Tomato paste is red gold and the lifeblood of many Iranian dishes. From fragrant stews to delicious sauces and foreign dishes, tomato paste plays an important role in flavoring and coloring our dishes. In this article, we are going to investigate the importance of tomato paste in Iranian cooking, the types of tomato paste, its selection and storage methods.

The importance of tomato paste in Iranian cooking

 * Main flavoring: Tomato paste, as a basic seasoning, enriches the taste of many of our dishes.

* Food coloring: the attractive red color of tomato paste gives a beautiful visual effect to food.

 * Natural thickener: Tomato paste is used as a natural thickener in many foods due to its high concentration.

* Source of vitamins and minerals: Tomato paste contains vitamins of group B, vitamin C, potassium and iron, which are beneficial for the health of the body.

Types of tomato paste

Tomato paste is produced in different types, which differ in terms of concentration, taste and quality. Some common types of tomato paste are:

* Homemade tomato paste: a paste that is prepared at home in a traditional way and has a natural and homemade taste.

 * Industrial tomato paste: Paste that is produced in factories and industrially and is available in the market in different types in terms of concentration and taste.

 * Organic tomato paste: a paste that is produced from organic tomatoes and does not contain any chemicals.

Methods of choosing tomato paste

To choose a quality tomato paste, pay attention to the following points:

 * Concentration: high-quality tomato paste should be thick and uniform and not runny.

 * Color: The color of tomato paste should be dark red and natural.

 * Taste: Tomato paste should have a balanced sweet and sour taste and the natural tomato taste can be felt in it.

* Brand: It is better to buy tomato paste from reputable and well-known brands.

Methods of preserving tomato paste

To store tomato paste for a long time, you can use the following methods:

 * Storage in the refrigerator: Store the tomato paste in a closed container in the refrigerator.

* Storage in the freezer: For longer storage, you can divide the tomato paste into small packages and store it in the freezer.

Applications of tomato paste in cooking

Tomato paste is used in the preparation of various foods including stews, sauces, soups, pasta and lasagna. Some of the common uses of tomato paste are:

* Vegetable stew

 * Fasanjan stew

 * Eggplant stew

 * Pasta sauce

 * Making all kinds of soups delicious

conclusion

Tomato paste is one of the most important and widely used seasonings in Iranian cooking, which gives our dishes a unique taste, color and aroma. By choosing a high-quality tomato paste and using it correctly, you can prepare more delicious dishes for you and your family