Tomato paste vs. Tomato Puree

Tomato paste vs. Tomato Puree- They are used widely in many cuisines around the globe — there are varieties of PROCESS tomatoes served as tomato paste and tomato puree, to name a few.” Though both are tomato-based, their consistency, flavor and culinary applications vary wildly. In this article, we shall discuss what the main differences between tomato paste and tomato puree are, their nutritional values, whether one is better than the other, applications in the culinary world, and how to substitute both in your cooking if need be.

What is Tomato Paste?

Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated version of tomatoes that’s produced by cooking down tomatoes, eliminating the skin and seeds and then reducing the pulp to a thick consistency. The technique calls for slow cooking to evaporate water content, yielding a rich, concentrated tomato taste.

Characteristics of Tomato Paste

• Reddish purple hue and viscous texture
• Intense, concentrated flavor of tomatoes
• Low water content
• Usually available in small cans or tubes
• Added in minute quantities to boost flavor

What is Tomato Puree?

Unlike tomato paste, tomato puree is cooked and blended at a less thicker consistency, providing a smooth liquid extracted from the tomatoes. It has a higher water content, meaning it is less concentrated in flavour than tomato paste.

Features of Tomato Puree:

• Thick enough to keep from running but thin enough that you can pour it
• Heads of tomato-flavored mildness, slightly sweet
• More water than tomato paste
• Icon usually available in bigger cans or bottles
• Reserved for those recipes calling for a balanced tomato base

The Key Differences of Tomato Paste vs Tomato Puree

Although tomato paste and tomato puree both originate from tomatoes, they differ in terms of their processing methods and intended culinary purposes.

Feature	Tomato Paste	Tomato Puree
Texture	Thick, dense	Smooth, pourable
Flavor	Intense, concentrated	Mild, slightly sweet
Water Content	Low	Higher
Cooking Process	Cooked down for a long time	Lightly cooked and blended
Common Packaging	Small cans or tubes	Large cans or bottles
Usage	Added in small amounts for flavor	Used as a base for sauces, soups, and stews

Nutritional Comparison Tomato Paste vs Tomato Puree

Both forms of tomato paste and tomato puree contain beneficial vitamins and antioxidants. But thanks to the concentration process, tomato paste typically has more nutrients per serving.

Nutritional Values (per 100g):

Nutrient	Tomato Paste	Tomato Puree
Calories	82 kcal	39 kcal
Carbohydrates	19 g	9 g
Sugars	12 g	5 g
Fiber	3 g	2 g
Vitamin C	22 mg	13 mg
Lycopene (Antioxidant)	High	Moderate

Rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant associated with numerous health benefits, including lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers, tomato paste is an excellent food choice. Even the less powerful tomato puree offers valuable nutrients.

How to Use Tomato Paste and Tomato Puree in Cooking

Understanding how to use tomato paste versus tomato puree can make a huge difference in a dish vectoring its taste and body.

Best Uses for Tomato Paste:

• Building flavor in soups, stews and sauces
• Thickening tomato-based dishes, such as chili or Bolognese sauce
• Building a deep tomato flavor in curries and marinades
• Imparting umami depth to barbecue sauces and stir-fry

Best Uses for Tomato Puree:

• Tomato sauce for pasta and pizzas
• As a base for soups, stews and braises
• Pureeing into salsas and dips for a less-textured product
• Making flavorful tender dish cooked with meats

Substituting for Tomato Paste and Tomato Puree

If you don’t happen to have one but have the other on hand, you can sub them out with some modifications.

To Replace Tomato Paste with Tomato Puree: Use three times as much puree to achieve the same flavor pungency of tomato paste. Reduce liquid in your recipe for viscosity.

Substituting Tomato Puree with Tomato Paste: Combine equal parts tomato paste and water for a puree-like thickness. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Which One Should You Choose?

When you need tomato paste vs. tomato puree: Your preference matters.

For a thicker, more concentrated tomato flavor, use tomato paste.

For a milder, more liquid-based tomato component use tomato puree.

