Tomato Paste Made From Red Ripe California Tomatoes

Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes, made by cooking ripe tomatoes until much of the water has evaporated. The tomatoes are then peeled, seeded, and pureed. The resulting thick paste is often seasoned with salt.

Tomato paste is used to add a rich tomato flavor and color to foods. Its concentrated nature makes it a powerful flavor enhancer in sauces, soups, stews, and marinades. It is commonly found in ketchup, barbecue sauce, and pasta sauces.

Tomato paste is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is a source of nutrients like lycopene, an antioxidant. Regulatory bodies like EFSA have evaluated tomatoes and tomato products. Typical consumption levels are not associated with adverse health effects.