What is the Difference Between Tomato Paste and Puree?

Tomato paste and tomato purée are both made from cooked and strained tomatoes, but they differ in their consistency, flavor, and culinary applications. Here are the main differences between the two:

• Consistency: Tomato paste is a very thick concentrate, while tomato purée has a thinner consistency. In the United States, tomato puree is a canned sauce made of cooked, strained tomatoes and usually has a thinner consistency than tomato paste. In the UK, tomato purée is the same as tomato paste.
• Flavor: Tomato paste has a sweeter and richer flavor due to its concentrated nature. Tomato purée, on the other hand, has a milder taste that resembles fresh tomatoes.
• Culinary Applications: Tomato purée is used as a base for thinner tomato-based sauces and condiments, such as salsas, hot sauce, marinara sauce, or pizza sauce. Tomato paste is used in recipes where a deeper and richer tomato flavor is desired.

In summary, tomato paste is a concentrated, thick sauce with a rich flavor, while tomato purée is a thinner sauce with a milder taste. They are used differently in various culinary applications, depending on the desired consistency and flavor profile.

Comparative Table: Tomato Paste vs Puree

Tomato paste and tomato puree are both made from cooked and strained tomatoes, but they differ in consistency, taste, and culinary applications. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

In summary, tomato paste is a thick, concentrated paste with a deeper, sweeter flavor, while tomato puree is a thinner, more liquid sauce with a milder taste. They are used for different culinary purposes and are generally not interchangeable.