When people think of Italian food, tomatoes play a starring role. During a recent trip to Venice, I enjoyed far too much pizza, with a standout coming from the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa. Topped with arugula, creamy fior di latte, and prosciutto, it was delightful. Interestingly, the chefs there emphasized the use of high-quality canned tomatoes for their pizza sauce, which caught my attention.
Raffaele Lotto, the executive chef, mentioned that using canned tomatoes ensures consistent quality and flavor. “The sauce is the heart of the pizza, and it must come from a can to maintain that quality,” he explained. Many chefs favor D.O.P. San Marzano tomatoes, known for their rich flavor with fewer seeds and less water content.
To put some mainstream canned tomatoes to the test, I sampled several brands. This was no small feat since I ended up with what felt like nine bags of sauce, which I may need help consuming!
I first tried Contadina Whole Peeled Tomatoes. They had a decent flavor, but the texture was uneven. Some tomatoes were firm, while others were mushy. They’re okay for soups, but not ideal for sauce.
Next, I tested Muir Glen Whole Peeled Tomatoes. Unfortunately, they were overly acidic, which is not what you want in your pasta.
Hunt’s Whole Peeled Tomatoes were next. They tasted metallic, reminiscent of canned flavor you might find in your childhood school lunches. These were not great, either.
On a brighter note, Red Gold Whole Peeled Tomatoes were solid, but sometimes the flavor swung from “yum” to “ew.” Consistency matters!
365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Whole Peeled Tomatoes are a staple in my pantry. They’re sweet and work well in many dishes, even if they lean a little too sweet at times.
The standout was Cento Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes. With added basil, these tomatoes delivered a lovely sweetness. You could taste the quality, proving why they are a favorite among chefs.
Then there’s Mutti Whole Peeled Tomatoes. They’re simple and pure—no additional ingredients to mask the flavor. However, they can taste sour at room temperature. Cook them, and they are superb.
Finally, I discovered Bianco DiNapoli Whole Peeled Organic Tomatoes. These changed my perception of canned tomatoes completely. They are perfectly balanced—sweet, tart, and bursting with flavor as if they were fresh off the vine.
Canned tomatoes can vary widely in quality and flavor. According to the USDA, tomato consumption has risen due to health trends, with emphasis on organic options. Experts agree that quality tomatoes can elevate any meal, making them essential kitchen staples.
If you’re on a culinary journey, don’t overlook canned tomatoes. They can be the heart of your dishes, bringing authentic flavor straight to your kitchen.
