You probably have already wondered how long can tomato paste last in the fridge. Well, it depends a lot on many factors of cache conditions like the way of time that you keep opened or closed the tomato paste in the fridge.
As tomato paste is widely used in different recipes, we decided to write this article to learn how to extend its shelf life and how long it stays in high quality to use in your dishes.
We must know the best ways to store our tomato paste. Although it has an extensive shelf life, it is essential to learn the correct way of storage.
That’s what we are going to see in this post. Come with us!
How long can Tomato Paste last in the Fridge and Freezer?
There are several ways to store tomato paste. Here, you can see the differences between them and discover
how long they keep their high-quality when stored at room temperature, in the fridge and freezer.
Check this table.
Room Temperature | Fridge | Freezer | |
Fresh Tomato Paste (opened) | 2 hours | 7-10 days | 2- 3 months |
Fresh Tomato Paste ( closed) | 2 hours | 1 month | 2-3 months |
Homemade Tomato Paste | 2-3 days | 5 days | 4 months |
Tomato Soup | 2 hours | 3-4 days | 6 months |
Tomato Paste Tube (opened) | We do not recommend that you leave this product at room temperature. | 5-7 days | 6 months |
Tomato Paste Tube (closed) | 1 year | 6-8 weeks | It’s not necessary to freeze. You need to keep it in the fridge or at room temperature. |
You can keep tomato paste at room temperature for 2 hours (maximum). However, you must save it in the fridge or freezer to maximize its shelf life.
You can also store fresh tomato paste (opened or closed), homemade tomato pastes, and tomato paste tubes (opened or closed).
Usually, the tomato paste can last in the freezer for about 5 to 7 days if it is opened. However, in good storage conditions, for example, putting the tomato paste in special containers like plastic or glass containers, it can be there for about 4 months. However, you need to be careful when using it after that time.
How long does Tomato Paste last unopened?
The answer to this question depends on how the conservation is made (at room temperature, in the fridge, or freezer). As we saw in the table, there’s a big difference in tomato paste shelf life depending on how you store it.
In good conditions and unopened, the tomato paste can stay in excellent quality for approximately 18-24 months. After that, it’s recommended to take some precautions. For example, tomato paste can be good for about 5-7 days in the refrigerator.
How to Freeze Tomato Paste?
If you want to know how to freeze tomato paste, you must read this, and then you will understand how to do it easily. You probably have already noticed that there are many recipes that you will just need 1 or 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. After that, you must do something with the leavings. So, now, what do you do with that?
You can save it in the fridge, but it will last no longer than a couple of days. So, the best way to store it long-term is by freezing it.
Now you have a few steps to do it quickly and easily.
STEP 1: PREPARE YOUR TOMATO PASTE
In this step, you will have to measure tomato paste into tablespoons, spoons, or similar things and put them on a plate covered in plastic. You use this plastic because the tomato paste with the plastic will not stick to the dish while freezing. Here you need to have caution and ensure that the portions are not touching each other.
STEP 2: TRANSFER 1
After preparing tomato paste, it’s time to transfer to the freezer the tomato portions until they are solid. Here, the baking sheet needs to stay uncovered for 2 or 3 hours. This will help to keep the portions separated.
STEP 3: TRANSFER 2
Now it’s time to transfer your tomato paste to a freezer-safe bag for long-term storage. In this step, it’s essential to squeeze the air as much as possible to avoid fusing into balls of tomato paste.
STEP 4: SEALING
After squeezing the air and after the balls are frozen, put the package into the freezer. After that, they are ready to use. In your following recipe, you can use just what you need, and you don’t need to open a new package of tomato paste.
See that frozen tomato paste can last in the freezer for 4-5 months at high quality. We hope that you find this point very useful! Enjoy your recipes!
How to Thaw Frozen Tomato Paste?
Have you ever thought about how to thaw frozen tomato paste? Well, we have the answer.
There are two different ways to do it. You can use these two options, as you prefer.
THAWING IN THE FRIDGE
This is the best way to thaw frozen tomato paste. To complete thaw, one spoon of tomato paste needs 2 hours in the fridge. If you need that before, adjust the thawing time.
FAST THAWING
That one is more obvious and perfect because you don’t need to remember to take the balls from the freezer.
In this case, you just need to put the balls of tomato paste in the boiler, and after a few minutes, that will start to thaw frozen, and you can continue your recipe.
However, you must use your tomato paste immediately when thawing it in the boiler. You can’t save it for later because it will spoil.
How do you know when Tomato Paste goes Bad?
It’s elementary to know if the tomato paste is good or bad. Tomato pastes are naturally watery, which means that has perfect conditions to mold.
An unopened pack of tomato paste lasts approximately six months in good conditions, while an opened can last s when stored correctly.
So, knowing if tomato paste is good or bad is by checking the mold growth. If you see that, even just a little, throw it out.
Also, if the color starts to change, this is a sign that your tomato isn’t good. The smell also gives us excellent help in knowing if the tomato paste is bad. If you notice that the smell isn’t the same, discard that.
How long can Tomato Paste last
Ingredients
- Fresh Tomato Paste ( closed)
- Fresh Tomato Paste (opened)
- Homemade Tomato Paste
- Tomato Soup
- Tomato Paste Tube (opened)
- Tomato Paste Tube (closed)
Instructions
- See our table above.
- Respect the expiration dates mentioned in the table at the top of the article.
- Don't eat spoiled tomato paste.
Homemade Tomato Paste
Conclusion
You came here to know how long can tomato paste last in the fridge. To sum up, it’s essential to know that adequately conserved it can last about 5-7 days in good conditions. We hope you enjoyed our article, and we are waiting for you in our upcoming posts!
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FAQ’s
Yes, you can. You must do it correctly, and tomato paste can stay in the freezer for 2-3 months in good conditions. Once opened, the tomato paste must be in the fridge or freezer.
You don’t die because of it, but if tomato paste is with mold, you will probably vomit and have nausea. A sour tomato sauce can poison you and cause botulism. Your symptoms can appear in 18-36 hours after eating it.
The answer is yes! After you open that, it can stay in the fridge for 5-7 days in good condition. However, after that, tomato paste can go bad. That’s why it is so crucial you need its shelf life, and that was why we created this post. You must check the table with the information we gave to you above.
There are many ways to do it: in the refrigerator or in the freezer. In the fridge, use an airtight container. In the freezer, you can use an old ice cube tray, for example, or using a baking sheet.
Welcome to my food site, RecipesAndPanty.com. I am a man who enjoys creating recipes and researching everything about food. This blog is dedicated to my grandmother because she gave me a taste for cooking.