Everything You Need to Know About Tomato Paste
What You Should Know About This Italian Culinary All-Rounder
Everyone knows it, and we’re sure almost everyone has one at home: that little red tube sitting in our fridge, waiting to be used in our next Bolognese or risotto—the tube of tomato paste.
You’ve probably wondered at least once what exactly tomato paste is. We’ll get to the bottom of this and many other questions in this “Kitchen Secret.”
How is tomato paste made?
First, the ripe tomatoes are harvested and transported to the production facilities for further processing. There, the tomatoes are carefully washed, seeded, and pureed. In the next step, the pureed tomatoes are turned into a concentrated paste. To do this, the pureed tomatoes are gently thickened over heat. The thickened paste is then filled into tubes and gently pasteurized. Pasteurization preserves the products.
2x or 3x concentrated tomato paste?
Tomato paste isn’t just versatile—it also comes in a variety of flavors. Whether it’s 2x or 3x concentrated, or flavored with garlic or basil—there’s something for every taste!
But what’s the difference between 2x and 3x concentrated tomato paste?
The difference lies in the water content—double-concentrated tomato paste has a water content of 70%. Triple-concentrated tomato paste has a maximum water content of approximately 60%. Triple-concentrated tomato paste is therefore more concentrated and contains less water.
What makes ORO di Parma tomato paste so special?
Our tomato paste captures the full flavor of the tomato! That’s because we use only sun-ripened tomatoes from the Parma region in our ORO di Parma products. Thanks to our careful selection and gentle processing, the aromatic flavor is preserved.
By the way, this all-purpose product is made without additives and contains sun-ripened tomatoes from the Parma region in Italy.
In our product line, you’ll find not only classic 3x and 2x concentrated tomato paste but also organic tomato paste and enhanced varieties with basil, garlic, seasoned vegetables, or spicy tomato paste.
Uses of Tomato Paste
Tomato paste is incredibly versatile and an indispensable ingredient in Italian cuisine. Thanks to its fruity flavor, tomato paste is especially well-suited for enhancing sauces. However, tomato paste can also be used in fish dishes or salad dressings. You can sauté tomato paste in a pan, thicken sauces, or use it to concentrate or intensify flavors. The possibilities are endless.
How to Make Your Own Tomato Paste
Is tomato paste one of those foods you always have on hand in your pantry? And have you always wanted to make your own tomato paste? Here’s a recipe tip for you:
Step 1
: Sterilize the canning jars and set them aside. Wash the tomatoes, remove the stems, and make a cross-shaped cut on the bottom of each tomato with a sharp knife. This makes it easier to remove the skin.
Step 2
Blanch the scored tomatoes in a pot of boiling water, then transfer them briefly to cold water. Peel off the skin with a knife and quarter the peeled tomatoes.
Step 3
Next, heat the quartered tomatoes in a pot and bring to a boil. Add your desired spices and let the mixture thicken. Depending on how concentrated you want the tomato paste to be, this step may take a shorter or longer time. Be sure to stir continuously so the tomatoes don’t burn on the bottom of the pot as they thicken. Then strain the thickened mixture through a sieve lined with a clean dish towel and let it drain overnight. The drained tomato juice can be collected and used for other purposes. Fill the sterilized jars from Step 1 with the tomato paste that remains in the dish towel and heat them in a water bath.
