Does Tomato Paste Go Bad?

Notice two kinds of tomato paste while strolling through the supermarket aisles: **regular** and **organic**.”

The difference between them is simple — one is made with tomatoes and salt, while the other uses only pureed tomatoes.

Here’s what you need to know about both varieties.

Does tomato paste go bad if it’s not refrigerated?

No. It’s true that tomato paste goes bad if it’s left at room temperature too long, but it doesn’t happen quickly.

The USDA recommends keeping tomato paste in the refrigerator after opening, as it lasts for up to five years.

If you buy it in bulk and don’t plan to use it right away, you should keep it in the freezer instead.

How long does tomato paste last in the fridge?

It depends on how much you’ve bought.

A jar of regular tomato paste can last you up to three to five years, according to Food Safety News.

But since it’s a concentrated product, it’s recommended that you consume it within six months of purchase or discard it.

“Consuming tomato paste more than 6 months past its expiration date could increase the risk of food poisoning,”

says Dr. Michael Doyle, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School.

“For example, if someone eats a batch of tomato paste that was stored improperly, they might get sick from salmonella bacteria.”

How can you tell if tomato paste has gone bad?

Look for signs of spoilage.

You’ll notice a change in color (it turns bright red) and smell (the odor becomes pungent).

To be sure, check the expiration date on the label.

If it’s expired, toss it out immediately.

What happens if you eat bad tomato paste?

It won’t kill you, but eating rotten tomato paste can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever.

In severe cases, it can lead to kidney failure, liver disease and even death.

In addition, it can affect anyone who consumes it, including children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems or those with cancer.

So, what do you do if you’re unsure whether tomato paste has gone bad?

Here are some tips:

Throw it out immediately.

Refrigerate any remaining jars until you’re ready to use them.

Don’t reuse old containers.

Wash hands before handling tomato paste.

Keep tomato paste in the refrigerator after opening.

Use leftover tomato paste within six months of purchase.

Is it safe to use tomato paste that’s been sitting out?

Yes, but it should be used within six months of purchase.

How long does tomato paste last once opened?

Once you open a jar of tomato paste, it should stay good for up to three to five years.

This is because tomato paste is highly concentrated, so it’s very hard to spoil.

But if you want to make sure it lasts longer, you can seal it with plastic wrap, aluminum foil or a lid to extend its shelf life.

Can you freeze tomato paste?

Yes, but it’s not recommended.

Freezing tomato paste will cause it to break down, which will result in spoiled taste and texture. Instead, you should store it in the refrigerator.

What’s the best way to store tomato paste?

To avoid spoiling, we recommend storing it in the refrigerator after opening.

You can also transfer it to airtight containers, such as glass jars or plastic bags, to extend its shelf life.

And don’t forget to wash your hands before handling it.

How long does tomato paste last once opened?

Once you open a jar of tomato paste, it should last for up to three to five years.

Can you freeze tomato paste?

Yes, but it’s not recommended.

Freezing tomato paste will cause it to break down, which will result in spoiled taste and texture. Instead, you should store it in the refrigerator.

What’s the best way to store tomato paste?

To avoid spoiling, we recommend storing it in the refrigerator after opening.

You can also transfer it to airtight containers, such as glass jars or plastic bags, to extend its shelf life.

And don’t forget to wash your hands before handling it.

How long does tomato paste last once opened?

Once you open a jar of tomato paste, it should last for up to three to five years.

Can you freeze tomato paste?

Yes, but it’s not recommended.

Freezing tomato paste will cause it to break down, which will result in spoiled taste and texture. Instead, you should store it in the refrigerator.

What’s the best way to store tomato paste?

To avoid spoiling, we recommend storing it in the refrigerator after opening.

You can also transfer it to airtight containers, such as glass jars or plastic bags, to extend its shelf life.

And don’t forget to wash your hands before handling it.

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