x 32 ounce can crushed tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant associated with cardiovascular health, and provide vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They are low in calories (approximately 40 calories per 1-cup serving) and contain no added sugar in most unflavored varieties.
About
Crushed tomatoes are a processed tomato product made from ripe tomatoes that have been mechanically crushed and canned, typically with added tomato juice or puree to achieve a uniform consistency. The tomatoes are usually blanched and peeled before crushing to remove skins, then packed in cans with minimal additives—often just salt and sometimes citric acid as a preservative. The result is a coarse puree with visible tomato solids suspended in liquid, distinct from smooth tomato sauce or paste.
The standard 32-ounce (907g) can represents a common commercial format used extensively in North American cooking. Crushed tomatoes retain more texture and structural integrity than tomato sauce, making them ideal for applications where visible tomato pieces are desired. Quality varies by brand, with San Marzano varieties generally considered premium due to their lower seed content and sweeter flavor profile.
Culinary Uses
Crushed tomatoes are a foundational ingredient in Mediterranean and Italian cuisines, particularly for sauces (pasta sauces, pizza toppings, ragu). They are widely used in soups, stews, curries, and braised dishes, and serve as a base for salsas, chili, and bean-based preparations. The texture makes them ideal for applications requiring identifiable tomato pieces while maintaining a sauce-like consistency.
In professional kitchens, crushed tomatoes are preferred for dishes where tomato chunks should remain visible, such as marinara sauce or tomato-based braises. Home cooks value the convenience of canned crushed tomatoes as an economical, shelf-stable alternative to fresh tomatoes, available year-round without quality variation from seasonal supply fluctuations.