Tomato Paste
Concentrated tomato product for food processing
Tomato paste is supplied as a concentrated ingredient used in sauces prepared foods and industrial manufacturing.
Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated, and rich condiment made by cooking tomatoes for several hours, straining them, and reducing them further. It is a staple for adding deep flavor, color, and texture to sauces, soups, and stews. It is typically fat-free, high in fiber, and low in sodium.
Key Details and Uses
Flavor Profile: Sweet and intense, concentrated tomato flavor.
Cooking Uses: Essential for enhancing sauces (like pasta), stews, soups, and chili.
Preparation: It is often cooked, or “fried,” in oil at the beginning of a recipe to caramelize and intensify its flavor before adding liquids
.
Storage: Once opened, unused paste should be kept in the refrigerator, often sealed with a layer of oil, and used within 3–4 days. It can be frozen in ice cube trays for long-term storage.
Nutrition: Naturally low in fat and high in fiber.
How to Make Homemade Tomato Paste
Prep: Wash, chop, and blend ripe tomatoes.
Strain: Remove seeds and skin with a sieve.
Reduce: Simmer the puree with salt and optional oil for 30–60 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Finish: Cook until it becomes a very thick paste, then let it cool completely before storing.
