How to select the best tomato paste, puree or crushed tomatoes?
How to select the best tomato paste, puree or crushed tomatoes? by Knoxx Foods
We have talked to some of the best chefs in the world. They have told us how they ensure they use the best quality tomato products. We have curated a collection of some of the best tips and tricks we have picked up over the years.
LOOK FOR HIGHER BRIX AND CHECK THE PRODUCT’S INGREDIENTS
Just like length is measured in centimeters, weight in Kilograms, the concentration of Tomato pastes, Puree or Juices is measured in Brix. The more the Brix, the more is the concentration of the product. Many manufacturers mix inferior or cheaper additives, salt, or sugar to artificially enhance the Brix of the products and to cut the cost. Look for 100% pure tomatoes as ingredients on the label. The pure products might be comparatively sour than the mixed products. You just have to use them lesser than the latter. The pure products are actually cost-effective and make your dishes tastier.
WATCH FOR THE MEDIUM OF STORAGE FOR WHOLE PEELED AND CRUSHED
You must select a product that is stored in tomato juice rather than in water as the one in tomato juice retains a natural taste. Also, be careful about the juice in which the Crushed Tomatoes and Whole Peeled Tomatoes are immersed. Higher the Brix of the juice, the more tomatoes you get as compared to the similar but inferior products.
WATCH FOR REAL WEIGHT
While most tins look similar, you should watch for the net weight of the product mentioned on the tin. Many companies try to be-fool the customers by keeping the price lower while reducing the net weight of the product. You must also watch for the drained weight in case of crushed and whole peeled tomatoes. This means how much is the weight of real tomatoes if the liquid part of the product is drained out. More the drained weight more superior and cost-effective is the product.
DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN PUREE AND PASTE
A puree is a diluted form of paste. While puree ranges from 6 to 9 Brix depending upon the brand you use, the paste starts from 22 Brix onward. So it makes more sense to use tomato paste in place of tomato puree. All you need to convert the paste into a puree is to add some water and stir it.
