Canned tomato facts for kids
Canned tomatoes are simply tomatoes that have been picked, peeled, and sealed into a can. They are cooked with heat to keep them fresh for a long time. This makes it easy to enjoy tomatoes even when they are not in season.
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Different Kinds of Canned Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes come in many forms, each good for different recipes.
Whole Peeled Tomatoes
These are whole tomatoes with their skins removed. They are usually packed in tomato juice or a thicker tomato purée. Many people think tomatoes packed in juice taste fresher.
Crushed Tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes are often used for pasta sauces. They are made by adding ground tomatoes to a thick base, often made from tomato paste.
Diced Tomatoes
Diced tomatoes are cut into small pieces. They are great when you want chunks of tomato in your dish. In the United States, diced tomatoes are often plum tomatoes in juice or purée. They might even have basil or garlic added for extra flavor.
Why Diced Tomatoes are Popular
Diced tomatoes became very popular in the mid-1990s. People liked them because they add a chunkier texture to dishes like tomato sauce. Sometimes, a little Calcium chloride is added to help the tomato pieces stay firm in the can.
Sizes of Diced Tomatoes
You can usually find diced tomatoes in two main sizes:
- Regular: These pieces are about 2 cm (or 7/8 inch) big. They work well for dishes that cook for a long time.
- Petite: These are smaller, about 1 cm (or 3/8 inch). They are perfect for recipes that cook quickly.
How We Use Canned Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are super useful when fresh, ripe tomatoes are hard to find. They are a great way to make many tasty dishes.
Popular Dishes with Canned Tomatoes
Some of the most common ways to use canned tomatoes include:
- Making Italian or pasta sauces.
- Cooking up a hearty bowl of chili.
- Preparing delicious soups.
- Topping pizzas.
- Adding flavor to stews and casseroles.
- Creating dishes from Mexican cuisine.
Canning Tomatoes at Home
Many people enjoy canning tomatoes at home. It's a fun way to preserve your own garden harvest. However, it's very important to follow safety rules when canning food. This helps make sure the food is safe to eat and prevents any problems. Always use proper recipes and methods to keep your home-canned tomatoes safe and delicious!
