From freshness to nutrient content, we are separating fact from fiction to uncover 4 myths about canned tomatoes.
The debate surrounding the health merits of various food products often veers into murky territory, where fact and fiction blur and myths abound. Among the subjects of such conjecture is the humble canned tomato – a pantry staple that has sparked curiosity and controversy alike. In this post, we are separating fact from fiction to uncover the truth behind the purported health benefits of canned tomatoes. Let’s dive in!
Myth #1: Canned Tomatoes Lack Freshness and Flavor
One common misconception surrounding canned tomatoes is the belief that they lack the freshness and flavor of their fresh counterparts. However, the truth is that canned tomatoes are often harvested at the peak of ripeness and promptly processed, sealing in their vibrant taste and nutritional goodness. With advancements in canning technology, manufacturers have perfected methods to preserve the natural flavor and texture of tomatoes, ensuring a delightful culinary experience with every bite.
Myth #2: Canned Tomatoes Are Loaded with Unhealthy Additives
Another prevailing myth is that canned tomatoes are packed with harmful additives, such as preservatives and excessive sodium. While it is true that some canned tomato products may contain added ingredients for flavor enhancement and preservation, these additives are typically present in minimal amounts and are regulated by food safety standards. Many brands offer low-sodium or no-salt-added varieties, providing consumers with options to suit their dietary preferences and health goals.
Myth #3: Canned Tomatoes Pose a Risk of Foodborne Illness
There is a misconception that canned tomatoes pose a risk of foodborne illness due to the canning process. However, the canning process effectively sterilizes the contents of the can, eliminating harmful bacteria and pathogens that can cause foodborne illness. When stored properly and consumed before the expiration date, canned tomatoes are safe for consumption and offer a convenient and shelf-stable option for households.
Myth #4: Canned Tomatoes Are Inferior in Nutritional Value
Canned tomatoes are harvested at their flavor and nutrition peak and canned within just a few hours. Moreover, studies have shown that canned tomatoes are even more nutrient-rich and environmentally-friendly than fresh tomatoes. In addition, they are rich in vitamins and minerals your body needs to function properly and can help boost energy and reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Try out some of our favorite canned tomato recipes today!
Cooking at home doesn’t have to be complicated! Here’s how you can use canned tomatoes in the kitchen to make nutritious, easy, and affordable meals.
Our fast-paced lifestyles, fueled by the demands of work, family, and social obligations, have catalyzed a paradigm shift in our relationship with food. Time – or rather the lack thereof – has emerged as a critical determinant in shaping consumer preferences. Coupled with the pervasive influence of technology and digitalization, this confluence of factors has spurred a burgeoning demand for convenient meal solutions. In fact, recent statistics show that the global market for convenience foods is projected to reach unprecedented heights, reflecting a seismic shift in purchasing behavior.
Canned tomatoes are one such convenience food item that is also on the rise. Unlike their fresh counterparts, canned tomatoes offer a myriad of advantages that cater to the needs of today’s discerning home cooks. With their year-round availability, extended shelf life, and remarkable versatility in recipes ranging from hearty stews to zesty pasta sauces, canned tomatoes serve as a cornerstone of modern pantry essentials. They are also rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants (such as lycopene) which may reduce the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer.
Cooking at Home with Canned Tomatoes
Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy cooking at home with canned tomatoes:
Spruce up your dinner menu this week with this delicious and simple Swiss Steak recipe. Carefully crafted to delight your taste buds while nourishing your body, this hearty dish features tenderized beef smothered in a savory tomato-based sauce. Are you drooling yet?!
We love this recipe because it is teeming with nutritional qualities. For instance, the canned tomatoes used here have been linked a variety of health benefits (including a reduced risk of cancer and improved heart health), whereas the beef provides a significant source of protein and iron. So, what are you waiting for? Serve this Swiss Steak alongside your favorite vegetable and you have a dinner that’s sure to impress everyone at your table! Learn how to make this recipe here.
Discover our array of diverse recipes, each designed to bring the warmth of traditional family dining to your table. These meals are not only simple to prepare but also budget-friendly, making them perfect for busy households. Tailored to please every palate, our recipes cater to both individual tastes and family-wide preferences. Developed by our multicultural culinary team, these dishes offer a celebration of global flavors, ensuring nutritious, easy-to-make, and affordable meals for you and your family.
