Are Canned Tomatoes More Nutritious Than Fresh?
A big misconception about fruits and vegetables is that “fresh is best,” but this is more MYTH than fact! I’m excited to share the truth about canned produce with 5 facts you don’t know about canned produce and finally answer the question, “Are Canned Tomatoes More Nutritious Than Fresh?”
Disclaimer: This information was gathered on a sponsored trip with Tomato Wellness. All opinions are my own.
Sometimes I have to pinch myself I feel so lucky to have the job that I do! Last week, I got to learn about the “farm to can” process in Northern California with an amazing company and some amazing colleagues.
On my 3-day trip, I saw the fields, the processes, and inside the canneries to see what reallly happens. Plus, my colleagues and I were able to ask as many questions as our little hearts (and dietitian brains!) desired!
I’m always grateful when companies are transparent to show us what goes on behind the scenes because that really means they have nothing to hide!
And I’m not going to lie… a group of dietitians is a TOUGH crowd! We have a research-based background that makes us want to question EVERYTHING. We want to know the FACTS…
I’m also so grateful for opportunities like these because I get to share some awesome new information and these experiences with YOU!
And that’s what it’s all about – helping you make educated choices about your food.
And I have to say… I bet you’ll be surprised by some of the facts I’m sharing below…
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Canned food gets a bad rap in this country. Maybe there was a time when canned meant excess sodium and preservations, and even unsafe chemicals in the canning process, but NOT ANYMORE!
All forms of fruits and vegetables can fit in your diet – fresh, frozen, dried, AND canned!
So, are canned tomatoes more nutritious than fresh?
Here are 5 things you probably don’t know about canned produce…
1. Tomatoes go farm to can in 3-6 hours!
Isn’t that amazing?! I think one of the biggest takeaways I learned on this trip is that the process is SO quick!
And the quicker your produce is canned, the less time it spends baking in the sun and in transit, which can cause a loss of nutrients.
Fresh tomatoes in the supermarket can spend days getting to you… and then who knows how long they’re sitting in the market.
Since tomatoes are canned so quickly after harvest, the nutrients are locked in the can. That means MORE antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that can benefit you and your family.
2. Canned In the USA Matters
USA-canned produce is different from imported cans. I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely been told that I need to use imported tomatoes for specific recipes.
In reality, the quality of California and USA canned foods is actually superior!
Action tip: Look for “Grown in USA” on the lid of the can or bottom of can.
3. Most canned tomatoes are steam-peeled
While chemically peeling tomatoes [with lye] was popular once upon a time, it’s no longer the most popular option. In fact, industry standards are moving towards nearly 100% steam-peeled processes.
I saw the process first-hand and it’s amazing! The whole tomatoes are steamed (I felt like I was getting a facial when we walked by!), and then “pickers” pick off the skin.
Even better… there’s no food waste with steam-peeling! The skins are used in tomato paste and other products. With chemical peeling, the skins must be discarded.
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4. Canned tomatoes are more nutritious than fresh
Yup, you read that right! Canned tomato products contain MORE anti-inflammatory antioxidant LYCOPENE than fresh.
Lycopene is what gives tomato their superfood status, so why not optimize it?!
Lycopene is associate with:
- Reducing inflammation
- Reducing prostate cancer risk
- Protecting against heart disease
- Defending against sun damage
- Maximizing bone health
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5. Canned tomatoes make it cheaper to eat your 5 a day
Since canned tomatoes are even more nutritious than fresh, it’s a good idea to stock up so you can always meet your veggie quota!
Here’s how I love to add canned tomatoes to my meals:
So tell me: are you stocking your pantry ASAP?!
XO