x 28-ounce can tomatoes

Canned tomatoes are preserved tomato fruits processed and packaged in metal tins, typically containing tomatoes in their own juice, puree, or sauce. The standard 28-ounce (approximately 800 grams) can is a common commercial format in North American kitchens. Tomatoes used for canning are typically varieties bred for acidity, flesh density, and flavor stability—often paste or San Marzano cultivars—harvested at peak ripeness and processed within hours to preserve their quality. The canning process involves peeling, packing, and heat treatment to ensure shelf stability while maintaining nutritional integrity and flavor compounds. Canned tomatoes may be whole, crushed, diced, or puréed depending on the product specification.

The 28-ounce can size represents approximately 3.5 cups of tomato product and is engineered for consistent cooking performance across recipes. Most commercial canned tomatoes are minimally processed—typically containing only tomatoes, tomato juice, salt, and citric acid as preservatives—making them a pantry staple for year-round cooking when fresh tomatoes are unavailable or cost-prohibitive.

Canned tomatoes form the foundation of countless global cuisines, particularly in Italian, Spanish, and Latin American cooking. They are essential for preparing sauces (marinara, sugo di pomodoro, salsa roja), soups (minestrone, gazpacho, tortilla soup), stews, and braises where their acidity and concentrated flavor benefit from extended cooking. A single 28-ounce can typically serves 2-3 people or yields approximately 1.75 cups of usable tomato solids. Whole canned tomatoes are often hand-crushed before use to control texture; crushed varieties offer immediate use without additional processing. Canned tomatoes pair effectively with garlic, olive oil, basil, oregano, onions, and peppers, and are superior to fresh tomatoes in winter cooking due to their consistent flavor and reduced water content.