Leftover tomato paste can be a versatile ingredient that adds depth and flavor to a variety of dishes. Here’s how you can transform leftover tomato paste into something everyone will love.
In every cook’s kitchen, there’s that one little can or tube of tomato paste that always seems to have a bit left over after preparing a recipe. It sits there, waiting for its next purpose, while we ponder how to put it to good use instead of letting it languish in the fridge. The good news is that tomato paste is a secret weapon that can elevate your culinary creations with its concentrated flavor and rich texture. So, here are some of the best ways to use up your leftover tomato paste.
Sauce base: Use the tomato paste as a base for pasta sauces, stews, or chili. Sauté some onions and garlic in a pan, then add the tomato paste along with herbs, spices, and other desired ingredients. Dilute it with water, broth, or wine to achieve the desired consistency.
Soup enhancer: Add a tablespoon or two of tomato paste to soups and broths to enhance the flavor. It works particularly well in tomato-based soups like minestrone, pizza soup, tomato soup, or vegetable soup.
Pizza and pasta sauces: Tomato paste is an essential ingredient in making pizza and pasta sauces. Combine it with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a little water or broth to create a delicious sauce for your favorite pasta dishes or homemade pizzas.
Marinades and dressings: Create flavorful marinades for meats, poultry, or vegetables by combining tomato paste with ingredients like vinegar, oil, soy sauce, herbs, and spices. You can also mix tomato paste with olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite seasonings to make a tangy salad dressing.
Flavor booster: Add a small amount of tomato paste to recipes that need a rich, savory flavor, such as meatloaf, baked spaghetti, or lasagna. It adds depth and umami to the dish.
Sandwich spread: Use tomato paste as a spread on sandwiches and burgers. Mix it with mayonnaise, mustard, or other condiments to create a tasty and tangy sauce.
Freezing for future use: If you have a large amount of leftover tomato paste, consider freezing it in small portions for future use. You can use ice cube trays or small airtight containers to freeze individual portions, making it easy to defrost and use as needed.
Remember, tomato paste is concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preferences.
This Father’s Day let’s talk about men’s health. One of the most pressing health issues for men is prostate cancer, with more than 1.3 million men diagnosed each year. Use this month as motivation to take preventative steps to reduce your risk of getting prostate cancer, including getting screened at age 50, and following a healthy and balanced lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Fruits and veggies contain fiber and antioxidants that have been shown to help fight cancer and keep you healthy. One of the most potent antioxidants out there is called lycopene, which is the powerful pigment responsible for giving tomatoes their bright red color. According to several scientific studies, people who consume more tomato products have a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer, likely due to the powerful combination of lycopene, vitamin A, and vitamin C that occurs naturally in tomatoes.
While fresh tomatoes are relatively high in lycopene, the compound becomes more bioavailable as tomatoes are cooked, meaning your body can absorb more and take advantage of its anti-cancer properties. Why is this? Heat changes the structure of the lycopene molecule, making it easier for the body to take in, and helps break down cell walls, which frees lycopene and allows it to be absorbed. A recent study found that men who ate cooked tomatoes five to six times per week had a 28% decreased risk of developing prostate cancer versus those who didn’t. Eating tomato products such as tomato sauce, tomato juice, tomato soup, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and salsa is a great way to ensure you are getting in plenty of cancer-fighting lycopene.
How exactly does lycopene exert its cancer-fighting powers? Scientists have proposed several possible methods, including stopping the growth of cancerous cells in the prostate, controlling proteins that suppress tumors, and preventing damage to DNA that can have lasting impacts on the body. While lycopene is powerful on its own, tomatoes contain other anti-carcinogenic compounds, like vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. That’s why you’re better off getting lycopene from dietary sources like tomatoes, rather than from a supplement.
In addition to cooking, adding a little bit of oil to your tomatoes can boost your ability to absorb lycopene even more. This is because lycopene is a fat-soluble compound, and the fat in oil helps lycopene get broken down to a form usable by the body. A serving of whole wheat pasta with tomato sauce and a side salad with olive oil and vinegar is the perfect prostate-cancer-preventing meal!
It’s so important for men to be aware of the most common conditions that can threaten health, both in Movember and beyond. Prostate cancer is a frightening possibility, but early detection and prevention is key in reducing your risk. Along with screenings and a healthy diet and exercise plan, incorporating cooked tomato products into your meals several times a week is an excellent way to make sure you are maximizing your dose of cancer-fighting lycopene.
