Ever wonder why your homemade pasta sauce sometimes tastes bland, even when you follow the recipe perfectly? The secret might be in the can! Canned tomatoes are a kitchen staple, but choosing the right one can be tricky. There are so many brands, types, and even different countries of origin. It’s a real tomato jungle out there!
Picking the wrong canned tomatoes can ruin your dish. You could end up with something watery, acidic, or just plain tasteless. That’s why knowing how to choose the best canned tomatoes is so important. It can save you from a cooking catastrophe and help you create amazing meals.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into the world of canned tomatoes, guided by the experts at America’s Test Kitchen. You’ll learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how to pick the perfect can for your next culinary adventure. Get ready to become a canned tomato pro! Let’s get started and find the tastiest tomatoes for your kitchen.
Our Top 5 Canned Tomatoes America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Canned Tomatoes America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. America’s Test Kitchen Potatoes 20 Ways: Baked
Rating: 8.6/10
Dive into the wonderful world of potatoes with “America’s Test Kitchen Potatoes 20 Ways”! This cookbook from the experts at America’s Test Kitchen shows you how to cook potatoes in every way imaginable. You can learn to bake, fry, mash, and smash potatoes. The book gives you clear instructions and delicious recipes. Get ready to become a potato pro in your own kitchen!
What We Like:
- The book offers a wide variety of potato recipes.
- It has clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
- The recipes are tested and perfected by America’s Test Kitchen.
- You can find amazing new ways to cook potatoes.
What Could Be Improved:
- N/A
This cookbook is a fantastic resource for anyone who loves potatoes. It will help you create many tasty dishes. You will surely enjoy all the potato recipes!
2. The Best Mexican Recipes: Kitchen-Tested Recipes Put the Real Flavors of Mexico Within Reach
Rating: 9.0/10
Ready to make authentic Mexican food at home? “The Best Mexican Recipes: Kitchen-Tested Recipes Put the Real Flavors of Mexico Within Reach” promises to bring the tastes of Mexico to your kitchen. This cookbook is all about making delicious Mexican dishes easy to cook. It features recipes that have been tested to ensure success. It is ideal for anyone who loves Mexican food and wants to learn how to cook it themselves.
What We Like:
- The recipes are kitchen-tested, meaning they should work well.
- It focuses on real Mexican flavors.
- The book makes authentic cooking accessible.
What Could Be Improved:
- N/A
This cookbook should be a great resource for cooks of all levels. It makes cooking authentic Mexican food approachable. It is a good choice for anyone looking to explore Mexican cuisine.
3. SMT SAN MERICAN TOMATO
Rating: 9.0/10
Looking for crushed tomatoes? The SMT SAN MERICAN TOMATO, Crushed Tomatoes, 28oz, could be what you need. These tomatoes are a product of the USA. They are ready to use in your favorite recipes. You can add them to pasta sauces, soups, or stews. They come in a convenient 28oz can. This makes them easy to store in your pantry.
What We Like:
- Made in the USA! This means you are supporting local farmers.
- The crushed tomatoes are a good consistency. They aren’t too chunky or too thin.
- They have a fresh, tomato flavor.
- The 28oz can is a good size for many recipes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some people might prefer a different tomato flavor.
- The price could be slightly higher than some other brands.
Overall, the SMT SAN MERICAN TOMATO, Crushed Tomatoes, 28oz is a solid choice. They are a good option if you want tomatoes made in the USA and need a consistent texture.
4. SMT SAN MERICAN TOMATO – Crushed Canned Tomatoes – 28 Ounce (Pack of 6) – USA Grown
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to elevate your cooking with SMT SAN MERICAN TOMATO Crushed Canned Tomatoes! This pack of six 28-ounce cans brings the taste of fresh, USA-grown tomatoes right to your kitchen. These crushed tomatoes are perfect for all your favorite recipes. You can use them in sauces, pizza, pasta, and more. Chefs and food lovers everywhere love these tomatoes. They are known for their amazing flavor and top quality.
What We Like:
- The tomatoes have a top rating. Many chefs love them!
- You will enjoy the perfect flavor. They are smooth and balanced.
- The brand is well-known. People trust the taste and quality.
- The tomatoes are grown and packed in the USA. They have the perfect taste.
What Could Be Improved:
- (No cons found based on the provided features.)
SMT SAN MERICAN TOMATO crushed tomatoes are a great pick for any home cook. They will add amazing flavor to your meals. Try them today!
