For many home cooks, encountering a recipe with measurements in a different system can be a frustrating experience. A common example is converting the weight of a standard-size can of diced tomatoes from ounces to grams. The answer is straightforward: a 28 oz can of diced tomatoes is approximately 794 grams. This figure accounts for the net weight of the entire product, including the tomato pieces and the accompanying juices. While the direct mathematical conversion of 28 ounces is slightly different, the weight listed on most canned goods aligns with the 794-gram figure due to standard packaging practices.
The Core Conversion: 28 Ounces to Grams
The fundamental conversion rate is that one ounce (avoirdupois) is equal to 28.3495 grams. To find the precise weight of 28 ounces in grams, you simply perform the following multiplication:
$28 \text{ oz} \times 28.3495 \text{ g/oz} \approx 793.79 \text{ g}$
As you can see, 794 grams is a perfectly acceptable and practical rounding for this conversion. The slight difference is negligible for all but the most precise baking and cooking applications. For most savory dishes like soups, stews, and chilis, rounding to 794g is more than accurate enough.
Canned vs. Fresh Tomatoes: Why the Weight Can Differ
It is important to remember that the conversion from 28 oz to grams applies to the contents of the can, which include the liquid. If you are comparing this to fresh tomatoes, the weight-to-volume ratio will be different, even when diced. This is because fresh tomatoes contain a different amount of water and no added liquid from the canning process. When substituting fresh for canned, you also need to account for the flavor concentration difference. Canned tomatoes are often processed with salt and citric acid, affecting the final taste profile of a dish. Furthermore, some brands of canned diced tomatoes contain calcium chloride, a firming agent that helps the tomato pieces hold their shape, which slightly impacts the overall product density.
Common Tomato Measures Comparison Table
To help you with other common recipes, here is a handy comparison of different types and can sizes of tomatoes, with approximate conversions. All figures are for the total contents, including juice.
| Measurement | Diced Tomatoes (approx.) | Crushed Tomatoes (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 14.5 oz can | 411 g | 411 g |
| 28 oz can | 794 g | 794 g |
| 6 oz can (paste) | N/A | N/A |
| 1 cup | ~200 g (fresh diced) | ~225 g |
| 28 oz can (cups) | ~3 cups | ~3.5 cups |
Practical Applications for Home Cooks
This conversion knowledge is a practical tool for anyone who cooks regularly. It helps in several scenarios, ensuring your recipes turn out as intended every time.
- Adapting International Recipes: Many recipes from outside the U.S. use metric measurements. Knowing this conversion allows you to seamlessly follow recipes that call for a certain number of grams of tomatoes.
- Substituting Ingredients: If your recipe calls for fresh tomatoes but you only have a 28 oz can, you can use the weight conversion to ensure you're using the correct amount of product.
- Scaling Recipes: When you need to scale a recipe up or down, using accurate weight measurements is the most reliable method for maintaining ingredient proportions.
- Ensuring Consistency: Unlike volume measurements (cups), which can vary based on how tightly an ingredient is packed, weight measurements are consistent, leading to more predictable results.
A Step-by-Step Guide for Accurate Measurement
For the most precise results, follow these steps when working with a can of diced tomatoes:
- Prepare your scale: Place a bowl or container on your kitchen scale and zero it out to account for the weight of the container.
- Open the can: Use a can opener to open the 28 oz can of diced tomatoes.
- Pour and measure: Pour the entire contents of the can into the container on the scale. The weight should register at approximately 794 grams.
- Adjust if needed: If you need a specific portion, such as half the can for a smaller recipe, simply measure out half the weight (approximately 397 grams) instead of eyeballing half the volume.
- Use as directed: Follow the rest of your recipe instructions, whether the tomatoes need to be drained or used with their juices.
Conclusion
Knowing how many grams is 28 oz diced tomatoes is a simple yet powerful piece of information for any cook. The approximate 794-gram conversion from a standard 28 oz can provides a reliable metric equivalent, simplifying recipe adjustments and ingredient substitutions. Whether you're adapting an international recipe or simply aiming for consistent results, converting by weight is always the most accurate method. With this simple guide, you can confidently navigate your recipes and ensure your dishes are perfectly balanced every time. For further information on tomato conversions, you can check out resources like The Reluctant Gourmet.
