by Tomato Wellness | Aug 25, 2023 | Food and Nutrition, Tomato Products
Ever wonder how tomatoes are preserved? Here’s what you need to know about how to preserve tomatoes for ultimate taste and quality.
Tomatoes are undoubtedly one of the most beloved and versatile ingredients in the culinary world. Their rich flavor and nutrient profile have led to a wide array of tomato-based products, from pasta sauces to ketchup and salsa. However, the challenge lies in preserving their nutritional integrity throughout the manufacturing process. In this article, we’re examining the technology and science behind canning tomato products, and how manufacturers preserve essential nutrients to deliver wholesome products that grace our tables.
How to preserve tomatoes
The journey from fresh tomatoes to canned tomato products involves several intricate steps. While this process is extensive, it’s important to make sure that each step is done correctly so that the products are safe and well-preserved.
1. Selection and Harvesting: The process begins with the best-quality tomatoes at the peak of ripeness, which ensures that the tomatoes are brimming with the most nutrients and flavor.
2. Preparation: The tomatoes are sorted, washed, and often blanched to facilitate peeling and enhance the preservation process. Furthermore, the cans are preheated for sterilization, which helps ensure the cleanliness and safety of the containers.
3. Processing Cans: Manufacturers use heat treatments to eliminate microorganisms and their spores while preserving the nutritional quality of the food. In fact, the heat applied during processing can enhance the bioavailability of certain antioxidants, such as lycopene, which becomes more accessible for absorption when cell walls are broken down during heating.
4. Cooling, Labeling, and Storage: Following processing, the cans are rapidly cooled to room temperature. Once they are cooled, the outer surface of the cans is dried for labeling, and then stored in cool and dry places before being dispatched.
What types of canned tomato products are available?
- Pasta Sauce
- Ketchup
- Salsa
- Tomato juice
- Whole peeled tomatoes
- Diced and petite diced tomatoes
- Stewed tomatoes
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato puree
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
Summary
The science of canning tomato products is a delicate dance between preserving nutrients and ensuring safety and flavor. Manufacturers follow many steps to deliver products that offer both taste and quality. Whether it’s a comforting bowl of pasta, a dollop of ketchup on your fries, or a zesty salsa to accompany your chips, you can trust that these tomato products have been carefully crafted to maintain their nutritional value while delighting your taste buds.
Try out some of our favorite recipes featuring canned tomatoes:
by Tomato Wellness | Aug 15, 2023 | News
I’m here to drop some truth bombs on why spending more money on imported tomatoes from Europe doesn’t make a lick of sense when we’ve got the best damn tomatoes right here in America.
First things first, let’s talk about quality. Now, I’m not saying Europe can’t produce some decent tomatoes, but let’s be real, folks – the heart and soul of tomato growing is right here in the good ol’ US of A. It always has been. Tomatoes are native to the Americas! Blind taste tests continue to prove that on any given day, a USA canned tomato can and usually does beat out any imports. We totally understand that most people will pick the brand their grandma used, but it’s just foolish to believe blindy that everything imported is somehow superior. Try it for yourself!
In America, we’re all about that hustle and grind, and guess what? Supporting local farmers is part of that ethos. When you buy American tomatoes, you’re not just getting the best taste; you’re also supporting our own economy, our own farmers, and our own communities. That’s how we build a stronger foundation for our future – by putting our money where it matters most.
Let’s talk about the carbon footprint, too. Shipping tomatoes all the way from Europe? Come on, that’s like paying for a first-class ticket for unnecessary pollution. We’re all about sustainability and reducing our impact on this beautiful planet. So why not cut down on those food miles and get your tomatoes from right here in America? It’s a win-win for your taste buds and the environment.
So, to wrap it all up – we’ve got the best tomatoes, we’re supporting our own economy, we’re reducing our carbon footprint, and we’re saving time. It’s a no-brainer, my friends. Let’s keep it real and make the smart choice – go for those American tomatoes and watch your taste buds, your wallet, and the planet will thank you later. 💪🍅
Alec Wasson – Chief Tomato Evangelist & Director Tomato Products Wellness Council
by Quality Recipes | Aug 4, 2023 | Quality Recipes
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 box 16 ounce mild Mexican processed cheese, cut into cubes
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1 can 15 ounce chili hot beans, drained
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½ cup chopped green onions
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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2 cans 10 ounce petite diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef and garlic until beef is thoroughly cooked, drain well.
- Add processed cheese, beans and onion; stir to combine. Heat mixture until hot and cheese is melted. Before serving add cheddar cheese and diced tomatoes with green chilies; stir to combine.
- Serve with pita chips, tortilla chips or veggies of your choice
by Quality Recipes | Aug 4, 2023 | Quality Recipes
Prep Time
25 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Ingredients
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6 grilled hamburger patties
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6 hamburger buns
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2 (10 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
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4 green onions, thinly sliced
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced
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1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
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1 teaspoon cumin
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
• Combine drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, green onions, garlic and jalapeno pepper in a large bowl.
• In a separate bowl combine vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, cumin, salt and black pepper; stir until blended.
• Pour vinegar mixture over tomato mixture; tossing to coat. Chill one hour before serving.
• Toast both halves of bun. Place grilled burger on bottom toasted bun. Spoon ¼ cup tomato mixture in center of burger, put toasted bun half on top.
by Quality Recipes | Aug 4, 2023 | Quality Recipes
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Ingredients
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½ cup chopped onions
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1 small green bell pepper, chopped
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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3 cans 14.5 oz cans low sodium chicken broth
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2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
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3 cans 10 oz petite diced tomatoes with green chilies
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1 – 10 oz package frozen corn, thawed
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1 can 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
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¼ teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon each chili powder and cumin
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3 tablespoons tomato paste
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2 tablespoons cornmeal mixed with ½ cup water
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Tortilla Chips
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
• In a large soup pot sauté onions and green bell pepper in oil until tender. Add chicken broth, shredded chicken, petite diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, black beans, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, tomato paste and cornmeal mixture. Bring to a boil.
• Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes.
• Spoon soup into serving bowl. Top with tortilla chips and cheese.
• Optional garnish: several ½-inch pieces of avocado and a spoon full of sour cream along with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Other toppings could include diced onion, pico de gallo or cilantro.
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