In this blog post, I am going to answer the question of “Does Tomato paste go bad” along with other queries related to the topic, like how long it takes for tomato paste to become rotten or what kind of storage techniques are needed to extend the shelf-life of tomato paste.
Does tomato paste go bad?
Does tomato paste go bad? If you want to prepare tomato paste at home and you want to know more about how to store it, you should read this post carefully for all the necessary details.
Well, the tomato paste has the potential to be a perishable product once it has been opened. The shelf time of tomato paste is dependent on the storage method you employ. Additionally, homemade and store-bought tomato paste also differs in shelf life due to the addition of the preservatives added to it.
Tomato paste is a common and essential ingredient in many recipes like taco fillings, meatloaf, pasta, and so on. Most dishes need only a certain amount of tomatoes or tomato paste, so it is not necessary to make use of the entire cans.
The tomato paste can be described as a concentrated type of tomato sauce, which has no flavoring added, but it does contain certain preservatives.
For added flavor, tomato pastes may contain added spices and herbs which are ideal to cook a variety of dishes. The paste can be prepared at home, but can also be purchased from a shop.
How Long Does Tomato Paste Last?
Like all condiments, all varieties of tomato paste are accompanied by the best-by-date. The paste that has not been opened typically can last for several many months following the time the expiration date has expired.
If stored for a lengthy period, the quality will not be the same, but the product will be safe to consume in the event of a problem in the container.
The tomato paste that has not been opened will last longer than 6 months in the cupboard. When the seal of tomato paste can is opened, it lasts for 5 to seven days when stored in the fridge. Tomato paste that is stored in glass jars usually stays in good condition for about a day or longer.
If you want the paste to last longer, you could either freeze it or purchase the tomato paste as tubs. The tubs of tomato paste that are opened will last for quite a long time generally around 45 days. The tomato paste that is opened is likely to last longer, but the quality may not be as good.
Tomato paste vs tomato puree? What’s the difference?
Tomato Puree is a fresh tomato sauce that’s been put through a sieve or food mill to get rid of the seeds and skins.
In contrast, Tomato paste is concentrated puree made from ripe tomato skins and flesh. It is prepared by boiling tomatoes until they form a thick paste, which is then strained and then cooked until it has removed the majority of the water.
Store-bought tomato paste is typically packed in cylindrical containers or tubes. It is also identified in the form of concentrated tomatoes, or doubly concentrated tomatoes.
What does tomato paste taste like?
The intense and intense flavor of the pureed fruits and skins contribute to an extremely intense and full-bodied aroma and taste.
Both tomato paste and tomato puree can be found in supermarket stores. You can substitute one for the other in cooking, they’re two distinct items.
Now you are aware of what a puree tomato and tomato paste are and what it is, let’s move on closer to the purpose of this article.
Homemade vs. store-bought
It’s often debated whether one is better than the other, but the majority of people would be in agreement that homemade tomato paste is superior to the store-bought product. Personally, I have a liking for canned paste from the store as it’s less time-consuming and lasts longer on the shelf.
But, there will always be leftovers as recipes rarely require a complete can or tube of tomato paste.
Therefore, it’s always a dilemma about how to keep it in order to prolong the shelf life of the product.
How long will tomato paste last in the refrigerator?
Tomato paste lasts between 7 and 10 days in the fridge if it is properly stored inside an airtight container, or inside the tube packaging, which is tightly screwed. The tomato paste that is tubed can last up to a month in the fridge.
The paste must be refrigerated after opening it, whether in a glass jar or inside a tube, to maintain its flavor and extend its shelf life.
Remove the tomatoes from the container into an airtight container. Then keep it in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
The same applies to the glass jarred and tubed paste, too. However, there’s no need to place it in containers. It could be kept fresh in the refrigerator as it is in the original container.
Can You Freeze Tomato Paste?
The option of freezing tomato paste is certainly an alternative. However, the only disadvantage is that when you remove the paste, its quality decreases somewhat. You will be fortunate to find tomato paste frequently used in cooking dishes and the quality remains the same.
Freezing the ice cube tray is simple and requires only a bit of effort. The paste can be transferred into the tray and then put into the freezer. After a couple of hours, when the cubes have cooled then transfer them to the freezer bag.
When you return it to the freezer, put an inscription with the names and dates if you prefer. If you discover an ice cube too small, muffin trays are a good option to store it.
