Two simple but terrific ideas I found online concerning canned tomato paste.

[snagglepuss]

1 - Open both ends of a can of tomato paste then use one lid to push the paste cleanly out

2 - If you are going to use just a portion of the paste, divide the remaining paste into 1-2 tablespoon portions onto a sheet of tin foil then cover with foil and freeze

[LiberalEsto]

1. I used to put the extra paste into self-seal plastic bags

and then freeze it.

Now I buy tomato past in a tube, like toothpaste. Much easier to measure.

[global1]

25. Instead Of Freezing It Still Put It In The ZipLoc Bag And Store In The Fridge....

then cut the corner off the ziploc and use it like a tube - squeezing the paste out the corner - like if you were going to frost a cake.

[antiquie]

2. Is idea two safe?

I've forgotten the chemistry, but I understood tomato-based acid would react with the aluminum foil.

[Major Nikon]

4. It will, but not to the degree that is unsafe

The problem is that aluminum foil is just not the best choice for storing foods high in acid for other reasons. It will impart off flavors for one thing. You don't have to worry about deterioration of the foil in the freezer, but it can be a problem in the refrigerator. PVC cling wrap may also not be the best idea. LDPE cling wrap isn't a bad choice with a layer of aluminum foil over that.

[antiquie]

5. Thank you.

The foil will keep the LDPE in place.

[TheManInTheMac]

27. I pre-freeze on a small paper plate and then food-saver it

or put it in a ziplock bag. Yours is a good question, but I think the aluminum foil is safe, but the reaction may result in a slight metallic taste.

[Graybeard]

3. Freeze paste in ice cube tray.

The individual cubes of tomato paste are easily removed for adding to soups, etc.

[cbayer]

6. I like the tomato paste that comes in a tube (like a toothpaste tube).

Need a tablespoon? Not a problem!

In my experience, it last pretty much forever, too.

Might cost a little more, but it's overall value is great in my experience.

[A HERETIC I AM]

8. This I have not seen.

Gotta find some, as that is a great idea.

[cbayer]

9. They sell it at Trader Joes.

That, anchovy paste and wasabi are three perfect ingredients for these tubes. You generally just need a little and have to buy too much.

[A HERETIC I AM]

10. DAMMIT!

Nearest Trader Joes to me is in Gainesville.

Suckety suck suck.

BTW, having a trainee do the driving is a wonderful thing! Lets me fart about on the internet all day!

[cbayer]

11. I love TJ's. Hope you get a ride!

They do sell it on Amazon as well. Don't know if you use them, but I get a lot of my staples and cleaning supply from them.

Great deal if you join Amazon plus (no shipping on most items for a yearly fee).

[A HERETIC I AM]

12. LOL....just went past G-Ville, actually!

My trainee and I just dropped in Ocala, and are almost back to our yard in Jax. I go by there probably twice a month at least. Shouldn't be a big deal to stop in, I'll just have to look at their parking lot from space and make sure I can get a car hauler in there.

[fizzgig]

17. i've seen it at wf and kroger

i love the stuff

[Goblinmonger]

23. They sell this brand in my local grocery story

(nearest TJs for me is 75 miles)

If they don't carry it, I would ask them if they would. My store is usually up for giving things a try.

http://www.amorebrand.com/products/tomato-paste

[A HERETIC I AM]

24. Thanks, Man.

I have one of the newer, larger Publix markets near me. They might have that. If not, i'll ask them as you suggest.

Thanks.

[Liberal Jesus Freak]

26. I've seen it at Publix...

I've used it for years. First bought it in Italy years ago

[Phentex]

13. I keep a tube as well...

you can use sparingly for great flavor and it helps especially when you don't need a full can.

[cbayer]

14. I threw away untold numbers of barely used cans of paste before this discovery.

[Retrograde]

16. It's a little more pricey than the canned, but

when you only need a dab it's handy. I keep both around, especially when I can get it on sale.

BTW, those are some pretty old tips - I recall reading them when I started cooking c. 1970!

[fizzgig]

18. that's what i use

i was sick of the waste and got so excited when i found it

[Lugnut]

20. The tube tomato paste is perfect!

I have one of those and an anchovy paste in my fridge.

[Warpy]

7. Bag the tin foil

The acid in the tomato will eat right through it.

Better to use plastic, instead. Or freeze on waxed paper on a cookie sheet and then dump the frozen lumps into a baggie.

[Phentex]

15. 3- a rubber spatula bends into the can

and scoops every bit right out. Rinse. Recycle.

[Lars39]

19. I haven't tried this yet, but Martha Stewart freezes it in the can:

http://www.marthastewart.com/273278/tomato-paste-saver

[snagglepuss]

21. Great idea. Even less messy than what i posted.

I will defitely try it.

[Lars39]

22. Me, too,

but with bandaids at the ready.

[TheManInTheMac]

28. I learned the can opening trick from my sister way back in the day and I still do it.

Man, she could squeeze a nickel until the buffalo shit. She used to run the bunt side of a scissors over a toothpaste tube to make sure she got every bit of it out.

Funny story about tomato paste: When my youngest son was just a toddler, he loved tomato paste. Once I was cooking something and had just opened a can and my daughter, who was an infant at the time, was crying for a change or something and I'd set the can down on a side table and went to take care of her.

When I got back I was looking for the tomato paste. I finally found it on the side table...completely empty. The boy just loved tomato paste! He's a Marine now, so I reckon tomato paste must be pretty badass food.