Tomato Paste — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 4, 2024
Tomato paste nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 82 kcal
| Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 19 g | 6.91% |
| Fiber | 4 g | 14.29% |
| Sugars | 13 g | 26% |
| Glycemic Index | 55 | - |
| Protein | 4 g | 8% |
| Sodium | 38 mg | 1.65% |
| Total Fat | 1 | 1.28% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
55
🟢 Low Glycemic Index
1 g
🥕 Low Fat Content
Tomato paste facts & tips
Health benefits
- Concentrated source of nutrients, providing high levels of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and potassium.
- Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals and supports heart health.
- Enhances flavor in dishes, making it a versatile ingredient for adding depth to sauces, soups, and stews.
- Low in calories, making it a nutritious addition to meals without significantly increasing calorie intake.
Health risks
- High sodium content in many commercial tomato pastes, which can contribute to hypertension and increased cardiovascular risks when consumed frequently.
- Potential for acidity which can exacerbate symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn in sensitive individuals.
- Low nutrient density if consumed alone, as tomato paste is highly concentrated and typically used as an ingredient rather than a standalone food.
- Risk of contamination with pesticides if the tomatoes used are not sourced from organic suppliers, which can pose health risks.
How to choose tomato paste
Tomato paste should have a deep, concentrated tomato flavor, with a rich red color and a thick consistency. The paste should spread evenly without any lumps.
Avoid tomato paste that is discolored or has a tinny taste, as these are signs of oxidation or poor quality. Paste that is moldy or has a sour smell should also be avoided, as it could compromise the flavor of your dishes.
How to store tomato paste
After opening, tomato paste should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This helps preserve its flavor and freshness for up to a week.
Exposure to air can dry out the paste. Do not leave it in the original can, as this may impart a metallic flavor. Make sure the container is securely closed to avoid contamination. Proper storage helps maintain its rich taste and texture.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Tomato paste 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 paste can be frozen in small portions for up to 3 months.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover tomato paste can be used in a variety of savory dishes. Mix it into sauces, soups, or stews for added depth of flavor and richness, or use it as a base for a pizza or pasta sauce with garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Tomato paste is also great when added to a marinade for meats, where it helps tenderize and flavor the protein.
Use tomato paste in a chili or curry with beans, vegetables, and spices, or mix it into a meatloaf or meatball mixture for added moisture and flavor. If you have a lot of tomato paste, consider freezing it in small portions for future use, or blending it into a tomato soup with broth and cream. Tomato paste can also be used as a thickener for stews or casseroles, or mixed into a barbecue sauce or ketchup for added tanginess. For a quick snack, mix tomato paste with olive oil and herbs, then spread it on bread and toast until crispy.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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