Tomato paste packet
Tomato paste is an indispensable condiment on Iranian tables. This delicious and practical condiment adds a beautiful color and an unparalleled flavor to dishes. But have you ever thought about what kind of tomato paste you are using and how much its quality affects the taste and health of your food?
In this article, we intend to reveal the untold secrets of the quality of packaged tomato paste for you and compare it with other types of tomato paste. So stay with us to make a more informed choice when buying tomato paste.
Types of Tomato Paste
In general, tomato paste can be divided into two main categories:
Homemade tomato paste: This type of paste is made by individuals at home. Usually, ripe and high-quality tomatoes are juiced, then the water is evaporated over low heat until it reaches the desired consistency. Homemade paste is usually free of any additives and has a more natural flavor and aroma. However, on the other hand, the process of making it is time-consuming and has a shorter shelf life than industrial pastes.
Factory-made tomato paste: This type of paste is produced in factories using advanced machinery. Factory-made tomato paste is itself divided into two types: canned and packaged.
Canned tomato paste: Canned paste is the more traditional type of factory-made paste. This paste is usually packaged in metal cans and, due to the nature of its packaging, is less exposed to light and air. However, opening the can after consuming some of the paste can lead to a decrease in quality and gradual spoilage.
Packaged tomato paste: Packaged paste is a newer type of factory-made paste that is packaged in multi-layer hygienic packaging in various volumes. This type of packaging prevents the penetration of light and air and preserves the quality of the paste for a longer period.
Comparison of the Quality of Packaged Tomato Paste with Other Pastes
Now that we are familiar with the different types of tomato paste, let’s see how packaged tomato paste differs from other types of paste:
Paste content: In the preparation of high-quality tomato paste, ripe and healthy tomatoes are used. Homemade paste usually contains only tomatoes. In factory-made pastes, tomatoes should also be the main ingredient. However, in some low-quality pastes, additives such as starch or food coloring may be used. Fortunately, in the production of reputable packaged tomato paste, no illegal additives are usually used and the only content is tomatoes.
Production process: Homemade paste is made using traditional methods and in the open air. Factory-made pastes, on the other hand, are produced in hygienic environments using advanced machinery. This ensures that factory-made pastes are free from any microbial contamination. In the production of packaged tomato paste, various stages, including washing, sorting, juicing, concentrating, and packaging, are carried out with great care and precision to deliver a high-quality and hygienic product to the consumer.
Nutritional value: Tomato paste is a rich source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene. These nutrients are very beneficial for health and can help prevent various diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that packaged tomato paste, due to the use of high-quality tomatoes and optimal production methods, has a higher nutritional value than homemade and canned pastes.
Taste and color: High-quality tomato paste has a tomato-like flavor and a natural and red color. Homemade paste, due to the traditional cooking method, may have a slightly different taste and color. Canned pastes may also lose their taste and color over time due to the type of packaging. However, packaged tomato paste, due to its multi-layer packaging, preserves the natural taste and color of tomatoes for a longer period.
Packaging: The packaging of tomato paste plays an important role in preserving its quality. Homemade paste is usually stored in glass or ordinary plastic containers, which may erode over time and affect the quality of the paste. Canned pastes are also at risk of rusting and reacting with the contents inside due to the metal material of the can. However, packaged tomato paste is produced in multi-layer hygienic packaging using high-quality raw materials that prevent the penetration of light, air, and microbes into the package and preserve the quality of the paste for a longer period.
Storage: Homemade tomato paste should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed as soon as possible. Canned pastes can also be stored at a cool temperature and away from direct sunlight. However, packaged tomato paste, due to its multi-layer packaging, can be stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and does not need to be refrigerated. This makes packaged tomato paste easier and more convenient to use.
Advantages of Using Packaged Tomato Paste
Given the above, using packaged tomato paste has many advantages, including:
High quality: Packaged tomato paste, due to the use of high-quality tomatoes and optimal production methods, is of high quality in terms of taste, color, nutritional value, and hygiene.
Hygiene: Packaged tomato paste is produced in hygienic environments using advanced machinery and, due to its multi-layer packaging, is free from any microbial and environmental contamination.
Ease of use: Packaged tomato paste is easy to use due to its easy-to-open and portable packaging, and there is no need to open cans or glass containers.
Long shelf life: Packaged tomato paste, due to its multi-layer packaging, can be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight and does not need to be refrigerated. This significantly increases the shelf life of packaged tomato paste.
Affordable price: Packaged tomato paste, considering its quality and numerous advantages, has an affordable price and is a high-value purchase compared to other types of paste.
Variety of brands and flavors: Packaged tomato paste is available in various brands and flavors, allowing you to choose the best type of paste according to your taste and needs.
Important Points to Consider When Buying Packaged Tomato Paste
Despite the many advantages of packaged tomato paste, there are a few things to keep in mind when buying this type of paste:
Pay attention to the brand: Before buying packaged tomato paste, pay attention to the brand and trademark. Reputable and well-known brands usually use high-quality raw materials and optimal production methods, and their products are reliable in terms of quality and hygiene.
Check the expiration date: Carefully check the expiration date and make sure the paste is not past its expiration date.
Inspect the packaging: Carefully inspect the packaging of the packaged tomato paste. The packaging must be intact and free of any tears or leaks. Also, pay attention to the standard mark and health permits on the packaging.
Ensure the quality of the contents: Before buying, you can open the packaging slightly and check the smell and color of the paste. High-quality paste has a pleasant tomato smell and a natural red color.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is packaged tomato paste healthier than homemade paste?
The answer to this question depends on the quality of the homemade and packaged paste. If homemade paste is made with high-quality tomatoes under hygienic conditions, it can be healthier than packaged paste. However, in general, packaged tomato paste, due to the use of optimal production methods and multi-layer hygienic packaging, is free from any microbial contamination and can be healthier than homemade paste.
- What type of tomato paste is best for cooking?
The type of tomato paste that is best for cooking depends on the type of food and your taste. If you are looking for a strong and natural flavor, choose homemade paste or packaged paste with a high concentration. However, if you are looking for a paste at an affordable price and with a milder flavor, choose canned paste or packaged paste with a low concentration.
- How can tomato paste be stored for a longer period?
To store tomato paste for a longer period, it should be kept in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Packaged tomato paste can be stored at room temperature without refrigeration. However, homemade and canned pastes should be stored in the refrigerator.
- Can tomato paste be used instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, you can use tomato paste instead of tomato sauce in some dishes. However, note that tomato paste is thicker than tomato sauce and may slightly change the taste of your food.
- How much tomato paste is equivalent to one tomato?
One medium tomato is equivalent to about 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Conclusion
Packaged tomato paste, due to its high quality, hygiene, ease of use, long shelf life, and affordable price, can be an ideal choice for cooking. By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can choose the best type of packaged tomato paste for your needs and enjoy a delicious and healthy flavor in your meals.