A pint of tomatoes weighs approximately 1.25 pounds. This is a quick answer to the question posed in the title. To understand where this number comes from and learn more details, read on.
Determining Tomato Weights
When determining how much a pint of tomatoes weighs, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Tomato variety – Different tomato varieties have slightly different densities and therefore weights per volume.
- ripeness – Fully ripe tomatoes tend to be heavier than unripe ones.
- Water content – Juicier, more hydrated tomatoes tend to weigh more than drier ones.
While there is some variation, most common tomato varieties like beefsteak, Roma, cherry, etc. weigh close to 1.25 lbs per pint when ripe. The main exception is grape and cherry tomatoes, which are smaller and weigh slightly less.
Pint Volume
First, it’s important to understand precisely how much volume a pint represents. A US liquid pint contains 16 fluid ounces and has a volume of 473 milliliters. This is the reference volume we’ll use when referring to a “pint of tomatoes.”
Fluid Ounces and Milliliters in a Pint
| Unit | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fluid Ounces | 16 fl oz |
| Milliliters | 473 ml |
This establishes the frame of reference for the physical volume we’re working with when assessing the weight of a pint of tomatoes.
Tomato Varieties
There are thousands of tomato varieties, but they can generally be grouped into a few main types:
- Beefsteak – Very large, juicy slicing tomatoes
- Roma – Oblong shaped, drier tomatoes good for sauce and paste
- Cherry – Bite-sized round tomatoes
- Grape – Small, oval-shaped grapes tomatoes
- Heirloom – Unique, old tomato varieties with a wide size/shape range
The most common tomatoes like beefsteak and Roma weigh around 1.25 lbs per pint. Cherry and grape tomatoes weigh slightly less, around 1 lb per pint. Let’s look at some example weights for common tomato varieties.
Average Tomato Weights Per Pint
| Tomato Variety | Average Weight Per Pint |
|---|---|
| Beefsteak | 1.25 lbs |
| Roma | 1.25 lbs |
| Cherry | 1 lb |
| Grape | 1 lb |
As you can see, beefsteak and Roma tomatoes average right around 1.25 lbs per pint, while the smaller cherry and grape tomatoes weigh closer to 1 pound for a pint’s volume.
Ripeness and Water Content
The ripeness and water content of tomatoes also impacts their weight per volume. Riper tomatoes tend to weigh more because they become softer and more hydrated. Unripe, firm tomatoes weigh less because they contain less moisture.
For example, a pint of fully ripe beefsteak tomatoes could weigh over 1.25 lbs. But less ripe, firmer beefsteak tomatoes may weigh closer to 1.15 lbs per pint. Always keep in mind that ripe, juicy tomatoes will be on the heavier side for their variety and size.
Weight Consistency
Even within the same variety, individual tomato weights can vary somewhat based on growing conditions, plant health, soil quality, and other factors. However, in aggregate, most pint volumes of a given tomato variety conform close to the average weight ranges mentioned earlier.
For simplicity, it’s safe to assume that on average, a pint of common tomato varieties like beefsteak and Roma will contain about 1.25 lbs of tomatoes. Cherry and grape tomatoes will be closer to 1 lb per pint.
Canned vs Fresh Tomatoes
Another consideration is fresh vs canned tomatoes. The weights discussed so far apply primarily to fresh tomatoes. Canned tomatoes tend to be slightly lighter since the canning process removes some moisture.
On average, a pint of canned whole tomatoes weighs around 1.15 lbs. Canned tomato sauce, paste, diced, and crushed tomatoes weigh closer to 1.05 lbs per pint. Here’s a quick table for reference:
Canned Tomato Weights Per Pint
| Canned Tomato Type | Average Weight Per Pint |
|---|---|
| Whole tomatoes | 1.15 lbs |
| Sauce, paste, diced, crushed | 1.05 lbs |
The removal of skins and seeds along with cooking and canning whole tomatoes into sauce, paste, and other products reduces the weight per volume slightly compared to fresh tomatoes.
Account for Variation
Understanding the major factors that affect tomato weights per volume allows you to estimate pint weights accurately. However, always account for natural variation from tomato to tomato.
For example, if you’re purchasing tomatoes by the pint at a farmers market, the actual weight may vary slightly above or below the averages stated here. The specific variety, ripeness, moisture content, and natural size differences will all cause the weight per pint to fluctuate up or down a few ounces in either direction.