The (Surprising) History of Tomato Paste and Tomato Puree

Tomatoes have been a fixture in global cuisines for centuries, yet the invention of tomato paste and tomato puree is a relatively new idea. The practice of reducing tomatoes down to paste started in the 19th century, mainly for the purpose of long-term preservation. Tomato puree, however, became a ubiquitous shortcut ingredient for home cooks and professional chefs alike. A look at where they come from may offer insight as to why these products are so ubiquitous today.

How Tomato Paste and Tomato Puree Are Produced

While the processes of producing tomato paste and tomato puree are similar, they’re distinctly different in producing ways. Both begin with ripe tomatoes, but the methods diverge from there.

Tomato paste Production Process

During a process lasting several hours, tomatoes are cooked to remove water (to leave pulp); the pulp is then strained to remove skins and seeds. The residual pulp is dehydrated further until it arrives at a paste-like consistency.

How Tomato Puree Is Made?

Tomatoes are cooked a bit, pureed to a smooth liquid, and lightly strained. The end product is thinner, more pourable than tomato paste.

These processing differences have direct repercussions on their textures, flavors, and uses.

Health Benefits of Tomato-Based Products

Tomatoes are rich in nutrients, and many of these benefits come through in both tomato paste and tomato puree. Here’s a closer look at the health benefits they provide:

Rich in Antioxidants: Both products include lycopene, a potent antioxidant that has been associated with lower inflammation and a lower risk of chronic diseases.

Vitamins and Minerals: They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin A, which promote immune function and eyesight.

Low Caloried Lower in calories per serving, tomato puree may be an ideal food choice in weight conscious eating habits.

Cardiovascular Support: Potassium in tomatoes controls blood pressure levels as well as lycopene promotes overall heart health.

Tomato Paste vs. Tomato Puree: Which Is More Versatile?

Both are versatile, but their usage differs due to their texture and flavor intensity. Tomato paste is perfect for building deep, rich flavors in a dish, while tomato puree is more often used as a base for sauces and soups. Here is a rundown of their versatility:

Tomato Paste: Great for thickening, umami, and maximizing flavor for a small amount.

Tomato Puree: Ideal for making balanced, smooth-textured sauces and soups without overpowering other flavors.

How to Use Tomato Paste Creatively in Everyday Cooking

Tomato paste is not reserved for classic recipes. Here are some inventive ways to use it in your meals:

• Flavor Booster for Grains: Stir a teaspoon of tomato paste into rice, quinoa or couscous for a savory kick.
• Marinades and Rubs: Combine tomato paste with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a flavorful marinade for meat or vegetables.
• Homemade Ketchup: Mix tomato paste with vinegar, sugar and spices to whip up your very own ketchup.
• Egg Dishes: Stir a little into scrambled eggs or frittatas for extra richness.

Uncommon Ways to Utilize Tomato Puree in Your Home Cooking

Per tomato puree is just as adaptable, finding its way into everything from:

• Smoothies and Soups: Toss a spoonful of tomato puree into vegetable smoothies or soups for a bright note.
• Pizza Base: Use a tomato puree as a fast pizza sauce.
• Dips and spreads: Mix it into yogurt or cream cheese for an unusual dip.
• Casseroles: Use it as a base for baked pasta dishes or vegetable casseroles.

Global Influence of Tomato Paste and Tomato Puree

Across many cuisines, tomato paste and tomato puree are used in very different ways. Here’s how they play a role in some popular dishes:

Italian cuisine: Tomato paste is commonly found in Bolognese sauce, and tomato puree is used in marinara sauce.

Indian Cuisine: Tomato paste is used to intensify the flavor of curries, and tomato puree is used in curries like butter chicken.

Mexican Dishes: Salsas, enchilada sauces, etc. contain tomato puree as an ingredient.

Middle Eastern Cuisine Stews such as shakshuka use tomato paste, while tomato puree is a favorite in soups and dips.

