How to Make Additive-Free Tomato Paste at Home?
Bring Natural Flavor to Your Table with Traditional Methods
Tomato paste is an essential part of Turkish cuisine. The quality of this unique product, which adds flavor and color to dishes, depends largely on how it is made. Many tomato pastes available in supermarkets may contain preservatives, additives, or high salt content. However, it’s possible to make your own tomato paste at home using natural methods without additives. And it’s not as difficult as it seems!
In this article, we detail the steps, tips, and storage methods for making tomato or pepper paste at home without additives.
🍅 Why Choose Homemade Tomato Paste Without Additives?
It’s additive-free: Preservatives used to extend shelf life aren’t homemade.
It’s delicious: You have complete control over the salt, consistency, and color.
It’s healthy: It’s prepared with fresh, seasonal vegetables.
It’s economical: When made in bulk, it saves money in the long run.
In short, homemade tomato paste without additives is one of the best choices for both your health and delicious meals.
🛒 Ingredients Required
To make an additive-free tomato paste, you only need a few basic ingredients:
For the Tomato Paste:
10 kg of fleshy, flavorful summer tomatoes (San Marzano, Çanakkale, etc.)
Rock salt (food-grade)
Large pot, strainer, or mesh sieve
Large tray or copper cauldron
Clean glass jars
Wooden spoon
For the Pepper Paste (same method):
Sweet capia pepper or hot red pepper
Add 10% tomato paste if desired
Other ingredients are the same
🔪 Step-by-Step Preparation of Additive-Free Tomato Paste
- Select and Wash the Vegetables
Choose tomatoes or peppers that are ripe, blemish-free, and fleshy, picked in season. Wash them thoroughly with plenty of water and remove the stems.
- Chopping and Blanching (For Tomatoes)
Chop the tomatoes into large pieces. Place them in a large pot and boil until they release their juices and become soft, about 20–30 minutes.
- Sifting
Pour the boiled tomatoes through a large strainer or a wire sieve. Remove the skins and seeds, obtaining a smooth tomato puree.
(Note: For pepper paste, the peppers are first chopped, blanched, and then the seeds are removed and then puréed in a food processor.)
- Boiling in the Sun or on the Stovetop
You can thicken the puree by placing it in direct sunlight or boiling it on the stovetop.
Sundry Preparation: Pour the puree onto large trays and let it dry in the sun for a few days. Stir with a wooden spoon 2–3 times a day.
Stovetop Preparation: Place the puree in a large pot. Reduce the liquid by stirring constantly over medium heat. Simmer for about 1–2 hours until the mixture thickens.
- Salting and Adjusting the Consistency
Once the mixture reaches a thick consistency, add approximately 1 tablespoon of rock salt for every 1 kg of tomato puree. Salt adds flavor and acts as a preservative. You can adjust the salt content by tasting.
- Filling into Sterile Jars
While the tomato paste is hot, pour it into glass jars that have been previously sterilized by boiling. Drizzle with a little olive oil (to prevent air contact). Close the lid tightly.
❄️ Storage Conditions
Store the jars in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
After opening, store in the refrigerator, adding a small amount of olive oil to the top.
Use a clean, dry spoon when scooping; a wet spoon can spoil the product.
💡 Tips
The consistency may vary depending on the type of tomato or pepper. Check carefully before proceeding.
Tomato paste made in the sun will be darker and more aromatic.
When stirring the pot, be careful not to let the paste burn to the bottom. Use a wooden spoon.
Since no preservatives are used, storage conditions are very important.
👩🍳 Alternative Flavor: Additive-Free Hot Pepper Paste
For those who like it spicy, you can use the same method and only use hot peppers. You can even make a balanced paste with a mixture of 50% sweet pepper and 50% hot pepper. It works especially well in breakfast sauces or stews.
🌿 Homemade Tomato Paste or Ready-Made Tomato Paste?
The biggest advantage of homemade, additive-free tomato paste is knowing the ingredients. There are no additives, colorings, or preservatives. You can also adjust the salt content, consistency, and spiciness to your taste.
As a brand, we produce tomato paste prepared using natural and traditional methods, without any additives, under the umbrella of Sarım Yaprak and Toprak Gıda. However, we also value sharing information with those who want to make their own at home.
📌 Result: Confidence on Your Table, Flavor on Your Spoon
Making tomato paste at home without additives takes time and effort, but the result is a healthy, natural, and reliable flavor. Prepared using traditional methods, this natural product demonstrates the importance you place not only on your meals but also on your family.
If you want to discover the power of natural ingredients and bring authentic flavor to your table, start with homemade tomato paste.
Bon appetit!