How long does tomato paste last in the refrigerator (does it go bad)
 
Have you ever wondered how long tomato paste lasts in the fridge or should you keep it there? Using tomato paste in cooking is a great way to add flavor and color to dishes. It can also be used as a base for sauces, pastas, stews, soups, etc. But how long does it last after you open it before it goes bad?

 Well, you’ve come to the right place because this article will teach you how to store tomato paste at home and buy it properly (and get the most out of it).

You will be happy to know that tubed and canned tomato paste has a good shelf life and keeps well in the refrigerator.
 
Before I continue, I think I should explain the difference between tomato paste and tomato puree, as both are often described. 

Tomato paste and tomato puree? What’s the difference?

 Tomato puree is a fresh tomato sauce that is passed through a sieve or mill to remove the seeds and skins, for example passata. When the tomato paste is concentrated puree of the flesh and skin of the ripe tomatoes. It is prepared by cooking tomatoes until they are soft and pure, draining and cooking again to remove almost all the water.
 
Store-bought tomato paste is packaged in cans or cylindrical tubes. It can also be label as concentrated tomato  or double concentrated tomato.

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 What does it taste like?

 Rich, the flavor of the fruit puree and the skin contributes to a very pleasant, fragrant aroma.
 
Tomato puree and paste are readily available at the grocery store. Although you can substitute one for the other in cooking, they are two different things.
 
So, now you know what tomato puree and tomato paste are, but let’s go back to the main topic.

Home made vs store bought

 It is debatable whether one is better than the other, but most people will agree that homemade is better than store bought. Personally, I prefer a can or tube of store-bought paste because it’s convenient and has a long shelf life.
 
However, there will always be leftovers because the recipe almost does not call for a can or tube of tomato paste, except for Jollof rice. So yes, the question always arises how to preserve it to extend its life.

Read also:HOW TO KEEP BANANAS FROM BROWNING

 How long does tomato paste last in the fridge?
 
Tomato paste will keep for 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator as long as it is stored well in an airtight container or in the original sealed tube packaging. However, tomato paste in a tube can be stored for up to 1 month in the refrigerator.
 
The pasta should be refrigerated and opened in a can, glass jar or tube to preserve its flavor and longevity.
 
Transfer the tomatoes from the can to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. This is also true for dough in tubes and glass cups, but it is not necessary to put it in a bag. It can be stored directly in the refrigerator and in its original container.

Does tomato paste go bad? 

Yes, they can go away quickly if not properly maintained. The condition of the rest depends on how long you left them in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

How do you know if tomato paste is bad?
 
The signs of tomato paste going bad are simple and obvious. First, check the color. If it looks odd and doesn’t fit when you first open it, you should throw it away.
 
If the paste smells sweet and the color looks good, you can try to taste a little to see if it tastes sour or bitter. If not, it’s fine to use; otherwise, discard it.
 
Mold is another sign of damage. If the tomato paste has mold of any kind, throw it away.

How to store tomato paste at home? 

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to five days
 
Freezer: The best way to store tomato paste at home is to wash it in small portions. Transfer the remaining tomato paste to a silicone container that is large enough to accommodate your desired serving size. 

Place the tray(s) in the freezer for a few hours until the paste is cold, then remove the tomato cubes. Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag or any other type of airtight storage option. Store in the freezer for up to four months.

What to do with leftover tomato paste

Put it in the refrigerator or freezer if you are not using it right away as mentioned earlier. You can also make one of these good recipes with the flour you have left.
  
Conclusion:
 
The shelf life of tomato paste will depend on its type, whether it is home made or store bought, and how you store it. Homemade will last 5-7 days in the fridge if stored properly (airtight), while store bought will last much longer than that.
 
If you can, buy tube paste because it lasts longer in the refrigerator or at room temperature than canned paste. Open dough mixes will keep for about 6 to 8 weeks in the refrigerator while the one in the can will only be good for 5 to 7 days. 

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