Review: That $7 Can of Tomatoes

Remember awhile back I told you that I purchased a can of the fancy, real deal, certified San Marzano tomatoes. I wanted to see what all the hype was about and if they really were as wonderful as everyone seems to claim they are.

I went into this with real high expectations, for many reasons. I like my Hunt's and they are a reasonable price. However, these fancy ones are superduperexpensive! Additionally, everyone (especially TV personalities) say they are simply the best canned tomato out there.

When I opened the can I expected to find a sweet and fresh tasting tomato. A tomato that tasted almost as good as a fresh picked one. I knew there would be some sacrifice in taste because it was canned but for the price I still expected perfection or close to it.

I wanted to prepare a simple tomato dish that would really let the taste of the tomato shine. You can make anything taste decent with enough spices but this tomato should be able to stand all on its own.

Today was judgment day.

I brought out the can opener and with every twirl felt my money slipping away. I slipped the lid off and looked down and there they were, my seven dollar tomatoes.

I took out a spoon and wanted to taste them prior to cooking them. I felt like it should have a good taste right out of the can. It didn't. It almost had a dirty or muted taste to it. However, I didn't let myself get discouraged. I forged on.

I made my dish and the moment came to taste for salt. It didn't have much flavor at all. I was expecting a robust tomato flavor. I added the salt till it tasted right but in the end I added a can of Hunt's diced tomatoes and some sweet basil to achieve a better taste. In my opinion they just aren't worth it.

Do you have a canned tomato that you prefer? I have only ever tried Hunt's and this one so maybe I am missing something.