Are Canned Tomatoes Healthier Than Fresh Tomatoes?

Are canned tomatoes healthier than fresh tomatoes? Fresh tomatoes are delicious, but they also have their benefits. Learn what those are!

Fresh Tomatoes VS Canned Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a superb source of lycopene, which has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. They’re also high in vitamin A, potassium, fiber, and folate.

In addition to selecting varieties, this circumstance usually leads to high lycopene content.

The secondary plant substance lycopene, which is responsible for the red color of the fruits, is considered healthy. The substance can act as sunscreen on the body and slightly brighten the mood.

Lycopene is also said to have anti-inflammatory and preventive effects against some types of cancer.

Besides, canned tomatoes also contain plenty of vitamin C and folic acid – but the vitamin content of fresh vegetables is much higher than that of canned tomatoes.

Nutrient content per 100 grams of tomatoes:

Vitamin C: 20 mg (fresh), 15 mg (canned)
Folic acid: 20 µg (fresh), 5 µg (canned)
Vitamin E: 0.8 mg (fresh), 0.6 mg (canned)
Beta-carotene: 590 µg (fresh), 485 µg (canned)

The amount of healthy ingredients that the human body can absorb also depends on the preparation method.

Raw tomatoes contain the most significant amount of vitamin C, and mixing them with oil ensures that vitamin E is particularly well dissolved in the fruit.

By heating, on the other hand, the lycopene is released from the cell walls and can be utilized.

The Benefits of Buying Fresh Tomatoes

Fresh and ripe tomatoes usually contain more essential ingredients than canned vegetables. When plants are in season from April to October, you should, therefore, choose fresh tomatoes.

There are several reasons why buying fresh tomatoes is better than canned ones:

Fresh tomatoes contain more nutrients than canned ones, and they taste much better.
They last longer because they won’t lose flavor as quickly.
They were less expensive.
They’re fresher.

Why You Should Buy Fresh Tomatoes

Buying fresh tomatoes is one of the easiest ways to add nutrition to your diet. They’re packed with vitamins A, B6, K, C, E, folate, potassium, fiber, and iron. Plus, they’re low in sodium, calories, and fat.

Why You Should Buy Canned Tomatoes

However, in winter, it’s worth switching to canned tomatoes for dishes with cooked vegetables. For the production of canned tomatoes, fruits are used that have been allowed to ripen for a long time.

If you prefer to buy canned tomatoes, there are plenty of reasons why you should do so:

cheaper than fresh tomatoes.
convenient.
often more nutritious than fresh tomatoes.
easier to store, and they’re less likely to spoil.

How Long Can I Refrigerate Tomatoes?

You should store fresh tomatoes at room temperature for up to three days. If you refrigerate them, they’ll lose flavor and nutrients.

How to Freeze Tomatoes

To freeze tomatoes, cut them into halves or quarters, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze them for six months. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for two weeks.

Conclusion

Fresh tomatoes are sumptuous because they taste better than canned ones, and they’re healthier. But if you don’t like buying them every week, it might be worth considering purchasing some cans instead.

Are Canned Tomatoes Healthier Than Fresh Tomatoes?