How to Prepare Tomato Paste and Tomato Puree at Home

If you’re feeling adventurous, make your own tomato paste and tomato puree at home. Here’s how:

Homemade Tomato Paste:

Cook down ripe tomatoes for a few hours, discard skins and seeds, keep cooking until it’s thick. Pour into sterilized jars or freeze in small quantities.

Homemade Tomato Puree:

Simmer and blend cooked tomatoes into a silky, strained sauce. Refrigerate or freeze, as desired.

If you make these products at home, you can control ingredients and skip preservatives.

Is Tomato Paste and Tomato Puree Vegan/Vegetarian?

Tomato paste and tomato puree are both essential in plant-based cooking. Their deep, intense flavors and versatility make them perfect for vegan and vegetarian recipes:

• Meatless Stews and Curries: Tomato paste imparts depth to vegetarian stews and curries.
• Vegetarian Sauces: Tomato purée is great for making creamy, dairy-free pasta sauces.
• Plant Based Soups: Both of them are great products to flavor vegetable soup.

Meal Prep with Tomato Paste and Tomato Puree

Tomato paste and tomato puree are great meal prep ingredients. Here’s why:

• Long Shelf Life: Both products have a long shelf life if stored properly.
• Versatile: They can be used in many kinds of dishes, from breakfast through dinner.
• The Fridge, the Freezer, the Pantry: Tomato paste or tomato puree
• Convenience: A little goes a long way to upgrade even the most basic of meals.

What Are Tomato Paste and Tomato Puree?

To reap the benefits of these ingredients, avoid these common missteps:

Not Using Enough Tomato Paste: The strong flavor can overwhelm dishes if used in excess.

Not Cooking Tomato Paste: Whenever you’re using tomato paste, always cook it briefly to mellow its flavor and deepen its richness.

How To Substitute For Tomato Paste:

Using Tomato Puree Without Adjustments: Tomato puree is much thinner and lacks the intense flavor, so it must be adjusted when substituting for tomato paste.

How to Store Tomato Paste and Tomato Puree

Here’s how to store your tomato paste and tomato puree for freshness and flavor retention:

• Unopened Containers: Store in a cool, dry location until the expiration date.
• Containers that have been opened: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Tomato paste can also be frozen in ice cube trays for convenient portioning.
• Freezing: Both products freeze well and can be frozen for up to six months.

Tomato Paste and Tomato Puree: Environmental Impact

Tomato paste and tomato puree environmental implications tomato paste and tomato puree Here’s what to consider:

Water efficiency: Tomato paste production demands large quantities of water for cooking and concentrating.

Packaging Waste: Each tube and can creates waste so choose brands that use recyclable materials.

R2: If applicable - sustainable farming.

Tomato Paste and Tomato Puree: A Buying Guide

When you shop for tomato paste and tomato puree you must keep this in mind:

Quality: Seek out tomato products that are 100% tomatoes and contain no preservatives or fillers.

Packaging: Store in packaging that works for you (tubes for easy squeeze, large cans for batch cooking, etc.).

Brand Reputation — Choose reputable brands that emphasize quality and taste.

Conclusion

Tomato paste and tomato puree are both versatile ingredients that can elevate a wide range of dishes. Knowing how they differ helps you pick the right one for your culinary needs. Whether you’re preparing a chunky stew, a zesty pasta sauce, or a topping for homemade pizza, using the right tomato product can take your development to the next level.

Kamrooz Company, the producer of high-quality tomato paste and tomato puree from the best tomatoes. Craving that authentic taste? Check out our tomato products!

Frequent Asked Questions

Here’s a guide to some typical questions about these tomato products:

Can I substitute tomato paste or puree in desserts?

Tomato paste can enhance the complexity of some desserts, such as chocolate cakes or brownies, though it is rare.

Is there a low sodium version of tomato paste and puree?

Yes, and many brands now make low-sodium versions for health-conscious consumers.

Is tomato paste or puree also acceptable for cocktails?

Tomato puree helps form Bloody Marys, and tomato paste can add depth to unexpected savory cocktails.