Typical Uses for Pint of Tomatoes
Now that you know a pint of tomatoes weighs approximately 1.25 pounds on average, you may be wondering how they are typically used. Here are some of the most common ways to utilize a pint of fresh tomatoes:
- Making 2-3 servings of tomato sauce
- Sautéing for 3-4 servings of dishes like shrimp creole or chicken cacciatore
- Chopping fresh tomatoes for 4-6 side salads
- Blending into gazpacho to make 2-3 servings
- Roasting or baking for topping 2-3 bruschetta or flatbread pizzas
- Canning or preserving to make 1 pint jar of crushed, diced, or stewed tomatoes
In most recipes, a pint of tomatoes provides enough quantity to feed about 3 to 4 people as part of a main dish. The sauces, sides, and other uses listed are approximate guidelines that may vary based on your specific recipe.
Tomato Pint Equivalents
You can also use the weight of a pint of tomatoes to calculate rough equivalents and substitutions in recipes. Here are some common tomato pint equivalents:
- 2-3 medium tomatoes
- About 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste plus 1⁄2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste plus 11⁄4 cups crushed tomatoes
These equivalents are based on common tomato weights and volumes. They can help you adapt recipes or make substitutions when you only have certain tomato products on hand.
Other Tomato Packaged Quantities
In addition to pints, tomatoes are sold in a number of other packaged quantities. Here are some common ones along with their average weights:
- 1 quart – Around 2.5 pounds
- 1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes – Approximately 1.75 pounds
- 1 (14.5 oz) can whole tomatoes – Roughly 0.9 pounds
- 10 oz frozen tomatoes – Around 0.6 pounds
- 1 tbsp tomato paste – Approximately 0.3 oz / 9 g
These package sizes and their corresponding weights can provide helpful guidelines for recipe development or planning tomato purchases. Knowing how many pounds are in a quart, for example, makes it easier to buy the right quantity.
Weight Conversions
Since tomatoes are often measured in volume, it can be useful to know some conversions between volumetric units and pounds/ounces. Here are some common tomato weight conversions:
- 1 pint = 1.25 lbs
- 1 quart = 2.5 lbs
- 1 gallon = 10 lbs
- 1 cup, chopped = Approx. 0.35 lbs
- 1 ounce = Approx. 1/4 cup chopped
Converting between volume measurements and weights allows greater flexibility when preparing recipes. For example, if a recipe calls for 20 oz of crushed tomatoes, you could substitute 2.5 cups instead.
Weight Per Tomato
If you need a very rough estimate on single tomato weights, here is some guidance on common varieties:
- Beefsteak – 5-8 oz each
- Roma – 3-5 oz each
- Cherry – 0.8-1.5 oz each
- Grape – 0.5-0.8 oz each
These ranges account for differences in size within each variety. Weighing individual tomatoes will give you a more precise number.
Factors That Increase Weight
Here are some of the key factors that can increase the weight of a pint of tomatoes:
- Ripeness – Ripe tomatoes weigh more than unripe ones.
- Moisture – Juicier tomatoes with higher water content weigh more.
- Seed content – Tomatoes with more seeds tend to be heavier.
- Stem and top – Leaving stems and flower tops on adds weight.
- Fresh vs canned – Fresh tomatoes weigh more than canned.
- Tomato variety – Beefsteaks weigh more than Romas, which weigh more than cherry tomatoes.
Accounting for these factors will help explain variations in tomato pint weights.
Factors That Decrease Weight
On the other hand, here are some things that can result in a lighter pint of tomatoes:
- Unripeness – Firm, unripe tomatoes weigh less than ripe ones.
- Low moisture – Drier tomatoes weigh less than juicy ones.
- Without seeds/gel – Deseeding tomatoes reduces weight.
- Without tops – Removing stems and tops reduces weight slightly.
- Canned product – Canning process removes moisture, decreasing weight.
- Smaller varieties – Cherry and grape tomatoes weigh less than beefsteak.
Keep these factors in mind if you notice a pint of tomatoes feeling lighter than expected when purchasing or using them.
Typical Tomato Weights
To summarize typical tomato weights:
- 1 pint of most tomato varieties = Around 1.25 lbs
- 1 pint of cherry/grape tomatoes = Approximately 1 lb
- 1 quart of most tomatoes = About 2.5 lbs
- 1 medium tomato (beefsteak) = Roughly 1/4 lb / 4 oz
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes = Around 0.35 lbs
These figures are based on average weights of common retail tomato varieties when ripe. Individual tomatoes may vary somewhat around these typical weights.
Conclusion
A pint of tomatoes generally weighs around 1.25 pounds. However, tomato weights vary somewhat based on ripeness, variety, moisture content, and other factors. Smaller types like cherry and grape tomatoes weigh closer to 1 pound per pint, while larger beefsteak and slicing tomatoes are typically over 1.25 lbs per pint volume.
Canned tomato products weigh slightly less than fresh, with moisture removal during canning reducing the average per-pint weight by around 0.1 to 0.2 lbs. Understanding typical tomato weights in common retail packaging like pints allows you to estimate amounts for recipes and other uses accurately.
