Adding tomato paste in canning - Ask Extension
If I am following a safe, tested recipe from a trusted source for a food like pasta sauce, chili, salsa, etc., is it safe to add a can or two of tomat...
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Adding tomato paste in canning #882075
Asked August 19, 2024, 9:40 AM EDT
If I am following a safe, tested recipe from a trusted source for a food like pasta sauce, chili, salsa, etc., is it safe to add a can or two of tomato paste to help thicken the product? In my mind, I would think density would become an issue for proper heat penetration.
Also, i read on this site that I cannot drain the liquid from tomatoes to help thicken my recipe either, that this "water" is crucial for the acidity of the final recipe. I would just like to double check the accuracy of this statement.
I appreciate you! Thank you!
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Thank you for being concerned about safety at the beginning of the process! It is correct that any changes to the density/thickness of the product would have an impact of the heat penetration. So I would not encourage adding those cans of tomato paste.
Similarly, for the excess tomato "water" it is counted on the "overall" volume of the tomatoes and should be used. It would affect the total acidity if drained. This water can be cooked off some before processing if the sauce is too thin.
Similarly, for the excess tomato "water" it is counted on the "overall" volume of the tomatoes and should be used. It would affect the total acidity if drained. This water can be cooked off some before processing if the sauce is too thin.
