Tomato Sauce — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips

Tomato sauce should be smooth and flavorful, with a bright red color and a hint of herbs or spices. The consistency should be just thick enough to cling to pasta or other dishes without being watery.

Do not use tomato sauce that has an overly sweet or acidic balance, as it suggests poor ingredient ratios. Sauce that has started to ferment or shows signs of mold should also be avoided, as it is not safe for consumption.

Tomato sauce should be stored in the refrigerator after opening, kept in an airtight container. Refrigeration preserves its flavor for up to a week. Ensure the lid is tightly closed after use.

Room temperature causes spoilage. Don't use dirty utensils to scoop sauce, which can introduce bacteria. Transfer to a clean container if not using the original jar. Proper storage keeps the sauce fresh and tasty.

Tomato sauce can last for 1-2 years unopened when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 5-7 days. For longer storage, tomato sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Leftover tomato sauce can be used in a variety of savory dishes. Mix it into a pasta bake or lasagna with layers of pasta, cheese, and meat, or use it as a topping for pizzas or flatbreads. Tomato sauce is also great when added to soups, stews, or casseroles for added depth of flavor.

Use tomato sauce as a base for a shakshuka by simmering eggs in the sauce with spices and herbs, or mix it into a sloppy joe filling with ground meat. If you have a lot of tomato sauce, consider freezing it in portions for easy meals later. Tomato sauce can also be used as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, garlic bread, or mozzarella sticks, or mixed into a meatball or meatloaf mixture for added moisture and flavor. For a quick snack, reheat tomato sauce and serve it with crusty bread, over pasta, or as a dip for vegetables.