If you're a fan of tomatoes, you'll love the versatility and convenience of 1 Lb Tomato Paste (with Salt Added). Not only is tomato paste a great ingredient to keep on hand for quick and easy meals, but it's also packed with nutrients. One ounce of tomato paste contains 33 calories, and a 1 Lb can of tomato paste contains around 372 calories.

Tomato paste contains a variety of nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a lower risk of certain cancers. Additionally, tomato paste can be a great source of fiber and protein, depending on the brand and recipe.

In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of including tomato paste in your diet, as well as some practical tips for using this versatile ingredient in a variety of recipes.

Benefits of Tomato Paste Consumption

Tomato paste is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene. Lycopene has been found to be particularly effective at reducing the risk of certain cancers, including prostate and breast cancer. Additionally, studies have shown that consuming tomato paste can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Tomato paste is also a great way to add flavor to your dishes, without adding extra calories. It's a great ingredient to use when you're looking to add depth and complexity to a dish, as it has a concentrated, sweet flavor that can help balance out spicy or acidic ingredients. Overall, incorporating tomato paste into your diet can be an easy and delicious way to boost your nutrient intake and improve your overall health.

Tomato Paste Nutritional Information

Tomato paste is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene. One ounce of tomato paste contains approximately 33 calories, 1.6 grams of protein, and 7.2 grams of carbohydrates. It's also a great source of fiber, with one ounce containing 1.3 grams of fiber. When it comes to micronutrients, tomato paste is particularly high in vitamin A, with one ounce containing approximately 10% of your daily recommended intake. It's also a great source of vitamin K and iron. Overall, tomato paste is a great ingredient to include in your meals if you're looking to boost your nutrient intake and add flavor without extra calories.

Tomato Paste as a Cooking Ingredient

While tomato paste is often thought of as a key ingredient in tomato-based sauces, there are many other ways to use this versatile ingredient. For example, you can add tomato paste to soups, stews, and chilis to add depth and complexity to the dish. You can also use tomato paste as a flavoring agent for meats and vegetables. Simply mix it with your favorite spices and rub it on the meat or vegetables before roasting or grilling. Finally, you can use tomato paste as a base for salad dressings or marinades. Simply mix it with oil, vinegar, and your favorite herbs to create a delicious, flavorful dressing or marinade.

Tomato Paste Recipes

Tomato paste is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Some great recipes that feature tomato paste include spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, and marinara sauce. Additionally, you can use tomato paste to make delicious sloppy joes, lasagna, and meatball subs. For a vegetarian option, try adding tomato paste to a hearty vegetable soup or stew. Get creative with your tomato paste recipes and explore new flavors and textures in your meals!

Tomato Paste Health Risks

One potential health risk of consuming tomato paste is the risk of toxicity from excess vitamin A. Vitamin A toxicity can occur when you consume too much of the nutrient, either through supplements or through food. Symptoms of vitamin A toxicity can include dizziness, nausea, and vision problems. Additionally, tomato paste can be high in sodium, which can be a concern for individuals with high blood pressure or heart disease. Be sure to check the sodium content on the label before consuming large amounts of tomato paste. Finally, some individuals may be allergic to tomatoes or tomato products, which can cause symptoms like hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms after consuming tomato paste, seek medical attention immediately.

Tomato Paste vs. Tomato Sauce

While both tomato paste and tomato sauce are made from tomatoes, they are quite different in terms of flavor, texture, and use. Tomato paste is a concentrated, thick paste made from cooked tomatoes that have been strained and reduced. Tomato sauce, on the other hand, is a thinner, more liquid sauce made from cooked tomatoes that have been pureed, but not strained or reduced much. Because of its concentrated flavor and texture, tomato paste is often used as a base for sauces and soups, while tomato sauce is typically used as a topping or condiment. Additionally, tomato paste is often used to add depth and complexity to a dish, while tomato sauce is typically used to add sweetness and acidity. Overall, both tomato paste and tomato sauce have their place in the kitchen, depending on the recipe and desired flavor profile.

Tomato Paste Storage Tips

Tomato paste can be stored in the fridge or freezer, depending on how long you plan to keep it. If you plan on using it within a week, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If you want to keep it for a longer period of time, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it for up to 6 months. Before freezing tomato paste, you may want to portion it out into smaller containers so that you can easily thaw only what you need for a recipe. Alternatively, you can freeze individual portions of tomato paste in an ice cube tray and then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag for easy storage. Overall, with proper storage, tomato paste can last for a long time and be a convenient ingredient to have on hand for quick and easy meals.

Tomato Paste Cooking Tips

One tip for Cooking with Tomato Paste is to sauté it with onions and garlic before adding other ingredients. This can help to develop the flavor of the tomato paste and create a more complex base for your recipe. Additionally, you can mix tomato paste with some water or broth to create a tomato sauce if you don't have any on hand. This can be a great shortcut for quick meals like stir-frys, soups, and stews. Finally, you can also use tomato paste as a natural thickener for your dishes. Simply add a tablespoon or two to your recipe and let it cook for a few minutes to thicken up the dish. This can be a great alternative to using cornstarch or other thickeners.

Tomato Paste Brands

One of the top brands of tomato paste is Muir Glen. Muir Glen uses organic tomatoes and has no added sugar or artificial preservatives in their products. Their tomato paste is rich and sweet, and perfect for use in sauces and stews. Another popular brand of tomato paste is Cento. Cento uses San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweet flavor and low acidity. Their tomato paste is thick and concentrated, making it a great base for any tomato-based dish. Both of these brands, as well as other popular brands like Hunt's and Conagra, offer high-quality tomato paste that can be a great addition to any pantry.

Tomato Paste in Different Cuisines

In Italian cuisine, tomato paste is often used as a base for sauces like marinara, puttanesca, and bolognese. It's also used to add depth and complexity to soups and stews, like minestrone and cacciatore. In Indian cuisine, tomato paste is often used in curries and chutneys. It's also used as a flavoring agent for meats and vegetables in dishes like tandoori chicken and saag paneer. In Mexican cuisine, tomato paste is often used as a base for salsas and sauces. It's also used to flavor soups and stews, like pozole and menudo. Overall, tomato paste is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of global cuisines.