It’s easy to do this because you do not need to freeze in the event that the paste is to be used in a dish that is cooked on a stove. Another advantage is the ability to defrost the amount you want without having to freeze the entire thing.
How To Tell If Tomato Paste Is Bad?
To determine the condition of tomato paste bad, check for any changes in appearance. It is likely that mold growth is the most obvious indication of spoilage of tomato paste. Any visible discoloration that appears on the outside of the paste might be a sign of mold, too. If you notice mold in the container, remove it.
A sour odor is another indication that the paste is going bad. If the paste becomes liquid, it’s probably acceptable to consume. However, getting rid of it is the best option. Its flavor will not be as appealing, and you don’t intend to ruin an excellent recipe by using the tasteless tomato paste.
In case everything is in good order, the mixture is probably suitable for consumption. Try it out and then decide if it’s suitable for your recipe.
How to Store Tomato Paste?
There are three kinds of containers in which tomato paste is stored: glass jars or tubes. The storage guidelines are identical for all three. If the container is not opened put it in a dry and cool location far from heat sources.
A kitchen pantry or cabinet is a good storage space for tomato paste. Be sure that the cupboard or shelf isn’t right next to a stove or the radiator. If you’re using a glass jar, you should remember that it shouldn’t be placed in direct sun.
When you have opened the container the tomato paste needs to be sealed tightly and placed in the refrigerator when not being used. Although sealing glass jars and tubes aren’t a problem cans are more difficult.
They can be sealed by using cling wrap, or even a bag of plastic, and an elastic band. Transfer the rest of the paste into an airtight container, or an insulated glass jar.
You’ve already heard that tomato paste isn’t able to last for long, but with just a small amount of effort you can extend its shelf-life for months.
How can you tell that tomato paste is bad?
The most obvious indication of the signs of spoilage that tomato paste has is straightforward and evident. The first step is to check the color and if it’s not as it should be and the color isn’t as vivid as it was the first time you opened it, you can simply dispose of it.
If you find that the smell of the product is fine and the color appears normal, you should take a taste to determine if there’s any bitter flavor. If not, it’s okay to use. If it has a bad smell or a bad taste, you should throw it out.
The growth of mold is another indicator of spoilage. If the tomato paste shows mold of any kind take it out of the kitchen and dispose of it.
How can you preserve homemade tomato paste?
Freezer: The best method to store tomato paste made from scratch is by freezing it into smaller portions. Transfer the tomato paste you have left into molds made of silicone that has enough capacity to fit the size you want for your portion.
Put your tray within the freezer to set for a couple of hours or until the paste is frozen. Then, take out tomatoes cubes. Transfer them into an airtight container that has a lid, or into a freezer bag or another kind of airtight storage solution. Keep them within the refrigerator for up to 4 months.
How to Thaw Tomato Paste?
The time is right to use the frozen tomato paste for your next dish. So, you should bring out the leftover paste that you’ve put so much effort into freezing. But how do you do it?
The most secure and efficient method to ensure that you keep the full flavor and texture of the tomato paste is to defrost it at room temperature. In case you’re caught in a rush, it is possible to place the bag in cold water until it’s frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tomato Paste The Same Thing As Ketchup?
Although it might be tempting to substitute tomato paste used in your recipes with some kind of ketchup or sauce, these are certainly not identical. The tomato paste can be described as a concentrated type of tomato that is made of mature tomatoes. Ketchup is made of raw tomatoes, along with sugar and other ingredients.
Does Store-bought Tomato Paste Last Longer Than Homemade Ones?
If you create your tomato paste by hand, you are most likely to use fresh ingredients and minimal preservatives. The tomato paste you purchase from the supermarket will usually contain preservatives which makes it last longer. Therefore, in essence, the store-bought version lasts longer than homemade products.
Wrapping up
The shelf duration of tomato paste will depend on the shape it comes in, whether it’s homemade or bought from a supermarket, as well as the way you store the contents. The homemade tomato paste will last for 5-7 days in the refrigerator if stored correctly, while store-bought versions last longer.
In this short guide, I have dealt with the issue of “Does Tomato paste go bad” along with other questions related to the topic in question, like what time it takes for tomato paste to spoil or go bad, and what are the best storage methods that are needed to extend the shelf time for tomato paste.
Now, equipped with all such knowledge, you should be able to keep your tomato paste fresh and pure and use it in any recipe you want.
