National Blog Posting Month

The Art of Simple Food

I recently bought The Art of Simple Foods by Alice Waters and I am enjoying reading through it. It's practical and makes sense. Occasionally I find that I want some more information and I'll seek out friends that like to cook to discuss ideas with them. With that in mind...

She suggests if you don't freeze or can your own tomatoes, you should "buy canned whole organic tomatoes because the cans of diced, crushed, or pureed tomatoes never seem to taste as good or cook as well. "

I'm wondering what others think about this and if anyone has a preferred brand they would recommend.

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Started Nov 4 2007 by:

Kim: View Discussions »

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Permalink Reply by Mary Lonz Nov 5 2007

I can my own tomatoes, but I don't always need a quart of tomatoes. I just buy whatever canned petit diced (I like those best) tomatoes are on sale. I've never noticed them tasting funny or not cooking well. On the other hand I have noticed that the fresh canned tomatoes give a distinct fresh tomato taste that I think would interfere in some dishes. For example, I found it unnerving that my chili, which I make in big batches, had a super fresh tomato taste to it.

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Permalink Reply by lesacooks Nov 6 2007

Herm, I thought I'd successfully posted a reply but looks like not... Anyhoo, I recommend using Muir Glen Organics Tomatoes. They are in great shape right out of the can, and they have a nice flavor. You can get them in either diced or whole form, and I do prefer the latter for the reason Alice mentions. The kind I use most often is a "fire-roasted" style, which is sooo much better than any other canned tomato out there.

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