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What is Tomato Paste?

Daphne Mallory
Daphne Mallory

Tomato paste, also referred to as tomato concentrate, is produced by cooking tomatoes for a long period of time with minimal liquid in order to produce a thick paste when strained. The concentrate can be used immediately, canned, or put into the freezer. This paste is often used as an ingredient in other tomato products, such as tomato sauce and ketchup. Retailers sell it primarily in cans, but it is also available in tubes.

Although it originated in Italy, tomato paste is a popular food ingredient all over the world. For example, in Western countries, it is most commonly used to make ketchup and tomato sauce. In some Eastern countries, it's sometimes added to curry or stew to flavor meats, and it is then eaten with rice. There are many ways to include tomato paste in meals, such as in sautéed vegetables or pizza.

Any variety of tomatoes can be used to make tomato paste.
Any variety of tomatoes can be used to make tomato paste.

There are two major differences between tomato paste and tomato sauce. The former is often made using just tomatoes and salt, while tomato sauce usually has other ingredients added to it for flavor. Tomato paste is also much thicker and more concentrated than tomato sauce, and is often added to sauce as a thickener. Tomato puree is sometimes used interchangeably with tomato paste in some countries, but whether it is really tomato paste depends on how thick it is.

Tomato puree is often used interchangeably with tomato paste, although it is not as thick.
Tomato puree is often used interchangeably with tomato paste, although it is not as thick.

Making homemade tomato paste is easy to do, and it is often preferred in taste and thickness to store bought. The ingredients are tomatoes of any variety, although ripe and seedless tomatoes often work the best, and salt to season to taste. Some cooks like to add sugar, but that is not necessary.

The tomatoes should be peeled and the seeds removed. The tomatoes and salt are then added to a pot and cooked for one hour. The mixture is then put through a sieve or processed through a food mill or food processor. The mixture is returned to the pot and cooked until it reaches the desired thickness.

Tomato products such as tomato paste are naturally rich in lycopene.
Tomato products such as tomato paste are naturally rich in lycopene.

Tomato paste does not stay fresh for long. It will usually last in the refrigerator for several days, but then will begin to spoil and can grow mold. One tactic is to freeze small, pre-measured amounts to be used later. although this often only guarantees a few weeks before it becomes unusable. Homemade tomato paste is best canned in small amounts to prevent waste. Commercial cans are also available in small sizes.

Discussion Comments

summing

Is it possible to buy Italian tomato paste with herbs and spices already added? I love to add a little bit of tomato paste to my favorite Italian dinners but I wish they would come flavored

Ivan83

I can remember being really broke in college and trying to make spaghetti sauce by combining both tomato paste and water. Needless to say, it was disgusting.

We should have realized that there is a lot more to spaghetti sauce than just tomatoes. You also need garlic and herbs to give it that Italian flavor.

tigers88

I always keep a few cans of tomato paste in my cupboard because it is such a quick and cheap way to add an intense tomato flavor to any dish I am cooking. I use canned tomato paste in everything from marinara sauce to beef stroganoff. It is so versatile

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    • Any variety of tomatoes can be used to make tomato paste.
      By: martinlee
      Any variety of tomatoes can be used to make tomato paste.
    • Tomato puree is often used interchangeably with tomato paste, although it is not as thick.
      By: Mara Zemgaliete
      Tomato puree is often used interchangeably with tomato paste, although it is not as thick.
    • Tomato products such as tomato paste are naturally rich in lycopene.
      By: monticellllo
      Tomato products such as tomato paste are naturally rich in lycopene.
    • Ketchup may be used as a tomato paste substitute.
      By: Pixel Embargo
      Ketchup may be used as a tomato paste substitute.
    • Many pizza sauces are made using tomato paste.
      By: emde71
      Many pizza sauces are made using tomato paste.