The Underrated Canned Food You Should Be Buying, According to a Food Editor

Unlock Culinary Brilliance with Canned Tomatoes

Enjoying Garden-Fresh Flavors All Year Long

For those of us not blessed with an endless summer or a bountiful garden, sourcing ripe, flavorful tomatoes can be a seasonal struggle. This is where canned tomatoes become indispensable. Much like frozen produce, they are harvested at their peak ripeness and processed swiftly, capturing that vibrant sweetness and acidity essential for classic dishes. From a rich marinara to a hearty chili or a comforting minestrone, canned tomatoes infuse your cooking with a taste of summer, delivering consistent flavor and brightness, regardless of the season.

Exploring Diverse Varieties for Every Culinary Need

One of the most appealing aspects of canned tomatoes is their wide array of textures and forms. Whether you need whole, diced, crushed, or pureed tomatoes, there's a type perfectly suited for every recipe. Whole tomatoes are ideal for rustic sauces, easily hand-crushed for a chunky texture that pairs wonderfully with meatballs. Diced tomatoes add depth and a pleasant bite to soups and chilis, while crushed or pureed options provide a smooth base for quick sauces or braising liquids. Beyond these, specialty varieties like smoky fire-roasted tomatoes, those infused with chiles or Italian spices, and even small tins of plump cherry tomatoes or the renowned San Marzanos each have their unique place in the kitchen.

Embracing Unbeatable Convenience for Busy Lives

The sheer convenience of canned tomatoes cannot be overstated. They eliminate the need for washing, chopping, or deseeding, making meal preparation incredibly efficient. For a busy working parent, this time-saving advantage, without compromising on flavor, is invaluable. A can of tomatoes is a culinary shortcut that helps create delicious meals even on the most hectic weeknights.

Unleashing Culinary Creativity with Exceptional Versatility

While canned tomatoes might first bring to mind everyday meals, their versatility extends far beyond the basics. They serve as the foundation for countless beloved recipes, simplifying weeknight dinners and enriching weekend cooking endeavors. For example, a quick sauté of garlic, aromatic spices, and diced canned tomatoes can transform into a flavorful chickpea curry, served over rice with fresh cilantro and green onions, offering a delicious meal faster than ordering takeout.

When time allows, canned tomatoes are the unifying ingredient in a slow-cooked Bolognese, blending with meat (or lentils), wine, milk, and herbs to create a rich, comforting sauce cherished by families. They also star in grilled-cheese-topped tomato soup, spicy shakshuka, cheesy beans, as a base for cooking grains, and in delightful dumplings.

For a surprising treat, try roasting canned whole tomatoes. Simply drain, halve, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and herbs, and roast at 350°F for about an hour. The tomatoes caramelize, developing a profound depth of flavor that rivals fresh fire-roasted varieties and elevates any dish.

Nutritional Powerhouse: Goodness Inside and Out

Beyond their culinary merits, canned tomatoes are packed with vital nutrients. They are an excellent source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant that helps protect skin from UV damage and may reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Remarkably, the canning process enhances lycopene's bioavailability, making it more easily absorbed by the body than from fresh tomatoes. Additionally, they provide ample vitamins C and K, potassium, and fiber. Harvested at their peak, canned tomatoes often boast a higher nutritional value than off-season fresh alternatives.

A Smart Choice: Economical and Environmentally Friendly

In an era of rising food costs, canned tomatoes offer remarkable value. A single can often costs less than fresh tomatoes and can form the basis of a meal for an entire family. Their extended shelf life also significantly reduces food waste. From an environmental perspective, they are a sustainable option, typically processed near their harvest locations, which minimizes transportation emissions. Furthermore, the cans themselves are widely recyclable, contributing to an eco-friendly kitchen.