Tomato Puree vs. Crushed Tomatoes - What's The Difference?

This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no cost to you.

Tomatoes have been widely used in various recipes in cooking. You can use tomatoes straight from your garden or get canned ones. There are various tomato products now available and various options to pick from.

Crushed tomatoes, pasta sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and tomato puree are among the most common options you will get when buying tomato products. If you haven’t used them before, you will find it difficult what and when to use which product. But worry no more if you face this problem because this article has been written for you.

What is the difference between tomato puree and crushed tomatoes? The basic difference is that crushed tomatoes have chunks while tomato puree does not. Crushed tomatoes have lighter consistency, while the consistency of tomato puree is comparatively thicker.

Table of Contents

Tomato Puree

Tomato puree is something between crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. It consists of a thick consistency and has no chunks. It compromises a deep flavor and has a pretty smooth paste. It is primarily made by straining and cooking tomatoes.

The end product as tomato puree has the combination of consistency between tomato paste and tomato sauce. It is neither very thick nor watery but somewhere in between. It has a deep flavor compared to any other tomato product.

You can also make tomato puree at home, which depends on one’s preference. To better understand how tomato puree is different from crushed tomatoes, we should first learn how it is made. Removing the skin of tomatoes during this process isn’t always necessary; however, stems and sepals are removed before the process.

One of the commonly used tomatoes in making tomato puree is Roma tomatoes. They tend to make extremely flavorful puree; however, just about any tomatoes can be used. The process to make tomato puree is mentioned below:

Tomatoes are rinsed and left to dry. Then they are peeled and cut in halves. The seeds and pulp of the tomato are then removed. Tomatoes are chopped and made small enough to get easily blended. Tomatoes are then boiled in a pot at medium heat.

They are left to cool for a few minutes. A blender is used to blend the tomatoes, and large chunks are removed. Tomatoes are removed from the heat and left to cool. The product is tomato puree which is stored in any way you prefer.

Tomato puree works great for homemade sauces, stews and casseroles. If an alternative for a sauce is required, tomato puree can be used and seasoned according to one’s preference. It is a very versatile product and has a unique flavor.

Nutritional Facts

A serving of one cup of tomato puree includes the following nutritional value:

Total Calories 95 KCAL
Total Fat 0.5g
Saturated fat 0.1g
Monounsaturated fat 0.1g
Polyunsaturated fat 0.2g
Sodium 70mg
Potassium 1097.5mg
Carbohydrates 22.5g
Net carbs 17.7g
Sugar 12.1g
Fiber 4.8g
Glucose 6.1g
Fructose 5.9g
Protein 4.1g

Health Benefits

Tomato puree is rich in various vitamins, especially vitamin A and C. Vitamin A contains lycopene which works as a great anti-oxidant known to protect your cells from free radical damage. Moreover, vitamin C present in tomatoes is great for skin health, and it greatly helps improve skin health.

Studies have shown that processed tomatoes are a better source of lycopene than raw tomatoes. So, tomato puree is a great way to get vitamin A and C. Both of the vitamins are known to boost your immune system and brain function.

Crushed Tomatoes

Unlike tomato puree, crushed tomatoes have several additives added to them. Crushed tomatoes are basically diced tomatoes combined with tomato paste or tomato puree. They are made by stewing tomatoes, dicing them, and adding either tomato paste or tomato puree.

Other seasonings or additives may also be added to crushed tomatoes. They may also consist of no chunks or small stewed chunks. Moreover, the texture varies for different products. One of the main differences is that crushed tomatoes are just diced tomatoes with tomato paste or puree added.

Crushed tomatoes have various processes through which it is made. The method to how crushed tomatoes is made is mentioned as: Tomatoes should be first dipped in boiling water for a minute and then peeled off, making them easier to peel.

Tomatoes are cut in half, and stems and seeds of the tomatoes are removed. Tomatoes are then cut into smaller chunks. They are then boiled on medium heat in a pan at this stage, the tomato juice is released, and the mixture is stirred. It is then left to boil for about 6 minutes.

Lemon juice is added to preserve the product. At the end of this process, a runny chunky sauce is produced. Seasoning and salt are added to the mixture according to one’s preference. They work best at making casseroles, soups or sauces.

Nutritional Facts

A serving of half a cup of crushed tomatoes includes the following nutritional value:

Total Calories 39
Total Fat 0.3g
Saturated Fat 0.1g
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 225mg
Potassium 355mg
Total Carbohydrates 8.8g
Dietary Fiber 2.3g
Sugars 5.3g
Protein 2g

Health Benefits

Tomatoes are rich in various vitamins, especially vitamin A and C. Vitamin A contains lycopene which works as a great anti-oxidant known to protect your cells from free radical damage. Moreover, vitamin C present in tomatoes is great for skin health, and it greatly helps improve skin health.

Studies have shown that processed tomatoes are a better source of lycopene as compared to raw tomatoes. So crushed tomatoes are a great way to get vitamin A and C. Both of the vitamins are known to boost your immune system and brain function.

So, What’s The Difference Between Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Puree?

Concluding the above-mentioned article into key points:

The basic difference between the two is that crushed tomatoes have chunks while tomato puree doesn’t.
Crushed tomatoes have lighter consistency, while the consistency of tomato puree is thicker.
Crushed tomatoes are a combination of diced tomatoes and tomato puree or paste, while tomato puree is made on its own without any added ingredients except tomatoes.