Diced tomatoes

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In the simplest definition, diced tomatoes are just that, tomatoes that have been diced. In the United States retail environment, however, the term refers to a relatively recent arrival in the processed tomato market, generally consisting of canned chunks of plum tomatoes in tomato juice or tomato purée, sometimes seasoned with basil or garlic. The product has become quite popular since its introduction in the mid-90s, probably due to American tastes for a chunkier tomato sauce. Calcium chloride is sometimes added to stabilize the cell structure of the canned tomatoes, giving the end product a firmer texture.

Canned diced tomatoes are primarily used in Italian American cuisine. They are generally available in two sizes, regular (roughly 2cm/7/8 in) for long-cooked dishes and petite (roughly 1cm) for quicker applications.