From hearty crushed tomatoes to smooth purée and rich tomato paste, every variety has something different to offer. Understanding their unique textures, flavors and best uses makes it easier to choose the perfect tomato for your favorite dishes.
Cento offers a wide selection of quality tomato products for everything from traditional Italian sauces to everyday cooking. Explore the differences between our tomato varieties and discover how each one can bring authentic Italian flavor to your table.
Not all tomato products are created for the same purpose. From whole, delicate plum tomatoes to rich, concentrated paste, each variety brings its own texture and character to the kitchen.
Prized for their balanced sweetness, low seed count and tender flesh, Certified San Marzano Tomatoes are grown in a specific region of Italy and are ideal for authentic Italian tomato sauces.
Whole peeled tomatoes offer flexibility in the kitchen. Crush them by hand, chop them into pieces or blend them into a smoother consistency to suit your recipe.
Premium plum tomatoes sliced into tender strips and packed in a full-bodied tomato purée with basil. They provide a convenient starting point for flavorful sauces.
Uniformly chopped tomato pieces that hold their shape during cooking. An excellent option when you want noticeable pieces of tomato in a dish.
Thick, hearty tomatoes with small pieces of fruit throughout. Crushed tomatoes offer a balance between chunky diced tomatoes and smooth tomato purée.
A smooth, thick tomato product that falls between crushed tomatoes and concentrated tomato paste. It creates an even consistency without distinct tomato pieces.
Smooth, sieved tomato purée with a bright tomato flavor. Traditional Passata has the skins and seeds removed, while Rustica offers a heartier texture.
Tomatoes cooked down to create a thick, concentrated ingredient that adds deep flavor and richness with just a small amount.
Whether you want whole tomatoes that break down during cooking, distinct pieces that hold their shape, or a silky-smooth base, choosing the right tomato variety can make all the difference. The next section will help you compare their textures and find the best match for your recipe.
Each type of tomato brings something different to the table. Compare their textures, cooking characteristics and best uses to find the right fit for your next recipe.
| Tomato Variety | Texture | In the Kitchen | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
01
Certified San Marzano
|
Whole & tender | Breaks down into a smooth, flavorful sauce when cooked | Marinara, Neapolitan-style pizza sauce and Italian classics |
|
02
Whole Peeled
|
Whole & juicy | Can be crushed, chopped or blended to your liking | Homemade tomato sauces, braises and stews |
|
03
Chef's Cut
|
Sliced & textured | Tomato strips provide texture while cooking in a rich purée | Hearty pasta sauces and pizza sauce |
|
04
Diced Tomatoes
|
Small & chunky | Defined tomato pieces retain more of their shape | Chili, soups, stews, salsa and chunky sauces |
|
05
Crushed Tomatoes
|
Thick & rustic | Small tomato pieces create a hearty sauce consistency | Sunday gravy, pasta sauces, soups and pizza sauce |
|
06
Tomato Purée
|
Smooth & thick | Creates a consistent, even tomato base | Smooth tomato sauces, soups and braised dishes |
|
07
Passata
|
Silky & pourable | Blends easily into recipes without distinct tomato pieces | Smooth pasta sauces, soups and pizza sauces |
|
08
Tomato Paste
|
Dense & concentrated | Adds deep, concentrated tomato flavor in small amounts | Building flavor in sauces, soups, braises and stews |
For a rustic sauce, choose crushed or whole peeled tomatoes. If you prefer a silky consistency, try tomato purée or passata.
When you need concentrated tomato flavor, reach for tomato paste. The right choice depends on the texture and flavor you want to bring to the finished dish.
The best tomato for your recipe depends on the dish you're making. Whether you're simmering a family-favorite sauce or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, these simple pairings can help you choose the right variety.
For a traditional tomato sauce, choose tomatoes that simmer into a rich, flavorful base. Whole tomatoes can be crushed for a rustic finish, while passata creates a smoother, more uniform consistency.
Great pizza starts with a flavorful tomato base. Crushed tomatoes create a rustic sauce with natural texture, while blended whole peeled tomatoes offer a smooth, traditional option.
Tomato-based soups and stews benefit from a balance of flavor and texture. Diced tomatoes add distinct pieces, while crushed tomatoes blend naturally into broths and slow-simmered dishes.
For a sauce that simmers slowly with meat, garlic and herbs, hearty crushed tomatoes provide a rich foundation. A spoonful of tomato paste can add even more depth as the flavors develop.
Braised meats and vegetables develop flavor as they cook gently in a seasoned liquid. Tomato purée provides an even base, while whole peeled tomatoes add a heartier texture.
When time is limited, reach for tomato products that require minimal preparation. Chef's Cut tomatoes are ready to simmer, while passata works beautifully for smooth, simple sauces.
You don't always have to choose just one type of tomato. Combining crushed tomatoes with tomato purée can give a sauce both body and texture, while adding tomato paste helps deepen its flavor.
Experiment with different varieties to create the consistency and flavor that works best for your family's favorite recipes.
Whether you're preparing a traditional Sunday sauce or a quick weeknight dinner, Cento has the right tomatoes for every recipe. Explore our complete collection and bring authentic Italian flavor to your table.
Packaging, nutrition facts and ingredient statements are
subject to change. For the most up to date information
regarding a product, please refer to the product’s packaging.