Category: Condiments
🤔 What Is Tomato Paste?
Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated paste made by cooking tomatoes for several hours to reduce their water content, straining out the seeds and skins, and then cooking the liquid again to thicken it. It is a pantry staple that adds an intense, rich, and savory umami flavor to a wide variety of dishes like soups, stews, and sauces.
Quick Reference Card
| Condition | Ideal Storage | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Unopened Can/Tube | Pantry | 1-2 Years (or “Best By” Date) |
| Opened Can/Tube | Refrigerator (Airtight) | 5-7 Days |
| Frozen (Opened) | Freezer: -18°C (0°F or below) | Up to 3 Months |
The Triple-S Method
Master the three essential steps for food success:
🛒 SHOP SMART: Selection Guide
- Inspect cans for dents, rust, or bulging, and reject any that are damaged.
- Choose tubes for convenience if you only need small amounts at a time.
- Look for brands with simple ingredients: just tomatoes and maybe salt or citric acid.
Appearance
Tomato paste should have a very thick, dense consistency and a deep, rich red color. Avoid any that look brownish or watery.
Smell
It should have a powerful, concentrated aroma of cooked tomatoes. It should not smell metallic, sour, or fermented.
Texture
The texture should be smooth and paste-like. A gritty texture is a sign of a lower-quality product.
Common Varieties / Types
Tomato paste is mainly differentiated by its concentration and packaging.
- Standard Tomato Paste: The common variety found in small cans.
- Double-Concentrated Tomato Paste: Often imported from Italy, this paste has been cooked down even further, resulting in a more intense flavor. It is typically sold in a tube.
- Tomato Paste with Seasonings: Some varieties include added herbs like basil or garlic for convenience.
📅 Seasonal Buying Guide
North America (USA/Canada)
Tomato paste is a processed, shelf-stable product available year-round with no seasonal variation in quality or price.
It is a staple in every supermarket.
Europe
Available year-round, with double-concentrated paste in tubes being very common, especially in Italy.
No seasonal impact on availability.
Australia/New Zealand
A standard pantry item available everywhere, year-round.
Quality is stable and not seasonal.
Tropical/Subtropical Regions
Available year-round. An opened container must always be refrigerated.
The product is not seasonal.
❄ STORE FRESH: Storage Guide
- Unopened can/tube: Cool, dark pantry for 1-2 years.
- Opened can/tube: Must be refrigerated for 5-7 days.
- Best long-term storage (opened): Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Storage Method Details
Pantry Storage (Unopened): Keep an unopened can or tube of tomato paste in a cool, dark pantry.
Refrigerator Storage (Opened): According to the USDA, once opened, tomato paste is perishable and must be refrigerated. Transfer leftover paste from a can to an airtight glass or plastic container to prevent a metallic taste from developing. A thin layer of olive oil on top can help prevent mold.
Freezer Storage (Opened): Freezing is the best way to store leftover tomato paste. A great method is to portion it out by the tablespoon onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer the frozen dollops to a freezer bag.
Tomato paste is acidic, which provides some preservation. However, its lower acidity compared to pure vinegar and its moisture content make it a prime target for mold once the sterile seal of the can is broken. Refrigeration is essential to slow this spoilage.
Pest Prevention
An airtight container is the best way to protect opened tomato paste from contamination.
⚠ STAY SAFE: Food Safety Tips
Understanding Food Safety Rules
The primary safety concern for opened tomato paste is mold. The FDA advises that you should discard the entire container if you see any mold, as its roots can penetrate deep into the soft paste. Never use a can that is bulging, leaking, or rusted.
Reheating Methods
Not applicable. Tomato paste is an ingredient used in cooked dishes.
Date Labels Explained
Tomato paste has a “Best By” date, which the FDA considers a quality indicator. It is safe to use past this date, but its flavor may be less vibrant.
Allergen Information
- Contains: Generally free of top 9 allergens.
