Ingredients Guide

Diced tomatoes are a kitchen staple, beloved for their versatility and ability to add vibrant flavour and texture to countless dishes. Whether you're simmering a rich pasta sauce, adding a zesty touch to your salsa, or enjoying a simple side dish, diced tomatoes are your go-to ingredient. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about diced tomatoes, from their origins to the best ways to use them in your cooking.

Diced Tomatoes: A Culinary Deep Dive

1. History of Diced Tomatoes

Tomatoes, and by extension diced tomatoes, originated in the Andes region of South America. They were cultivated by the Aztecs and Incas, who used them in their cuisine. Spanish explorers brought tomatoes to Europe in the 16th century, initially viewing them with suspicion due to their resemblance to nightshade. However, they eventually became widely adopted in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in Italy, where they were embraced for their flavour and versatility.

Canning technology, developed in the early 19th century, played a crucial role in popularising diced tomatoes. This allowed for the preservation and long-distance transportation of tomatoes, making them available year-round and globally accessible.

2. Cooking Techniques

How to cook Diced Tomatoes (General Overview)

Diced tomatoes are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of cooking techniques. They're fantastic for sauces, stews, soups, and even as a topping for pizzas and bruschetta. Generally, you can add them to dishes early on to let their flavour meld, or add them towards the end for a fresher taste.

How to Prepare Diced Tomatoes for Cooking

Generally, diced tomatoes from a can are ready to use. If using fresh tomatoes, see the Ingredient Preparation section below.

How to Grill Diced Tomatoes

Grilling diced tomatoes isn’t common, but it’s possible! Thread cherry tomatoes (halved if larger) onto skewers and grill them briefly, turning frequently, for a charred, smoky flavour. Use larger fresh tomatoes if you are able to dice them in consistent sizes

How to Bake Diced Tomatoes

Baking diced tomatoes is a delicious method, often used in casseroles or as a filling. You can bake them with other vegetables or proteins. For instance, combine diced tomatoes with herbs, garlic, and olive oil and bake until the tomatoes soften and the flavours meld.

How to Sauté Diced Tomatoes

Sautéing diced tomatoes is an excellent way to quickly create a simple sauce or side dish. Heat olive oil in a pan, add diced tomatoes, garlic, and your favourite herbs (basil, oregano, etc.). Cook until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Ingredient Preparation

How to Cut Diced Tomatoes

If using fresh tomatoes, start by washing them thoroughly. Depending on the size of your tomatoes and desired dice size, you might core them first and cut them in half or quarters. Then, dice them into the desired size. For a more uniform appearance, cut the tomato into even slices and then dice the slices.

How to Peel Diced Tomatoes

Peeling isn't strictly necessary when using diced tomatoes, but it can enhance the texture of some dishes. To peel tomatoes easily, score a shallow 'X' on the bottom of each tomato. Blanch them in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should now easily slip off.

How to Dice Diced Tomatoes

See 'How to Cut Diced Tomatoes'.

How to Mince Diced Tomatoes

Mincing diced tomatoes isn't usually done, as the aim of dicing is to retain some texture. If a finer chop is desired, simply cut the tomatoes into even smaller pieces during the dicing process.

4. Storage

How to Store Diced Tomatoes (Short-Term and Long-Term)

• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place. Once opened, transfer any unused portion to an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Fresh Diced Tomatoes: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. For longer-term storage, you can freeze diced tomatoes (see below).

How Long Does Diced Tomatoes Typically Last Under Different Storage Conditions?

• Canned (unopened): The best-by date on the can is usually a good indicator, often several years.
• Canned (opened, refrigerated): 5-7 days.
• Fresh (refrigerated): 3-5 days.
• Frozen: Up to 6 months, though the texture may change.

5. Substitutions

What are good substitutes for Diced Tomatoes if it's unavailable or if someone has an allergy?

• Tomato Passata: This is a good alternative for adding a smooth tomato flavour.
• Fresh Tomatoes (diced): If you have fresh tomatoes, dice them yourself. This is an excellent substitute if you're looking for a fresher taste and texture, though it will need some prep work.
• Tomato Puree: Can be used to add a thick, concentrated tomato flavour, but may require some added liquid to reach the right consistency.
• Tomato Paste: Similar to puree, but even more concentrated. Again, this needs dilution with water or stock.

6. Nutritional Information

Diced Tomatoes Nutrition Facts

(per 100g, approximate values – values can vary depending on the brand and type of tomatoes)

• Calories: 18 kcal
• Protein: 0.9g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 3.9g (including 2.6g sugars)

• Fibre: 1.2g

• Vitamin C: 13.7mg (23% of the daily value)

• Vitamin A: 401 IU (8% of the daily value)
• Potassium: 237mg (7% of the daily value)

Health Benefits of Consuming Diced Tomatoes?

• Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
• Good Source of Vitamins: High in Vitamin C, crucial for immune function and skin health, and Vitamin A, important for vision and cell growth.
• Promotes Heart Health: Lycopene has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Tomatoes are also a source of potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure.
• May Reduce Cancer Risk: Some studies suggest that lycopene may also help protect against certain cancers, such as prostate cancer.

7. Pairing

What flavours and ingredients go well with Diced Tomatoes in culinary applications?

Diced tomatoes pair well with a wide range of flavours:

• Herbs: Basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley
• Alliums: Garlic, onion, shallots
• Spices: Black pepper, red pepper flakes, chilli powder, cumin
• Proteins: Beef, chicken, fish, eggs, cheese
• Vegetables: Peppers, courgettes, aubergine, onions
• Other: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, olives, capers

Specific Examples:

• Pasta Sauce: Diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and a pinch of sugar.
• Salsa: Diced tomatoes, onions, coriander, jalapenos, lime juice.
• Chili: Diced tomatoes, kidney beans, ground beef, chilli powder, cumin.
• Bruschetta: Diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze on toasted bread.
• Shakshuka: Diced tomatoes, peppers, onions, eggs, spices

8. Cleaning and Washing

How to wash Diced Tomatoes properly to remove dirt and contaminants.

• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Generally, the canning process cleans the tomatoes, so there's no need to wash them before use.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Rinse fresh tomatoes under cold running water. Gently rub the surface of the tomatoes to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry before dicing.

9. Ripeness

How to tell if Fresh Tomatoes are ripe.

• Colour: Ripe tomatoes should be vibrant red (or the specific colour of their variety, like yellow or orange). Avoid tomatoes that have green spots or are pale.
• Feel: Ripe tomatoes should feel slightly soft when gently squeezed. They shouldn't be rock-hard or mushy.
• Smell: Ripe tomatoes will have a sweet, fragrant aroma. If they have no smell, they're probably not fully ripe.

When is Diced Tomatoes in Season?

Fresh tomatoes are generally in season during the summer months, from June to September. However, thanks to modern farming and preservation techniques like canning, diced tomatoes are available year-round.

Facts You May Not Know

FAQs