The Color Of Canned Tomatoes To Use For A Sweeter Tomato Sauce. (Hint: It's Not Red)

If you tend to gravitate toward tomato sauces that are less acidic, naturally sweet, and packed with flavor, without needing to spend hours hovering over the stove, it's time to look past the conventional can of red tomatoes. Say hello to your basic tomato sauce's new friend and possible upgrade: canned yellow tomatoes. While red varieties like San Marzanos are known for their bold acidity, yellow tomatoes offer a mellower, sweeter profile right out of the can. 

As Italian-American chef and entrepreneur Giada De Laurentiis' breakdown of canned tomatoes reveals, not all canned tomatoes are created equally; depending on the final dish, some varieties outshine others. For those who desire less tang and more sweet notes in the tomato sauce, without adding sugar or any other sweetener to the mix, cans of golden-hued tomatoes come in clutch to deliver a sauce bursting with the produce's natural saccharine qualities. The flavors are reminiscent of vine-ripened cherry tomatoes at their peak; what's not to savor about that?

Yellow tomatoes tend to be sweeter and less acidic than standard red tomatoes, and there is a scientific reason behind that. The different pigments that impart a range of hues to tomato varieties play a vital role in the final concentration of sugars and acids. Due to the increased sweetness of yellow tomatoes, they only require brief cooking for their concentrated, sugary flavors to shine. So, whether you're building a gourmet meal from basic pantry staples or looking to try something new in the kitchen, yellow canned tomatoes can transform your sauce game with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Plus, stocking up on canned yellow tomatoes ensures a vibrant tomato sauce any time of the year.

Now that you've been convinced to line your pantry with cans of sunny yellow tomatoes, it's time to whip up some mouthwatering meals featuring them as the star of the plate. Making tomato sauce using canned yellow tomatoes is quick and easy, and will yield a result that is full of bright flavor. Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a pan and add thinly sliced garlic, sautéing it until fragrant. Pour in a can of yellow tomatoes, crushing them gently with the back of a ladle to allow them to release their coveted juices, infusing every spoonful with a luscious sweetness. Simmer for just a few minutes, as overcooking the tomatoes can ruin their delicate texture and natural flavors. If you find that your yellow tomato sauce is too sweet for your liking, check out our easy hacks to tone down the sweetness and restore a delectable balance.

Enhance the freshness of the sauce with chopped fresh herbs like basil or Italian flat parsley, and season to taste with a pinch of salt and crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. You can serve this golden sauce as is for a chunky, rustic feel, or blend the mixture for a smoother consistency. In addition to the nuanced flavors from using golden-yellow tomatoes, you are also treated with added visual appeal, making for meals that are a treat for all your senses. Whether scooped over a bowl of pasta, spread as a base for pizza, drizzled over roasted veggies, or blended into cozy soups, let canned yellow tomatoes be your solution to inspired culinary adventures in your kitchen.