Opened tomato paste can be safely stored in the refrigerator, in a tightly sealed container, for about 5-7 days. This duration can vary depending on the storage conditions, how clean the container is, and how hygienically the product is kept after opening.
Since tomato paste is exposed to air after opening, the risk of mold forming on its surface increases over time. The container should be glass or food-grade plastic and should not be left in metal containers for long, because the paste's acidic structure can react with some metal surfaces and cause a change in taste. Reducing the paste surface's contact with air can somewhat extend its storage life. A refrigerator shelf where the temperature is stable is a safer storage spot than the door compartments, since the door area is more exposed to temperature fluctuation due to being opened and closed frequently.
How Should Opened Tomato Paste Be Stored?
A few simple rules should be followed for opened tomato paste to stay fresh for a long time.
- The paste should be transferred from its original container into a glass or airtight plastic container.
- If the paste's surface is covered with a thin layer of olive oil, contact with air is reduced and the risk of mold can drop.
- The container should be put back in the refrigerator immediately after use, not left at room temperature for long.
- For long-term storage, the paste can be frozen in small portions in an ice cube tray and used as needed.
- A clean, dry spoon should be used when scooping it out, and food residue should not be left on the paste.
What Mistakes Are Made When Storing Opened Tomato Paste?
Some mistakes when storing paste noticeably increase the risk of spoilage and can end up on the table if not noticed.
- Leaving the paste in its original metal can in the refrigerator for a long time after opening can cause changes in taste and color.
- Dipping a different spoon carrying food residue into the paste each time can speed up mold formation.
- Leaving the paste out at room temperature for hours increases the risk of spoilage.
- Even if mold is seen on the surface, scraping off only the moldy part and using the rest is not safe; since mold may have spread over a wider area than what's visible, discarding the whole product is recommended.
How Can You Tell When Tomato Paste Has Spoiled?
Mold in opened tomato paste can show itself through noticeable darkening in color, a sour smell, or a different odor. When any of these signs is noticed, it's recommended to throw away the whole paste rather than eat it. Storage times can vary by the product's brand, additive content, and storage temperature, so being cautious in doubtful situations is the safest approach.
Homemade tomato pastes generally need to be consumed sooner than store-bought canned paste, since they don't go through the pasteurization and preservation steps used in industrial production. It's recommended that this type of paste be checked more often after opening and, if possible, stored in smaller jars.
The answer to how opened tomato paste should be stored is: in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, and if possible with the surface sealed with a layer of oil. These simple precautions help preserve both the paste's freshness and its safe consumption period. If a suspicious smell or appearance is encountered, being cautious and not consuming the product is the right choice. Buying smaller jars is also a practical choice that reduces storage risk by making it easier to finish the product soon after opening.