soup featuring canned tomatoes as a key ingredient.
- Mexican Delights: Exploring how canned tomatoes play a vital role in authentic Mexican salsas, enchilada sauces, and chili recipes.
- Mediterranean Flavors: Utilizing canned tomatoes in Mediterranean dishes like Greek moussaka, Spanish paella, and French ratatouille.
Beneficial Aspects and Nutritional Factors Worth Considering
-
- Nutrients in Canned Tomatoes: Highlighting the nutritional benefits of canned tomatoes, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Sodium and Sugar Content: Examining potential concerns regarding added sodium and sugar in some canned tomato products and strategies for selecting healthier options.
- Evaluating Tinned vs. Fresh Tomatoes: Analysing the nutrient content of tinned versus fresh tomatoes, in conjunction with the benefits and downfalls of each selection.
Conclusion
In summary, a 28 oz can of tomatoes contains approximately 7-8 medium-sized fresh tomatoes.
If you prefer to use fresh tomatoes, you’ll need to chop up enough to equal 3.5 cups.
Keep in mind that canned tomatoes have a different texture and flavor than fresh, so you may need to adjust your recipe accordingly. So with this information, you will be able to use canned tomatoes to create delicious and flavorful dishes.
