What is the difference between Double Concentrated Tomato Paste and Tomato Puree?

In the realm of culinary ingredients, few are as fundamental as processed tomato products. Among them, Double Concentrated Tomato Paste and Tomato Puree are frequently used, yet their differences are often a source of confusion. 

Definition and Production Process

The primary distinction lies in their concentration and texture.

Double Concentrated Tomato Paste is a highly reduced tomato product. It is produced by cooking tomatoes for several hours to remove water content, then straining them to remove seeds and skins. The resulting thick concentrate is further reduced until it is, as the name indicates, approximately twice as concentrated as a standard tomato paste. This process yields a very dense, intensely flavored product with a high solids content.

Tomato Puree, in contrast, is less reduced. It is made by cooking and straining tomatoes to create a smooth, thick liquid. However, the reduction process is halted much earlier than for paste, resulting in a product with a higher moisture content and a thinner, pourable consistency. In many regions, tomato puree must meet a specific legal standard for tomato solids content, which is lower than that of pastes.

Key Characteristics: Texture, Flavor, and Concentration

The differing production methods lead to distinct physical and sensory profiles.

• Texture and Consistency: Double Concentrated Tomato Paste is exceptionally thick, almost solid, and cannot be poured. It typically holds its shape when scooped. Tomato puree has a smooth but fluid consistency, similar to a thick sauce, and is easily pourable.

• Flavor Intensity: Due to its extreme reduction, Double Concentrated Tomato Paste offers a powerful, sweet, and deeply umami tomato flavor. It is notably less acidic than its single-concentrate counterpart. Tomato puree provides a lighter, brighter, and more straightforward tomato taste, though it is still more flavorful than tomato juice.

• Concentration: This is the most significant practical difference. A small amount of Double Concentrated Tomato Paste has a major impact on a dish's flavor and color. Tomato puree is used in larger volumes to contribute body and tomato flavor without overwhelming other ingredients.

Culinary Applications and Uses

Their unique properties dictate their specific roles in cooking.

Double Concentrated Tomato Paste is primarily used as a seasoning agent or flavor foundation. Its intense taste is ideal for:

• Creating a rich base for stews, braises, and soups.

• Adding depth of flavor and a deep red color to sauces and gravies.

• Incorporating into meatball mixtures, burger patties, or meatloaf to enhance savoriness.

• Spreading thinly on dough as a robust pizza sauce base.

A common technique to mellow its flavor and remove any raw taste is to "cook out" the paste by sautéing it in oil for a minute or two before adding other liquids.

Tomato Puree is used as a primary liquid component. Its applications include:

• Serving as the main body for many tomato sauces and soups.

• Forming the base for curries and certain beverage recipes like tomato-based cocktails.

• Adding mild tomato flavor to dishes where a thicker liquid is desired without the intense concentration of paste.

Substitution Considerations

While not ideal, substitutions can be made in a pinch, with important adjustments.

• To substitute Tomato Puree for Double Concentrated Tomato Paste, one must significantly reduce the puree by simmering it to evaporate the excess water, which is time-consuming.

• To substitute Double Concentrated Tomato Paste for tomato puree, a small amount of paste must be diluted with a considerable quantity of water or stock to achieve the correct consistency and avoid an overly dominant flavor.

Double Concentrated Tomato Paste and tomato puree serve different purposes in the kitchen. The paste is a potent concentrate for building foundational flavors, while the puree is a versatile liquid used to create volume and body. Understanding their distinct properties allows for more precise and successful cooking outcomes.