Struggling to decide between canned tomatoes vs fresh ones? We’re here to help you make that choice. From their health benefits to environmental impact, here’s the ultimate guide to canned tomatoes.
When it comes to incorporating tomatoes in your diet, you may find yourself faced with a common dilemma: fresh or canned? While fresh tomatoes have long been regarded as the epitome of flavor and nutrition, canned tomatoes offer a compelling array of advantages that make them a kitchen essential. From their year-round availability and extended shelf life to their convenience and intensified flavors, canned tomatoes have continued to carve a place for themselves in countless culinary creations.
In this ultimate guide to canned tomatoes, we will delve into the reasons why canned tomatoes deserve a spot in your pantry, from their availability and convenience to flavor and nutritional benefits. So, let’s uncover the wonders of canned tomatoes and discover why they are more than just a practical alternative to their fresh counterparts.
Why should you use canned tomatoes?
Canned tomatoes are available year-round, regardless of the tomato season. This allows you to enjoy the flavor and benefits of tomatoes in your dishes even when fresh tomatoes are out of season or not readily accessible. They are also convenient to use as they are pre-cooked, peeled, and often diced or crushed. This can save you time and effort in preparing dishes that require tomatoes as an ingredient.
Furthermore, canned tomatoes are often more affordable than fresh tomatoes, especially when the latter is out of season or in regions where they are not locally grown. This makes canned tomatoes a cost-effective option for adding tomato flavor to your dishes.
Environmental impact
Canned tomatoes can be more environmentally friendly than fresh tomatoes in certain circumstances. Here are a few reasons why.
Reduced food waste: Fresh tomatoes have a relatively short shelf life and can spoil quickly if not consumed or refrigerated promptly. This can lead to significant food waste if not managed properly. Canning allows tomatoes to be preserved for extended periods, reducing the likelihood of spoilage and minimizing food waste.
Extended availability: Canned tomatoes provide a consistent and readily available source of tomatoes throughout the year, even when fresh tomatoes are out of season. This reduces the demand for out-of-season fresh tomatoes, which often require long-distance transportation and energy-intensive greenhouse production methods. By opting for canned tomatoes during the off-season, consumers can reduce the environmental impact associated with the production and transportation of fresh tomatoes.
Efficient transportation: Canned tomatoes are generally more compact and have a longer shelf life, allowing for more efficient transportation and reduced carbon emissions. Transporting fresh tomatoes often involves refrigerated trucks or air transportation to maintain their quality and freshness, which can have a higher carbon footprint compared to canned tomatoes that can be transported at ambient temperature.
Reduced water usage: Tomato cultivation requires significant amounts of water, particularly in regions with water scarcity. Canning tomatoes can help reduce water usage by preserving tomatoes that may otherwise be discarded due to imperfections or surplus supply. Additionally, canned tomatoes often require less water for processing and canning compared to fresh tomato production, which involves washing, sorting, and packing.
Reduced packaging waste: While packaging materials are required for canned tomatoes, they are typically more efficient in terms of weight and volume compared to the packaging used for fresh tomatoes. Canned tomatoes also have a longer shelf life, which means they can be stored without the need for additional packaging or preservation techniques, such as plastic wraps or coatings.
Health benefits
Canned tomatoes can offer several health benefits, so here are some of the key health benefits you should know about.
Nutrient-rich: Canned tomatoes are packed with essential nutrients, and are a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like potassium and folate. These nutrients contribute to a healthy immune system, support eye health, and help maintain overall well-being.
Lycopene content: Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant and carotenoid pigment responsible for their red color. Canned tomatoes are actually known to have higher levels of lycopene compared to fresh tomatoes. Lycopene has been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate, lung, and stomach cancers. It also has potential cardiovascular benefits and may help protect against heart disease.
Antioxidant properties: Canned tomatoes contain various antioxidants (such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids) which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. This can support overall health and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including certain cancers and cardiovascular conditions.
Nutritional stability: The canning process used for tomatoes helps preserve their nutritional value. Canned tomatoes retain their vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants over time, making them a reliable source of nutrients even during off-seasons when fresh tomatoes may not be as readily available or affordable.
Cooking benefits: Cooking tomatoes enhances their nutritional benefits by making the lycopene and other antioxidants more bioavailable, meaning they are easier for the body to absorb and utilize.
