Introduction: How to Store Left Over Tomato Paste
Have you ever noticed that most recipes usually call for a tablespoon or two of tomato paste so what happens to the rest of it? We all know that it's unsafe to store the left overs in the tin can. If you plan on using left overs within a day or two then transfer to a glass or plastic bowl and tightly cover with plastic wrap. If you don't plan on using it quickly then use this easy method.
Spread a piece of plastic wrap on the counter. Then spoon the remaining paste into the center of the plastic wrap. Now roll one end of the plastic wrap and shape into a cylinder. Roll the plastic ends and tuck under the cylinder. Place tomato paste roll into a ziplock bag and store in the freezer. Next time you need tomato paste, simply cut a round or two for your recipe.
Left over tomato paste can be frozen for up to three months. For most recipes there is no need to thaw out the paste before adding to your recipe.
Of course, with that said I prefer to use the tomato paste in a tube, but on occasion the grocery store is out of stock. What are your favorite food saving tricks?
4 Comments
10 years ago on Introduction
That is a good idea. Thanks for sharing. Not every place sells the tomato paste in a tube. I only found it recently at a local store and that stuff comes from Italy. Luckily its cheep. But anyways maybe it would be easer to first freeze the tomato paste and then wrap it into the plastic wrap sausage? That way it doesn't squirt out the sides when you roll the plastic. :)
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
The paste is pretty thick so its easy to mold into a tube without freezing. Grasp the the ends of the plastic wrap, and twist the plastic ends tight against paste :)
10 years ago on Introduction
Great idea! I don't like to use the paste in the tube since it can oxidize sooner when left in the fridge.
10 years ago on Introduction
GREAT IDEA...as I usually leave it in the tin and cover it and never use it before it goes bad.. i honestly almost always use the tube for this reason along with the fact that tomatoes eat the protective lining on the inside of the cans and have been known to be cancer related.
thanks for following