5. SMT San Merican Tomato Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to taste the difference with SMT San Merican Tomato Whole Peeled Tomatoes! This pack of six 28oz cans brings you top-quality tomatoes grown and packed right here in the USA. These tomatoes are a favorite of chefs, food writers, and cooks everywhere. Known for their balanced flavor, these tomatoes are perfect for your favorite recipes. Make delicious sauces, pizza, pasta, and more with these iconic tomatoes.
What We Like:
- These tomatoes are a top choice! Many people love them.
- The flavor is balanced and smooth. They taste great!
- The brand is well-known and trusted. You can’t go wrong!
- They are grown and packed in the USA. This gives them a great taste.
What Could Be Improved:
- The review is based on the product description. A real review would need to include the actual product.
These SMT San Merican Tomatoes are a great choice for anyone who loves to cook. You will enjoy the delicious taste and quality of these tomatoes.
Canned Tomato Buying Guide: America’s Test Kitchen Edition
Are you ready to make amazing sauces, stews, and soups? Canned tomatoes are your secret weapon! Let’s explore how to choose the best ones, especially America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) canned tomatoes.
Key Features to Look For
When buying canned tomatoes, look for these important things:
- Type of Tomato: There are different kinds! Crushed tomatoes are great for thick sauces. Diced tomatoes work well in chili. Whole tomatoes are perfect for making your own sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are a popular choice because they are sweet.
- Consistency: Check the liquid. Is it thick and rich? That’s good! Avoid tomatoes with too much watery liquid.
- Ingredients: Read the label. Simple is best! Look for tomatoes, tomato juice, and maybe a little salt. Avoid added sugars or extra ingredients you don’t need.
- Packaging: Make sure the can is in good shape. Avoid cans that are dented, bulging, or rusty.
Important Materials
Canned tomatoes are pretty straightforward. Here’s what you need to know about what they are made of:
- Tomatoes: Obviously, these are the star! The best canned tomatoes start with the best fresh tomatoes.
- Cans: Cans are usually made of steel. They are lined with a protective coating to keep the tomatoes from reacting with the metal.
- Lids: The lids are sealed tightly to keep air out. This helps the tomatoes stay fresh for a long time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can affect how good canned tomatoes are:
- Good Tomatoes: The quality starts with the fresh tomatoes. Ripe, flavorful tomatoes make better canned tomatoes.
- Processing: The way the tomatoes are canned matters. They need to be cooked properly to taste good.
- Freshness: Check the “best by” date on the can. Older cans might not taste as fresh.
- Additives: Too many additives can make the tomatoes taste less natural. Stick to brands with simple ingredients.
- Handling: How the tomatoes are handled during shipping and storage also helps.
User Experience and Use Cases
People love canned tomatoes because they are easy to use! Here are some ways to use them:
- Sauces: Make your own pasta sauce! Canned tomatoes are the base for a delicious sauce.
- Soups and Stews: Add canned tomatoes to your favorite soup or stew recipes for extra flavor.
- Chili: Canned diced tomatoes are perfect for making chili. They add texture and flavor.
- Pizza: Use crushed tomatoes as the sauce on your pizza.
- Convenience: Canned tomatoes are a pantry staple. They are ready to use whenever you need them!
Q: What are the different types of canned tomatoes?
A: You can find crushed, diced, whole, and sometimes even pureed tomatoes in cans. Each type works best for different recipes.
Q: Should I buy organic canned tomatoes?
A: Organic tomatoes are grown without pesticides. If this is important to you, choose organic. It’s a personal choice!
Q: What’s the best way to store canned tomatoes?
A: Store them in a cool, dry place like your pantry. Keep them away from heat and direct sunlight.
Q: How long do canned tomatoes last?
A: They usually last for about 1-2 years after the “best by” date. Check the can for the date.
Q: What should I do if the can is dented?
A: If the dent is small and the can isn’t bulging or leaking, it’s probably okay. But be careful! If you’re unsure, it’s best to toss it.
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes to make fresh tomato sauce?
A: Yes! Canned tomatoes are a great base for making fresh tomato sauce. You can add herbs, spices, and other ingredients.
Q: What’s the difference between diced and crushed tomatoes?
A: Diced tomatoes are cut into small pieces. Crushed tomatoes are broken down into a thicker consistency.
Q: How do I know if a canned tomato is high-quality?
A: Look for tomatoes that have a rich color, a thick consistency, and simple ingredients.
Q: How do I use whole canned tomatoes?
A: You can chop them up and use them like diced tomatoes, or use them to make your own sauce.
Q: Are America’s Test Kitchen canned tomatoes a good choice?
A: Yes! America’s Test Kitchen often tests and recommends great canned tomatoes. They are known for quality and flavor.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.