Have you ever pondered the question of whether or not you should store tomato paste in the refrigerator, and if so, for how long? Cooking with tomato paste is an excellent way to impart additional flavor and color to the food you prepare. It is also possible to utilize it as a foundation for dishes such as stews, soups, pasta dishes, and more. However, how long does it last once it has been opened, and does it finally become spoiled?

You have come to the right spot, as the information contained in this article will show you how to properly store homemade tomato paste as well as tomato paste purchased from a store (and get the most out of it too).

You will be relieved to learn that tomato paste that is packaged in tubes or cans has a very long shelf life and can be refrigerated without losing much of its quality.

Because these terms are frequently confused with one another, I believe it is important for me to explain the distinction between tomato paste and tomato puree before we proceed.

Tomato paste vs tomato puree? What exactly is the distinction?

Tomato puree is a fresh tomato sauce that has been processed in a food mill or sieve to remove the seeds and skins of the tomatoes. Another term for tomato puree is passata. Tomato paste, on the other hand, is a concentrated purée made of the flesh and skin of ripe tomatoes. To make it, first tomatoes are reduced in a pot until they become a basic purée, then the purée is filtered and recooked to eliminate almost all of the liquid.

Tomato paste that is purchased in stores typically comes in cans or tubes that have a cylindrical shape. Additionally, it may be referred as as concentrated tomatoes or double concentrated tomatoes depending on the specific brand.

What does it taste like?

The puréed fruit and its peel contribute a flavor that is particularly powerful and full-bodied thanks to the fruit’s flavor, which is rich and concentrated after being puréed.

Tomato puree and paste may easily be located in the produce section of most supermarkets. Even while one can be used in place of the other in a recipe, the two ingredients are still entirely separate substances.

Now that you understand the difference between tomato puree and tomato paste, let’s move on to the main topic of this essay.

The difference between homemade and store-bought products

The question of which one is superior to the other can be debated, but most people will agree that handmade food is superior to that which can be purchased in a store. My preference is for store-bought paste that comes in a tube or can because it is more handy and lasts for a longer period of time after opening.

On the other hand, there will invariably be some leftovers because, with the exception of Jollof rice, recipes nearly never call for an entire can or tube of tomato paste.

Therefore, it is always a concern as to how it should be stored in order to maximize its longevity on the shelf.

How can you determine whether the tomato paste you bought is spoiled?

The indicator that the tomato paste has gone bad is quite simple and straightforward to spot. Check the color first; if it seems off and the color is not as brilliant as it was when you first opened it, you should just toss it out and get a new one.

If the paste seems to have a normal color and aroma, as well as an acceptable appearance, then you can try tasting a small amount of it to determine whether or not it has a sour or bitter flavor. If not, then you can use it without worry; otherwise, you should discard it.

Mold development is another indication that the food has gone bad. If there is any sign of mold on the tomato paste, then you should discard it.

How to keep homemade tomato paste?

Refrigerator: place in a sealed container and keep for up to five days

The best way to store homemade tomato paste is to freeze it in individual servings and keep it in the freezer. Place the remaining tomato paste in a silicone mold that is large enough to hold the required number of servings and transfer it.

Put the tray or trays in the freezer for a few hours, or until the tomato paste is completely frozen, and then pop the tomato cubes out of the molds. Place them in a freezer bag, an airtight container with a lid, or any other form of airtight storage solution that you have available to you. Keep for up to four months in the freezer after opening.

Conclusion

The shelf life of tomato paste will vary depending on the form it is in, whether it was prepared at home or purchased from a store, and how it was stored. Homemade tomato paste will have a shorter shelf life than store-bought tomato paste.

When properly stored in the refrigerator (in an airtight container), homemade will keep for five to seven days, although store-bought will keep for much longer than that.

Instead of buying canned paste, consider purchasing tubed paste instead because it has a longer shelf life both in the refrigerator and at room temperature. The paste that comes in a tube can be stored in the refrigerator for anywhere between six and eight weeks, whereas the paste that comes in a can is only suitable for five to seven days.