"Double Concentrated" Tomato Paste in a tube? Huh?

Question

I received this as a gift, because I asked for it and didn't know where to get it. It is from the Whole Foods Everyday Value brand, and that is what the label says, but there are no instructions, so I'm not sure how much to use. If I want 1 tablespoon of paste, do I use 1 teaspoon instead? More? Less? Believe it or not, I am really good at math, but when it comes to cooking I am as blank as a board. Usually there is some sort of formula to help with the correct amount, but not here, Someone please give me a clue. Thanks.

Answer

I have always been told that you should use 1/2 the called for amount of tomato paste. In your example, if the recipe called for 1 tablespoon of tomato paste you would use 1 1/2 teaspoons of the double concentrated tomato paste. Of course tomato paste is one of those background flavors which you can dial up or down to your liking so don't sweat the math too much.

Answer

I use the same amount I normally would, but I do it to taste.
I've actually given up on tomato concentrate a bit.

Answer

I just treat it like regular tomato paste and get twice the taste! lol It's such a convenience to have it in a tube. I love the stuff. I was in Italy in December and came back with...now wait for it...triple concentrate tomato paste in a tube. Yes, triple! It's like tomato gold!

Answer

we've been using tubes of tomato paste in England for ever - I remember my mum using them in the 60s. Never understood why I haven't been able to get them in the US those cans are annoying.

Answer

I touched the tip of my tongue to a dab of SEPTUPLE tomato paste concentrate and went into anaphylactic shock for three straight days. Only now have I recovered enough to post on Chowhounds.

Answer

Seems unnecessary to have double strength anything when the amount you use of it is so small-i.e., what would be the point of double strength salt. If you want more tomato paste effect just use twice as much. I freeze canned tomato paste cans after opening both ends. After it is frozen you can just push the cylinder of paste out and keep it frozen in a small zip lock bag. Just chop off what you need with a cleaver. Much cheaper than the tubes.

Answer

There is a formula--sounds like you'd half the called-for amount. Just google a conversion table. Or use one of Google's tools-- http://www.google.com/intl/en/help/features.html#calculator

I never remember the conversions myself!

Answer

If I'm not mistaken, Cook's Illustrated called the Amore brand double-concentrated paste the best readily-available tomato paste on the market- and they say to use it as you would regular tomato paste (which is what I do, with pretty good results). I keep cns available for when I need a fair amount of it, and the tube around for jazzing up soups, sauces, all sorts of things.

Answer

Though this post was answered long ago, I just wanted to add to the 'no need to reduce' group. As mentioned, it is the flavor that makes it so wonderful, a result of the 'double concentrated' term. No need to reduce the amount called for in your standard recipe. Simply use as you would a canned paste. Though I was familiar with tomato paste, I only recently discovered Amore also produces HERB paste. Be still my heart!

Answer

Has anyone answered his post?

Answer

This isn't meant for measuring. Just squeeze it directly into the soup or stew.

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"Double Concentrated" Tomato Paste in a tube? Huh?

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