Can You Freeze Tomato Paste? (YES, HERE’S HOW!)

Raise your hands if you’ve never finished an entire can of tomato paste. (*) Are you raising your hands? So are we! Let’s admit it the content of a can of tomato paste is always too much since we only use only a tablespoon or two of it in our recipes.

After that, we stash the leftovers in the refrigerators, which are left to grow mold and then tossed into the trash. So what can we do to prevent tomato waste? Should we start a petition for manufacturers to create smaller packaging?

Or—just hear us out—should we find a way to rescue our leftover tomato paste? Maybe freeze it? Well, can we freeze tomato paste?

So what can we do to prevent this? Continue reading to find out! When you do, you’ll also learn about:

Are you ready to get the scoop on tomato paste? Let’s dig in!

Can You Freeze Tomato Paste?

Yes, you can. In fact, you can easily freeze tomato paste.

Here’s one good news: It freezes pretty well because it has low water content.

And wait, there’s more. Since it’s already processed, it’s almost resistant to freezer burn as well.

With all these considerations in mind, freezing tomato paste seems like the solution we’ve all been waiting for.

But there’s a catch: There’s a high chance that the paste will absorb all the odors of the food items inside your freezer. The only way to prevent this is to learn how to freeze tomato paste the right way.

How To Store Tomato Paste (In Freezer)

Of course, you shouldn’t freeze tomato paste in its original packaging. You have to transfer it into the right container for proper storage.

There are actually three ways how to freeze tomato paste. Here they are:

Method #1: Freezing Bulk Tomato Paste in Freezer Bags

The first method is the easiest method of all. However, you may need to thaw the entire thing when you already need the paste. Here are the steps on how to do it:

• Step 1. Transfer all contents of the can into a freezer bag.
• Step 2. Make sure to squeeze out all the excess air to minimize space consumption.
• Pro Tip: If you want the frozen tomato paste to last longer, you can vacuum seal the bag.
• Step 3. Seal the bag tightly.
• Step 4. Indicate the date so you can determine how long the paste has been in your freezer.

Method #2: Freezing Single-Serve Tomato Paste in Freeze Bags

The good news is that you can freeze the paste in single-size servings if you don’t plan to use the leftovers all at once. However, this may require more steps as compared to the first method. These are as follows:

• Step 1. Place a sheet of plastic wrap on top of a plate.
• Step 2. Scoop out 1 tablespoon dollop and arrange them on the plate. Make sure that there’s enough space in between each dollop.
• Pro Tip: You can also use a measuring spoon for this.
• Step 3. Place the plate uncovered in the freezer for a few hours.
• Step 4. Once frozen solid, wrap the dollops with the plastic packaging and store them inside a freezer bag.
• Step 5. Seal tightly and label the bag.

Method #3: Freezing Tomato Paste in Ice Tray

• Pro Tip: This is the best option to create same-sized tomato paste cubes.

There’s an even easier method of freezing tomato paste in single servings—freeze them in an ice cube tray! Here are the steps on how to do that:

• Step 1. Scoop out the tomato paste and place it in an ice cube tray.
• Step 2. Cover the tray and place it in the freezer until tomato paste gets hard.
• Step 3. Pop-out the frozen tomato paste cubes from the tray and transfer them to a resealable bag.
• Step 4. Squeeze out the air from the bag and seal it tightly.
• Step 5. Label the bag with the date of storage.

How To Thaw Frozen Tomato Paste Correctly

You need to use the leftover frozen tomato paste. What should you do now? Here are steps how to properly defrost frozen tomato paste:

Step 1. Transfer the tomato paste from the freezer to the fridge.

Step 2. Let it sit for 1 to 2 hours (single-size serving) or 3 to 5 hours (bulk).

Pro Tip: Make sure to put the bag or cubes in an air-tight container before refrigerating them to prevent mess.

• Pro Tip: You can use your frozen tomato paste without thawing it. However, this will work only if you paste in dishes with thin consistency like soups and stews.

How Long Does Tomato Paste Last in The Freezer?

If you wish to enjoy the tomato paste at its peak quality, use them up within 4 months after the date of freezing. However, you can use those past beyond that date.

In fact, it will keep safe indefinitely if it has been stored properly at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Learn more: Does Tomato Paste Go Bad? (HOW TO TELL!)

Final Word

Can you freeze tomato paste? Yes, you can. That is the best way to save and make the most out of your leftover tomato paste.

When stored in the freezer, it can last indefinitely as long as you’ve stored it properly.

But aside from freezing it, there are other ways you can use up leftover tomato paste. For example, you can use it to make tomato salt, tomato sauce, stews, soups, pasta sauces, and cooking other delicious recipes!

Indeed, there are many ways to make the most out of our leftover tomato paste. You just need to be creative about how you use it. The question is, are you up for the challenge?

Up Next: Can you freeze tomato sauce?