How to Preserve Tomato Paste?
Preserving tomato paste is a simple and practical method for homemakers. Tomato paste is one of the most widely used and popular products in Iranian kitchens. Many delicious dishes, stews, and sauces are made using tomato paste. This condiment adds a unique color, aroma, and taste to meals. In this guide, we will answer the question: “How to preserve tomato paste?” If you are a fan of this flavorful ingredient and want to make the best use of it, read on!
Why Should We Preserve Tomato Paste?
Before learning how to preserve tomato paste, let’s explore the reasons behind it. When making homemade tomato paste, one of the main concerns is preventing it from spoiling or developing mold. The process of making tomato paste at home is time-consuming and requires a lot of energy. Therefore, many people prefer to make a large quantity at once to avoid repeated efforts. However, producing a large amount comes with its challenges. Tomato paste can quickly mold and spoil, especially if you want to keep it for a long period, particularly in colder months. To prevent spoilage and mold growth, preserving it is the best method. This process extends the shelf life of food. If you notice, industrial tomato pastes typically have longer expiration dates than homemade ones, not due to preservatives, but because they are preserved. So, how can we preserve homemade tomato paste?
How to Preserve Homemade Tomato Paste
To prevent spoilage and extend the shelf life of tomato paste, follow these steps:
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Prepared tomato paste
- Sterilized jars (preferably high-quality jars with lids)
- Boiling water to sterilize the jars
- Salt (optional)
- Cooking oil
Steps for Preserving:
- Sterilize the Jars: Wash the jars and lids thoroughly. Then, place them in a large pot of boiling water and let them boil for 10-15 minutes to fully sterilize. Afterward, remove the jars carefully and let them dry on a clean towel.
- Reheat the Paste: Place the prepared tomato paste back on low heat to bring it close to a boil. You can add a bit of salt at this stage to increase its shelf life.
- Fill the Jars: When the paste is still hot, carefully pour it into the jars, leaving a small gap (about 1 cm) to allow for expansion as it cools. This prevents air from entering and causing mold.
- Add Oil: Before sealing the jar, pour a thin layer of cooking oil on top of the paste. This oil acts as a protective layer, preventing the paste from coming into contact with air and developing mold.
- Seal the Jars: Close the jar lids tightly and ensure they are sealed properly.
- Final Heat Treatment (Bain-marie): Place the filled jars in a large pot, covering them with water. Bring the water to a boil and let the jars heat for 30 minutes. This helps strengthen the seal and eliminates any remaining bacteria.
- Cool the Jars: After heating, carefully remove the jars and let them cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, store the jars in a cool, dry place.
Key Points:
- Ensure that the jars are completely sterile to avoid mold.
- Once opened, store the paste in the refrigerator and use it as soon as possible.
Proper Jars for Preserving Tomato Paste
The jar you choose for preserving tomato paste must be durable and of high quality to withstand the preserving process. Follow these steps to prepare the jars:
- Thorough Washing: Wash the jars and lids with warm water and mild detergent to remove any dirt or grease, as contamination can cause spoilage later.
- Sterilization: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place the jars carefully in the boiling water for 10-20 minutes to fully sterilize them.
- Drying the Jars: After sterilization, remove the jars carefully and place them on a clean, uncontaminated surface to dry.
- Hot Jars and Lids for Filling: When pouring hot paste into the jars, both the jars and lids should still be warm to prevent temperature shock and air entry.
- Tight Sealing: After filling the jars with hot paste, seal the lids tightly while the jars are still hot to create a vacuum, preventing air from entering.
- Avoid Repeated Opening: Once the jars are preserved and sealed, avoid opening them until you are ready to use the paste. Once opened, the preserving process ends, and you should use the paste quickly.
By following these steps, you can properly preserve your homemade tomato paste and extend its shelf life for months.
