A pint of tomatoes refers to the volume measurement of 16 fluid ounces or 2 cups of whole, chopped, diced or pureed tomatoes. Understanding pint measurements for tomatoes is useful for recipe planning, gardening and shopping.
How many tomatoes are in a pint?
The number of tomatoes in a pint depends on the size and variety. On average:
- 5-7 medium plum tomatoes (about 2″ diameter)
- 3-4 large beefsteak tomatoes (3″-4″ diameter)
- 8-12 cherry or grape tomatoes
For example, 1 pint is approximately:
| Tomato Variety | Number per Pint |
|---|---|
| Plum | 5-7 |
| Beefsteak | 3-4 |
| Cherry | 8-12 |
However, the exact amount can vary based on tomato size and shape. Larger, rounder tomatoes generally have more volume than smaller, elongated plum tomatoes. When preparing recipes, it’s best to judge by volume measurements rather than number.
How many cups are in a pint of tomatoes?
There are 2 cups in 1 pint of tomatoes. The conversion is:
- 1 pint = 2 cups
- 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
- 1 pint = 16 fluid ounces
Knowing cup conversions is helpful for substituting canned, fresh or other tomato products in recipes. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 pint of diced tomatoes, you could substitute 2 cups of canned diced tomatoes.
How many ounces are in a pint of tomatoes?
There are 16 fluid ounces (oz) in 1 pint of tomatoes. Conversions are:
- 1 pint = 16 fluid ounces
- 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
- 1⁄2 cup = 4 fluid ounces
Ounce measurements can be useful for portioning tomatoes, such as for sauces and salsas. It’s also helpful for comparing prices when shopping. For example, one 14.5 oz can contains slightly less than 1 pint of tomatoes.
How much does a pint of tomatoes weigh?
On average, 1 pint of raw tomatoes weighs approximately 1 pound. However, weight can vary depending on tomato type and shape. Here are some estimates:
| Tomato Variety | Pint Weight |
|---|---|
| Plum | 1 pound |
| Cherry | 12-16 oz |
| Beefsteak | 1.25 pounds |
In general, smaller tomatoes like cherry and grape weigh slightly less than a pound per pint. Larger varieties like beefsteak weigh more per volume.
Substituting canned, fresh and crushed tomatoes
Canned, fresh and crushed tomato products can generally be substituted for each other in equal pint measurements:
- 1 pint fresh tomatoes = 1 pint canned tomatoes, drained = 1 pint crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes = 2 cups canned tomatoes, drained = 2 cups tomato sauce
However, canned tomatoes contain added liquid, so you may need to account for extra moisture in recipes. Always drain and rinse canned products before replacing fresh tomatoes.
Here are some substitution ratios for common tomato products:
| Tomato Product | Substitute for 1 Pint Fresh Tomatoes |
|---|---|
| Canned tomatoes, drained | 1 pint |
| Canned tomatoes, undrained | 3/4 pint (reduce other liquids in recipe) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 pint (add water if needed) |
| Tomato paste | 1/4 pint (add water to equal 1 pint) |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 pint |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | 1/2 pint (reconstituted in water) |
For best results, try to match the tomato variety, shape and consistency as closely as possible. Make adjustments to liquids as needed in the recipe.
Tomato pint equivalents for gardening
In gardening, a pint is a useful volume measurement for estimating tomato yields and plant spacing. Some guidelines:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes = 8-12 plants
- 1 pint slicer tomatoes = 2-3 plants
- 1 pint paste/plum tomatoes = 3-4 plants
However, yields depend on many factors like tomato variety, plant size, and growing conditions. Here are some averages per plant:
| Tomato Variety | Pints per Plant |
|---|---|
| Cherry | 1-3 |
| Paste | 3-5 |
| Slicer | 4-8 |
For example, a single indeterminate beefsteak tomato plant may yield 5-8 pints per season. Use these guides to estimate planting needs for sauces, salsas, slicing or preserving.
Typical tomato pint prices
Knowing typical per-pint tomato costs can help with budgeting for recipes, meals or a vegetable garden. Here are some average pint prices in U.S. grocery stores:
| Tomato Type | Average Price per Pint |
|---|---|
| Fresh cherry tomatoes | $2.49 |
| Fresh plum tomatoes | $1.99 |
| Canned diced tomatoes | $1.29 |
| Canned crushed tomatoes | $1.39 |
| Canned tomato sauce | $1.19 |
| Canned tomato paste | $0.89 |
| Sun-dried tomatoes (dried) | $3.99 |
Prices vary by brand, location, season and whether organic. Shop sales and buy in bulk when possible to find the best deals. Canned and paste products tend to be most affordable per pint.
Common uses for a pint of tomatoes
A pint of tomatoes is a versatile amount for many cooking and baking uses. Here are some ideas:
- Pasta sauce for 2-4 servings
- Pizza sauce for 1 large (14″) pizza
- Chili base for up to 6 servings
- Bruschetta toppings for a party
- Salsa for a family meal or party
- Soup base for 4-6 servings
- Stew for 2-3 servings
- Salad dressing base for 4-6 servings
- Lasagna filling for 6-8 servings
- Quiche filling for 6 servings
- Smoothies for 2-4 servings
A pint of tomatoes is also great for preserving. You can freeze, can or dehydrate this volume for later use in recipes. Having pint-sized portions on hand makes it easy to grab what you need for a recipe.
Tips for measuring a pint of tomatoes
Follow these tips for accurately measuring pint volumes of fresh or canned tomatoes:
- Use a dry measuring cup for whole tomatoes, packing gently
- Use a liquid measuring cup for pureed or crushed tomatoes
- Level off tops with a knife or spatula for an exact pint
- Weigh on a food scale for pounds if desired
- Drain canned tomatoes well before measuring volume
- Chop or dice tomatoes uniformly when exact cups are needed
Measuring by volume rather than tomatoes numbers yields the most consistent results for recipes. However, weighing in pounds can also be reliable for whole tomato pint equivalents.
Storing tomatoes by the pint
Properly storing an opened pint of tomatoes helps maximize freshness. Follow these guidelines:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days
- Leave whole tomatoes at room temperature up to 2 days
- Freeze diced, crushed or pureed tomatoes in pint bags or containers
- Can or pickle whole tomatoes in pint jars using proper methods
- Submerge chopped tomatoes in olive oil, refrigerated up to 1 week
- Dehydrate cherry and slice tomatoes, store in airtight pints
Canned tomato products are already shelf-stable when sealed. Once opened, store cans in the refrigerator and use within 4-5 days.
For maximum flavor and nutrition, use fresh tomatoes within a few days. Properly preserving in the freezer, jars or by dehydrating enables storing fresh tomato pints long-term.
Conclusion
A pint of tomatoes is a handy measurement to know, whether cooking, gardening or buying tomatoes. It equates to about 1 pound, 2 cups or 16 ounces. With so many tomato types and products, substitutions are often needed when pint volumes are called for in recipes. Follow best practices for measuring, storing and preserving tomatoes by the pint to get the most use out of them.
