How Not to WasteTomato Paste

If you are like me, you loathe buying tomato paste. The stuff is incredibly useful, sure. Unfortunately, I invariably only need a tablespoon or so. I buy a can, use maybe 1/6 of it, and the rest goes into the refrigerator. There it sits. When I next see it, I wish I hadn't.

There are two solutions to this. First is Mark Bittman's suggestion: just stop buying those cans. Buy your tomato paste in a tube instead. Yes, it costs more by volume. On the other hand, it will keep well. You'll probably end up saving money in the long run. You'll definitely end up saving tomatoes.

Alternately, once you open a can, you can freeze the remainder instead of refrigerating it. Just transfer it to a freezer bag first.