Allergen Handling & Prevention
Pure tomato paste is free from major allergens. However, some varieties with added spices or flavorings could potentially contain allergens, so it is always wise to check the label.
⚠ Special Safety Considerations
Never store leftover tomato paste in its original opened metal can in the refrigerator. The high acidity of the tomatoes can react with the metal, causing it to leach into the paste and create an unpleasant metallic flavor.
🧊 Freezing & Thawing Guide
Freezing Effects & Preparation
Tomato paste freezes perfectly with no change in quality or flavor. Freezing is the ideal way to preserve leftovers from a can that you have only used a small amount of.
Portioning it out by the tablespoon onto a tray before freezing makes it incredibly convenient to grab just the amount you need for a future recipe.
Recommended Thawing Methods
There is no need to thaw frozen portions of tomato paste. You can add the frozen dollop directly to a hot pan with oil or into a simmering soup or sauce, where it will melt in seconds.
Not Recommended
Thawing is not necessary. Avoid thawing at room temperature.
📊 Nutritional Information
Average values per 100g (approx. 3.5 oz) portion
- High in: Lycopene, Vitamin C
- Good source of: Potassium
Tomato Paste
- Calories: 82 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
(Per 2 tbsp / 33g serving)
- Calories: 27 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6g
Key Nutrients & Their Benefits
- Lycopene: Tomato paste is an extremely concentrated source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. The cooking process makes the lycopene more bioavailable.
- Vitamin C: A good source of Vitamin C, which is essential for immune function and skin health.
- Potassium: An important mineral for regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.
Nutritional data is an estimate. Consult with a nutritionist for personalized advice.
🌎 Sustainability & Sourcing
Tomato paste is a way of preserving the tomato harvest, reducing food waste. Choosing organic tomato paste supports agriculture that avoids synthetic pesticides.
The metal cans and tubes are widely recyclable.
🔄 Substitutions & Alternatives
Tomato sauce or pureed canned tomatoes can be substituted, but you will need to cook them down to reduce their water content and concentrate their flavor. For every 1 tablespoon of paste, use about 3 tablespoons of sauce or puree.
Ketchup can be used in a pinch, but it will add significant sweetness and other flavors from its spices.
💡 Pro Tips
♻ Waste Reduction
The absolute best way to reduce waste is to freeze leftovers. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto a wax paper-lined plate, freeze until solid, then store the frozen pucks in a freezer bag for easy use in future recipes.
✨ How to Revive It
You cannot revive spoiled tomato paste. However, to deepen its flavor, a great cooking technique is to “toast” the paste. Sauté it in a little olive oil for a minute or two before adding other liquids; this caramelizes its sugars and removes any “canned” taste.
❓ FAQ
A: Yes, absolutely. Once opened, it is perishable and must be refrigerated in an airtight, non-metallic container to prevent spoilage.
A: The high acidity of the tomatoes can cause the metal from the can to leach into the paste, giving it an unpleasant metallic flavor and potentially posing a health risk.
A: Freezing it in tablespoon-sized portions is by far the most convenient and effective method to prevent waste.
A: Yes, it is very healthy. It is a highly concentrated source of the powerful antioxidant lycopene, as well as Vitamin C and potassium.
A: When transferred to an airtight container, it will last for about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator.
A: Tomato paste is extremely thick and concentrated, used in small amounts to add a deep umami flavor. Tomato sauce is much thinner and is used as a liquid base for dishes.
A: Frying the tomato paste in oil for a minute before adding other ingredients deepens its flavor, caramelizes its sugars, and removes any raw or tinny taste.
A: It is tomato paste that has had even more of its water content removed, resulting in an even richer and more intense tomato flavor. It is often sold in tubes.
A: Yes, an opened tube of tomato paste will last longer in the refrigerator (several weeks) than paste from a can because much less of its surface area is exposed to air.
A: Yes. It involves slow-cooking a large quantity of tomatoes for many hours in an oven or on a stovetop to evaporate the water and concentrate the pulp.