Serve this Swiss Steak alongside your favorite vegetable and you have an easy and nutritious dinner that's sure to impress.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time2 hours30 minutes
Total Time2 hours45 minutes
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. All-Purpose Flour
½ Tsp. Paprika
½ Tsp. Garlic Powder
¼ Tsp. Kosher Salt
¼ Tsp. Ground Black Pepper
1 Lb. Round Or Top Round Steak, About An Inch Thick
3 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 Cup Sliced Mushrooms
1 Small Onion, Roughly Chopped
1 Clove Garlic, Chopped
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Thyme And/Or Dried Sage
2 Cups Canned Puréed Tomatoes
4 Small Russet Potatoes, Each Peeled And Cut Into 8 Pieces
2 Large Carrots, Cut Into 2 Inch Segments
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper (20.5 g)(11.5g left in bowl NOT used on steak). Mix well. Rub flour mixture onto both sides of the steak.
Heat 2 Tbsp. of oil in a wide, shallow pan (that has a lid) over medium heat. Place the steak in the pan, and cook for approximately 10 minutes on each side, enough to brown the steak. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
Add mushrooms and saute until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add another Tbsp. of oil to the pan then add in onions and garlic. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes more and, using a wooden spoon, scrape up any brown bits that have formed on the bottom of the pan.
Return the steak to the pan, placing it on top of the mushroom/onion mixture. Sprinkle the thyme and/or sage on top of the steak. Add in the puréed tomatoes to the pan and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat to the lowest heat possible to maintain a low simmer. Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid and cook for 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes of cooking, turn the steak over and add in the potatoes and carrots. Recover and cook for an additional 1 hour 15 minutes.
The steak should be done after a total cooking time of 2 hours. Check the tenderness of steak and vegetables with a fork.
To serve, remove the steak and slice. Spoon the sauce over the steak and serve with vegetables. Enjoy!
Notes
If you don’t have pureed tomatoes on hand, don’t worry. You can use whole, diced or crushed tomatoes and simply puree them in the blender.
Recipe approved by Ellie Krieger, Culinary Nutritionist (RD) for Tomato Wellness.com
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
Scant ½ cup sauce and vegetables Amount Per Serving:Calories: 430Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3.5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 420mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 5gSugar: 11gProtein: 32g
Indulge in a taste of the Mediterranean with this Tomato Mussels recipe—a delightful fusion of succulent seafood and vibrant flavors that promises to elevate any dining experience. Paired with crusty bread or served atop a bed of al dente pasta, these plump mussels simmered in a rich tomato broth offer a tantalizing blend of sweetness and acidity, which make them perfect for a dinner party with friends or family.
Beyond their exquisite taste, the health benefits of whole canned tomatoes take center stage in this recipe for Tomato Mussels. Bursting with lycopene—an antioxidant known for its potential in promoting bone health, protecting against heart disease and reducing the risk of certain cancers—canned tomatoes lend not only robust flavor but also a nutritional boost to this meal. Moreover, this recipe exemplifies simplicity at its finest, offering a quick and easy dinner option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe is a testament to the beauty of uncomplicated yet delicious dining.
How to cook mussels
Cooking mussels may sound intimating, but it doesn’t need to be! Here are a few easy steps to ensure you make the perfect mussels every time.
Rinse the mussels under cold water, scrubbing them with a brush to remove any debris or sand, and discard any with broken shells or those that do not close when tapped, as they may not be fresh. Once cleaned, check the freshness of the mussels by ensuring their shells are tightly closed or that they close when tapped—if any remain open, they may be dead and should be discarded.
In a large pot, bring your water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cleaned mussels to the pot and cover with a lid.
Check after 3 minutes and remove any open mussels. Continue to boil, uncovering the pot as necessary to remove the mussels as soon as their shells open. Discard any that do not open.
Are mussels good for you?
Yes, mussels are good for you, as they are highly nutritious and offer several health benefits. They are an excellent source of protein and are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin B12, selenium, zinc, and iron. Furthermore, mussels are low in fat and calories, making them a nutritious option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. However, it’s essential to ensure that mussels are sourced from clean waters and cooked properly to avoid potential contamination and foodborne illness.
Discover our array of diverse recipes, each designed to bring the warmth of traditional family dining to your table. These meals are not only simple to prepare but also budget-friendly, making them perfect for busy households. Tailored to please every palate, our recipes cater to both individual tastes and family-wide preferences. Developed by our multicultural culinary team, these dishes offer a celebration of global flavors, ensuring nutritious, easy-to-make, and affordable meals for you and your family.
