Freezing tomato paste

[SundayCrepes]

I have so many recipes that call for 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. I use it then the rest gets thrown out or thrown into the garden. What a waste.

I was thinking I could spray non-stick spray into ice cube trays and put one tablespoon of paste into each cube then freeze. Has anyone tried this.?

[DevaMajka]

I find it easier to freeze in blobs. One way to do it is to lay out a sheet of saran wrap, and drop in 1tbsp blobs. Then wrap them up so the saran wrap is between each blob. Does that make sense?
I also have had luck just putting them in separate blobs in a plastic container with a big bottom. I can usually just pull out one blob at a time without thawing it out any.

(I said "blobs" way too many times in this post )

[4Blessings]

I use an ice cube tray. I don't even spray it with anything. I stick a sharp knife in the middle of the cube and pop it out

I like the blob idea too!

[Mosaic]

Yup, I put TB-sized blobs on waxed paper, freeze 'em, and then store them in a ziplock baggie (they don't stick together as long as they stay frozen). Works great!

[4Marmalade]

Originally Posted by Mosaic

Yup, I put TB-sized blobs on waxed paper, freeze 'em, and then store them in a ziplock baggie (they don't stick together as long as they stay frozen). Works great!

Exactly what I do. I just pull a blob out of the bag and toss it into whatever I'm making.

[Jadzia]

Originally Posted by Mosaic

Yup, I put TB-sized blobs on waxed paper, freeze 'em, and then store them in a ziplock baggie (they don't stick together as long as they stay frozen). Works great!

That is exactly what I do!

[smallmama]

You all are geniuses.

[SundayCrepes]

Thanks. I am so grateful to know this. I HATE always wasting tom. paste.

Sadly today's paste didn't get frozen. We left quickly and I forgot to put it in the fridge and it sat out for several hours (I made lentil bolognese in the crockpot.) However, I do have another tom paste recipe this week, so I will try it. I'll do the blobs on the wax paper. That sounds easiest.

Thanks again

[425lisamarie]

Sometimes i'm even more lazy and just use a butterknife to slide it out in the same can shape, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze. It seems to cut ok frozen

[faeriecurls]

I used to freeze blobs of it too - now I buy the tube of tomato paste and it is great. It stays good in the fridge for several months and I don't have to worry about it getting freezer burn. Tastes good too.

[SundayCrepes]

Originally Posted by faeriecurls

I used to freeze blobs of it too - now I buy the tube of tomato paste and it is great. It stays good in the fridge for several months and I don't have to worry about it getting freezer burn. Tastes good too.

I've never heard of this. Where do you get it.

I was telling a friend about this thread last night and she was amazed at the concept. She said, "I could have saved several dollars if I'd known about this years ago." We really should alert the press about this idea. "Waste less tomato paste, save the planet." lol

[faeriecurls]

Originally Posted by SundayCrepes

I've never heard of this. Where do you get it.

I was telling a friend about this thread last night and she was amazed at the concept. She said, "I could have saved several dollars if I'd known about this years ago." We really should alert the press about this idea. "Waste less tomato paste, save the planet." lol

I can get it in any supermarket near me, look near the canned tomatoes - it is usually on the top shelf. If you can't find it in your local grocery store or WHole Foods, try an Italian specialty market/butcher. Amazon also has several varieties.

It's a life saver.

[SundayCrepes]

Originally Posted by faeriecurls

I can get it in any supermarket near me, look near the canned tomatoes - it is usually on the top shelf. If you can't find it in your local grocery store or WHole Foods, try an Italian specialty market/butcher. Amazon also has several varieties.

It's a life saver.

Thanks. I'll definitely look for it. Save the hassle of freezing.