PLUM TOMATOES VS CHOPPED

[Malc.]

Perhaps cheaper brands will actually use a different tomato or perhaps a number of different varieties for chopped. However, I imagine the main difference will be be in the processing of the two options i.e. whole plum and chopped. Both certainly have different texture from the tin.

I noted from a JO recipe that when cooking plum tomatoes whole, you are also less likely to get a slight bitterness from the seeds, as opposed to chopped.

[George]

That's pretty much what I'm getting at, Phil. In tins we see chopped and plum. The majority seem to be chopped and I would therefore assume they are the more common variety of tomatoes. I suspect the chopped variety may be beef tomatoes? When I have cooked Italian or chilli and have switched between the two, I have noticed a difference. So comparing like for like (all in tins) is there a difference? Or more to the point, will it make a difference?

I don't think beef tomatoes are common at all and I doubt very much if beef tomatoes are used in 'chopped' tins. I still reckon they are chopped plum tomatoes.

You say you've noticed a difference, then you ask 'will it make a difference?'. I think you've answered your own question.

[Peripatetic Phil]

That's pretty much what I'm getting at, Phil. In tins we see chopped and plum. The majority seem to be chopped and I would therefore assume they are the more common variety of tomatoes. I suspect the chopped variety may be beef tomatoes? When I have cooked Italian or chilli and have switched between the two, I have noticed a difference. So comparing like for like (all in tins) is there a difference? Or more to the point, will it make a difference?

I think (but I may be mistaken) that tinned tomatoes, whether chopped or whole, are almost invariably plum tomatoes.  However ... I have a tin in front of me as I write (the chopped variety, that is), and not only does the word "plum" appear nowhere on the tin, the illustration is of a conventional and not of a plum tomato.  Of course, we all know that labels need bear no resemblance to the contents, but the absence of the word "plum" anywhere at all does lead me to believe that these may indeed be chopped conventional tomatoes.  Do we have a food scientist on the forum who would be able to conduct an analysis ?

** Phil.

[Razor]

Well, like an utter anorak, I'm gazing at a tin of both.  Phil, there is no reference to the chopped ones as being plum, whereas, there is on the whole toms.

I've always assumed that tinned toms are of the plum variety.  Either way, I would only use tinned toms in a base, not in a main.

If the TV chef's are to be trusted, they tell us that tinned toms are of a very good standard these days.

Ray

[Secret Santa]

Well, like an utter anorak, I'm gazing at a tin of both.  Phil, there is no reference to the chopped ones as being plum, whereas, there is on the whole toms.

I don't know what to make of you pair but the thought of both of you sitting there gazing at your plums is making me a bit queasy.  ;D

[Peripatetic Phil]

I don't know what to make of you pair but the thought of both of you sitting there gazing at your plums is making me a bit queasy.  ;D

If that makes you queasy, what about the thought of someone chopping them up, boiling them in tomato sauce, and then stuffing them in a can ?!

[George]

As I said, the ones I use appear to be the same. Italian plum tomatoes are used for both whole and chopped variants. The ingredients lists both say "Italian peeled plum tomatoes 60%". These are from Lidl and, whilst low cost, are high quality. Other supermarkets may have lower quality tomatoes, of uncertain quality, at a higher price.

[Domi]

I don't know what to make of you pair but the thought of both of you sitting there gazing at your plums is making me a bit queasy.  ;D

If that makes you queasy, what about the thought of someone chopping them up, boiling them in tomato sauce, and then stuffing them in a can ?!

Now that kinda talk whets more than my appetite! Can you talk about it more slowly and in detail whilst jogging on a treadmill I don't get out much

As to the tinned plum/chopped tomatoes, if I need chopped tomatoes I open a can of plum tomatoes and chop them myself (I always Napolina @ 65% tomato).

[Peripatetic Phil]

As I said, the ones I use appear to be the same. Italian plum tomatoes are used for both whole and chopped variants. The ingredients lists both say "Italian peeled plum tomatoes 60%". These are from Lidl and, whilst low cost, are high quality. Other supermarkets may have lower quality tomatoes, of uncertain quality, at a higher price.

I believe you, George, but look at the two illustrations : would you agree with me that whilst the tomatoes illustrated on the upper can are clearly plum, those on the lower can look remarkably like conventional ?

** Phil.

(Sorry, Domi, don't have a treadmill, but on checking the garden shredder it looks as if the opening is big enough to get the plums inside if that will help ?).

[Secret Santa]

These are from Lidl and, whilst low cost, are high quality.

I use those too George, very good quality for the price, although I like the Napolina too if I can get them on sale. I wouldn't pay full price.