Paired with crusty bread or served atop a bed of al dente pasta, these plump mussels simmered in a rich tomato broth offer a tantalizing blend of sweetness and acidity, which make them perfect for a dinner party with friends or family.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Ingredients
¼ Cup Olive Oil
1 Medium White Onion, Finely Chopped
6 Cloves Garlic, Minced
3 tbsp. Chopped Fresh Parsley, Plus More For Finishing
1 (28-Oz) Can Whole Tomatoes, Drained And Chopped
¼ tsp. Dried Thyme
¼ tsp. Red-Pepper Flakes
4 Pounds Mussels, Scrubbed And Debearded
⅛ tsp. Ground Black Pepper
Kosher Salt, To Taste
Toasted Bread, Preferably Whole Grain (Optional)
Instructions
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Stir in the parsley, tomatoes, thyme and red-pepper flakes. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When cleaning mussels, discard any that have broken shells or that don’t clamp shut when tapped. Add the mussels to the pot, bring to a boil and cover. Cook, shaking the pot occasionally, just until the mussels open. Check after 3 minutes and remove any open mussels. Continue to boil, uncovering the pot as necessary to remove the mussels as soon as their shells open. Discard any that do not open.
Stir the black pepper into the broth. Taste the broth and, if needed, add salt. Ladle the broth over the mussels and serve with the toasted bread. Enjoy!
Notes
You need quite a large pot to make this recipe, but if you don’t have one big enough, you can always halve the recipe (so it serves 2) and make it in a pot such as one you might use to boil pasta.
Recipe approved by Ellie Krieger, Culinary Nutritionist (RD) for Tomato Wellness.com
Brunch is served with this incredibly delicious Tomato Pesto Spinach Frittata! Bursting with the freshness of diced tomatoes, the earthy goodness of spinach, and the aromatic essence of basil pesto, this dish is a true celebration of vibrant ingredients and will be a true standout on any brunch table.
Not only is this recipe bursting with flavor, but it’s also packed full of nutrition. Rich in protein, high in antioxidants (such as lycopene), and teeming with vitamins, this recipe is sure to make you glow from the inside out. We also love the addition of diced tomatoes in this frittata recipe, especially since research shows they play a role in promoting heart health and reducing the risk of certain cancers.
So, whether you’re looking to elevate your weekend breakfast spread or seeking a nutritious yet flavorful dish for any occasion, this Tomato Pesto Spinach Frittata promises to be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. So, fire up your stove and whip out your cutting board – it’s time to give this recipe a try!
Frittata vs quiche
The main difference between a frittata and a quiche lies in their preparation and presentation.
Quiche: a quiche traditionally features a pastry crust, providing a flaky texture and often made with ingredients like flour, butter, and sometimes herbs or cheese. This crust is filled with a mixture of eggs, cream, cheese, and various fillings before being baked in the oven.
Frittata: a frittata is crustless, eliminating the need for pastry preparation and simplifying the cooking process. The eggs and fillings are combined and cooked together in a skillet on the stovetop before finishing in the oven or under a broiler. This makes frittatas a quicker and more accessible option for a hearty egg dish.
Discover our array of diverse recipes, each designed to bring the warmth of traditional family dining to your table. These meals are not only simple to prepare but also budget-friendly, making them perfect for busy households. Tailored to please every palate, our recipes cater to both individual tastes and family-wide preferences. Developed by our multicultural culinary team, these dishes offer a celebration of global flavors, ensuring nutritious, easy-to-make, and affordable meals for you and your family.
Bursting with the freshness of diced tomatoes, the earthy goodness of spinach, and the aromatic essence of basil pesto, this Tomato Pesto Spinach Frittata is a true celebration of vibrant ingredients and will be a true standout on any brunch table.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Ingredients
6 Large Eggs
¼ Cup 1% Low-Fat Milk
2 tbsp. Store-Bought Basil Pesto
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
¼ tsp. Kosher Salt
½ tsp. Ground Black Pepper
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
½ Small Red Onion, Thinly Sliced
2 Cups Spinach, Chopped
1 (14.5 Oz) Can Petite Diced Tomatoes, Drained
1 Cup Fresh Or Frozen Mixed Vegetables, Diced (E.G. Broccoli, Zucchini, Asparagus, Carrot, Peas, Cauliflower, Mushrooms)
Fresh Parsley, For Garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Whisk together the eggs, milk, pesto, garlic powder, salt, pepper and set aside.
In a large, oven safe skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and saute until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add in spinach, tomatoes and vegetables of choice; sauté until the spinach is wilted and veggies are tender.
Add egg mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to the oven and bake until puffed and center is just set, 10 to 12 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes. Run a spatula around the edge and beneath before slicing into wedges. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
Freeze any leftover pesto in an ice cube tray, then pop the cubes into a freezer bag so you have them on hand to add flavor to sauces and stews, or make this dish again (which you will definitely want to do!).
Recipe approved by Ellie Krieger, Culinary Nutritionist (RD) for Tomato Wellness.com
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