Tomato Powder
Solanum lycopersicumA spice-like ingredient with an intense, concentrated tomato flavor, obtained by drying ripe tomatoes and grinding them into a fine powder. Used in recipes lacking tomato paste or fresh tomatoes, or where adding water is undesirable.
What Is Tomato Powder?
Tomato powder is a concentrated product made by drying ripe tomatoes and grinding them into a fine powder. It contains much less water than tomato paste, so its concentration and shelf life differ.
It is dark red-orange and has an intense tomato aroma. It is usually made as a byproduct of tomato-chip production or by grinding specially dried tomatoes.
Tomato Powder Nutrition Facts
One hundred grams of tomato powder contains about 300 kcal and provides carbohydrates concentrated during drying, as well as a notable amount of vitamin C. Values vary by drying method and are approximate.
How Should Tomato Powder Be Used?
Tomato powder is used in moderate amounts to add flavor to dishes as part of a balanced diet.
This is general information; tomato powder is a food, not a medical treatment.
How to Choose Tomato Powder
Good tomato powder is dark red-orange, has an intense tomato aroma, and has not absorbed moisture. Avoid products with a faded color or clumps.
- It should be dark red-orange, not faded.
- It should have an intense tomato aroma.
- It should be a free-flowing powder, with no moisture absorbed.
How to Store Tomato Powder
Tomato powder can be stored for a long time in its sealed container in a dry, dark cupboard; its shelf life is much longer than tomato paste.
Using Tomato Powder in the Kitchen
Tomato powder is most often used in dry soup mixes, spice blends, bread dough, and sauces where adding liquid is undesirable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tomato powder and tomato paste be used interchangeably?
Partly. Tomato powder can be mixed with water to make a paste-like consistency, but it does not fully replicate the flavor of tomato paste, which develops through its distinct thickening and caramelization process.
Can tomato powder be made at home?
Thinly sliced tomatoes can be dried completely in an oven or food dehydrator following validated temperature and time instructions, then ground in a blender.
Is tomato powder available in Türkiye?
It is available from spice shops, herbal shops, gourmet markets, and online.