How to use canned tomatoes in the kitchen
Canned tomatoes are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes to add a burst of flavor and richness. Let’s wrap up this ultimate guide to canned tomatoes with some of our favorite ways to use them in the kitchen.
In the world of culinary choices, the decision between fresh and canned tomatoes often arises. While fresh tomatoes have long been cherished for their taste and nutritional value, canned tomatoes offer a range of advantages that make them a practical and flavorful option. From their environmental impact to astounding health benefits, canned tomatoes are one pantry staple you should always have on hand.
By Tony Gemignani, a 12-time World Pizza Champion, master instructor at the International School of Pizza, two-time Food Network gold medalist, restaurateur of 21 concepts, author and reality television personality. Gemignani is the president of the World Pizza Champions, is also a Guinness World Record holder and is the owner and executive chef of several restaurants.
There is nothing like having a pizza with SAUCE ON TOP! I have been preaching this longer than I can remember. I always say pizza and food, in general, is about balance. Each bite should take you through a journey. My sauce has never been understated when it comes to my pizza, it has always stood out. I take pride in it as I do with all other ingredients.
Nowadays young pizza makers, chefs, or bakers that come into our industry always want to be known for their dough and starters. I know this because I use starters in practically all of my dough recipes before it became mainstream but I never let it overcome my pizza. But it’s when guys say “did you taste my pizza? What do you think of my starter it’s like 100 years old?” For me that can be something great to brag about but I don’t want my customers, some critic, writer, blogger or hot shot primadonna kid coming up the ranks remembering my starter.? I want them to remember me for my pizza.
Sometimes it takes one longer to learn this way of thinking, sometimes they never learn this at all. Sauce, dough, and cheese or dough, sauce and cheese, whatever it is one can overcome or overcompensate the other. They should be harmonious.
We make several styles of pizzas at all my restaurants with SAUCE ON TOP, Grandma’s, Detroit’s, Sicilians, Deep Dish, Jersey Tomato Pies, Neapolitan Marinara, Coal Fire Tomato Pies, Cast Irons the list goes on. As a pizza purist I pay homage to every style of pizza. With nearly 30 years in the pizza industry, I have been fortunate enough to try pizzas from all over the world and my favorites have always been with SAUCE ON TOP.
My palate, as well as myself, has evolved. The young Tony wanted to do what hasn’t been done when it came to cooking. Nothing is sexier than recreating a pizza that was from so long ago. What’s old is new again. SAUCE ON TOP is in this category. For me the flavor, simplicity, strength of the pie, bake, all play an important factor. I teach this to my students and practice this every day.
My mission statement, my mantra, my everyday way of life is “ Respect the Craft” say hello to “Respect the Sauce”
For some of our favorite pizza recipes, check out these ones:
Have you ever considered how buying USA-grown canned tomatoes and pasta sauce can be better for the environment and the planet compared to buying products from across the world? There are several factors to consider, including greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainability.
Greenhouse gas emissions: One of the key environmental benefits of buying locally grown products is the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation. When tomatoes and other ingredients are grown in the United States and processed locally, the distance they need to travel to reach the consumer is significantly reduced. This means that fewer fossil fuels are burned during transportation, leading to lower carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to climate change. On the other hand, products that are transported over long distances from countries like Italy would require more fuel and emit more greenhouse gases.
Sustainability: Buying USA-grown products supports American family farmers, the local economies, and industries that support it from truck drivers to restaurants, and promotes sustainable agriculture practices. In the United States, there are regulations and standards in place to ensure that farmers follow sustainable farming methods, such as reducing water usage, minimizing pesticide and fertilizer use, and protecting natural habitats. By purchasing USA-grown tomato products, you can have more confidence that the products were produced in an environmentally responsible manner.
Blind taste tests: While taste preferences can be subjective, blind taste tests have shown that USA-canned tomatoes often perform better than imports, demonstrating that they can be just as delicious as more expensive and environmentally impactful imports. The perception that Italian tomatoes are inherently better tasting is often more influenced by cultural associations or marketing, rather than objective differences in flavor. By recognizing the quality of USA-grown tomatoes, consumers can make informed choices that prioritize both taste and environmental considerations.
In conclusion, buying USA-grown canned tomatoes and pasta sauce offers several environmental benefits. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation, supports sustainable agricultural practices, challenges the notion that Italian tomatoes are inherently superior in taste, and helps reduce the overall environmental impact of food production. By considering these factors, consumers can make more environmentally conscious choices that contribute to a more sustainable planet.
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