Why You Should Always Keep Tomato Powder In Your Pantry

Are you one of those people that always have cans of tomatoes in your cabinets for rainy days? Whole, peeled, crushed, or even possibly tomato paste — for many, these have become pantry staples. But have you ever considered always keeping tomato powder on hand? Created after pulverizing dehydrated tomatoes, tomato powder allows cooks to enjoy endless dishes packed full of flavor year round.

Given that it was initially created to be a sort of instant tomato sauce or paste, tomato powder provides a deep and concentrated tomato flavor for whichever dish it's used (via The Spruce Eats). As it takes up way less space in your pantry than the canned or jarred alternatives, this powder is also extremely versatile. Bon Appétit notes that you can also keep it in your refrigerator almost indefinitely. When used in the dried state, it essentially acts as a spice that can be utilized in a variety of cuisines.

Tomato powder can be used in two main ways: as a spice and as an instant tomato sauce or paste. Unlike its canned alternative, using the powder as a spice allows any cook to easily add some tomato taste to dishes where the extra liquid isn't warranted. When used as a spice, tomato powder can be added to a spice rub, sprinkled over your pizza or pasta, or used as a seasoning on meats or roasted vegetables (via The Spruce Eats). Harmony House also recommends using it to thicken sauces, stews, and gumbo. The options really are endless.

As mentioned, once you add liquid to your tomato powder, it can imitate most canned or jarred tomatoes in consistency. Although the powdery spice will never replace the chunky pieces we love in sauces and stews, it absolutely rivals its alternatives in taste and flavor. As we all know the feeling of only needing 1 or 2 spoonfuls of tomato paste, so why open a whole can when you can use this pulverized option? You can always go for rehydrated tomato powder when a recipe calls for canned tomatoes or tomato paste. With so many ways to use it, which would be your favorite?