Monday, May 19, 2014

Tomato Paste - What To Do with the Rest of the Can

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Did you know that you can freeze left over tomato paste? Well you can! 

Don't you hate it when you have to open up a can of tomato paste and all you need is one tablespoon? Then you either leave it in the can or plop it into a plastic container and off into the back of the fridge it goes, only to be found a month later and probably growing some funky science experiment type organism on it. You could dish out $5 for those squeeze tubes, paying .60 cents per ounce (highway robbery!) or you could do what I do - freeze it.  Here's how:

Place a generous sheet of cling on your counter (see photo). Run a spatula along the walls of the inside of the can and empty out the content of the tomato paste can onto the bottom third of the cling. With the spatula smooth it down and shape into a rectangle. It's not art, so no need to get fussy about it. Roll the cling cover the paste and continue rolling up until you have nice sausage like shape. Twist each end in opposite directions to tighten the bundle. Tuck the ends in and place inside a freezer safe container or zip bag.  Next time you need tomato paste all you have to do is cut through with a serrated knife, remove cling and use as needed. No waste, no science experiment and no highway robbery!

6 comments:

  1. This is the best idea.
    I have a frozen roll in my freezer now too and it comes in handy all the time!

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  2. I just stuck some tomato paste in the freezer last week after using only half a can! Glad to know it will keep until my next recipe. :)

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    1. Lila, it keeps very well as long as it is properly stored in the right wrap, zip bag etc. thank you for stopping by!

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  3. Perfect idea Jackie! Loved it! Fortunately, there are 2.5oz tetrapacks available in the last few years here, but still we buy larger cans for some recipe and we do face the issue you mention:)
    So, THANK YOU, this is a wonderful frugal idea! Kudos!!
    Lots of love,
    Panos and Mirella

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    1. Glad you liked it. I've been doing it for years and it works perfectly. Thank you for stopping by!

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