Peeled tomatoes

Pelati are canned tomatoes in their own juice, which have become a standard in Italian cuisine and have long been adopted in Russian kitchens. Their main difference from other canned tomatoes is that they are whole fruits, peeled and packed in juice. They retain the density of the pulp, do not break down into mush, and provide a clean tomato flavor without unnecessary impurities.

Taste and Texture

Pelati tomatoes have a sweet, rich tomato flavor with a slight acidity. The flesh is dense, fibrous, and not overly watery — which is why they don't break down during prolonged heat treatment. The juice in the can is concentrated and aromatic, absorbing all the fruit's juices and becoming the base for sauce.

How to use in cooking

• Tomato sauces for pasta — peeled tomatoes are mashed with a fork directly in the pot and create a smooth consistency without lumps
• Ragù, stewed meat and vegetables — whole fruits retain their shape and don't turn into mush
• Soups and stews — if you need a slightly coarser texture, tomato halves remain visible in the dish
• Pizza — tomato base made from peeled tomatoes turns out dense and not watery
• Canning and preservation — used as a base for homemade sauces and lecho

How to Choose and Store

Pay attention to the ingredients: good canned tomatoes contain only tomatoes, tomato juice, salt, and sometimes citric acid. No thickeners, starch, or strange additives. Check the production date — the fresher, the better. The tomatoes in the jar should be whole, without cracks or dents.

Pelati are stored in a cool, dark place at room temperature. After opening the jar, transfer the remainder to a glass container, cover with a lid, and place in the refrigerator — they will keep for a week this way. They can be frozen, but it's better to use fresh ones from the jar, as freezing causes some loss of flavor.

Successful Pairings

• Garlic and olive oil — a classic base for any tomato sauce
• Basil and oregano — herbs enhance the tomato aroma
• Red wine — adds depth and rounds out acidity
• Ground meat — creates classic bolognese
• Seafood — works well in light sauces for fish and squid

Pelati is not just canned tomatoes, it's a ready-made base for many dishes. They save time, provide predictable results, and allow you to make delicious tomato sauces at any time of year when fresh tomatoes are not available.