Tomato purée

Tomato Purée

Tomato purée in a jar

Tomato purée is a thick liquid made by cooking and straining tomatoes. The difference between tomato purée and other tomato products, such as tomato paste and tomato sauce, lies in the consistency and the method of preparation.

Preparation

Tomato purée is typically made by lightly cooking tomatoes and then straining them to remove the skins and seeds. The resulting product is a smooth, thick liquid that retains much of the tomato's natural flavor. It is often used as a base for sauces, soups, and stews.

Ingredients

The primary ingredient in tomato purée is ripe tomatoes. Some recipes may include a small amount of salt or citric acid to enhance flavor and preserve the purée.

Process

1. Selection of Tomatoes: Choose ripe, red tomatoes for the best flavor and color. 2. Cooking: The tomatoes are cooked briefly to soften them and to make the skins easier to remove. 3. Straining: The cooked tomatoes are passed through a sieve or food mill to remove the skins and seeds, resulting in a smooth purée.

Uses

Tomato purée is a versatile ingredient in many cuisines. It is commonly used as a base for pasta sauce, pizza sauce, and soups. It can also be used to add flavor and color to stews and casseroles.

Differences from Other Tomato Products

Close-up of tomato purée

• Tomato Paste: Tomato paste is a more concentrated form of tomato purée, with a thicker consistency and a more intense flavor. It is made by cooking tomato purée for a longer period to reduce the water content.
• Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce is typically thinner than tomato purée and may contain additional ingredients such as herbs, spices, and vegetables.

Storage

Tomato purée can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer storage. It is often preserved in jars or cans for commercial sale.

Related Pages

• Tomato paste
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato
• Canning