x 14½ oz cans peeled tomatoes with liquid

Canned peeled tomatoes are whole or crushed Solanum lycopersicum fruits that have been blanched to remove the skin, packed in tomato juice or puree, and thermally processed for shelf stability. These are typically derived from paste or sauce varieties bred for high solids content and uniform ripeness. The peeling process—usually accomplished through hot water immersion or steam followed by mechanical abrasion—preserves the fruit's structure while removing the tough exterior. The resulting product maintains the fruit's acidity, seeds, and cellular juice, offering superior flavor and texture to pre-made tomato sauces, as the minimal processing allows the fruit's natural character to dominate.

Canned peeled tomatoes are available in several styles: whole peels (San Marzano being the most prized), crushed, and diced. San Marzano tomatoes, cultivated primarily in the volcanic soils near Mount Vesuvius in Italy, have become the benchmark for quality canned tomatoes due to their low seed content, thinner walls, and superior flavor profile.

Canned peeled tomatoes are foundational to numerous cuisines, particularly Mediterranean cookery. They serve as the base for Italian pasta sauces (sugo di pomodoro), Spanish gazpacho, and countless stews and braises. Their acidity and umami content make them ideal for long-simmered dishes where fresh tomatoes would lose integrity. The liquid (tomato juice) is as valuable as the fruit itself, contributing body and flavor concentration. In modern cooking, they offer consistency and year-round availability, allowing cooks to achieve the depth of flavor associated with long cooking without relying on seasonal fresh tomatoes. Common applications include ragùs, shakshuka, chili, curry bases, and pizza sauces.