The exposure of certain food items to open environments and unfavorable conditions can lead to their spoilage, ultimately endangering human health. This is why food packaging is of paramount importance today. One of the most sensitive food products is tomato paste. If not properly packaged or sterilized, tomato paste will quickly spoil and become moldy. Aseptic tomato paste must be packaged in a completely proper and sterile manner, as packaging is nowadays crucial for both retailers and consumers. Therefore, in this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about aseptic tomato paste.
Defining Aseptic Tomato Paste
Aseptic tomato paste has gained immense popularity in recent times. Aseptic packaging is significantly different from bulk packaging. Aseptic packaging typically extends the shelf life of the paste and prevents spoilage outside of refrigeration, whereas bulk pastes must be stored in a cold room. Additionally, aseptic tomato paste is primarily intended for export, further contributing to its widespread preference.
One of the primary advantages of aseptic tomato paste is its convenient storage outside of refrigeration. The aseptic process involves three main stages: firstly, thermal sterilization of the paste, followed by sterilization of the packaging, and finally, maintaining sterility throughout the packaging process.
Purpose of Aseptic Tomato Paste
The objective of packaging products is to prevent damage and preserve their integrity. Hence, packaging is employed across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, construction, and apparel, to safeguard products. However, improperly packaged food items can pose a severe threat to human health. Tomato paste is particularly susceptible to spoilage and contamination when exposed to open air and unsuitable temperatures.
Aseptic tomato paste is a product that undergoes thorough sterilization and packaging, primarily for export purposes. This variety of tomato paste has garnered significant consumer demand. One of the fundamental goals of introducing aseptic tomato paste is physical protection. Naturally, this packaging, like all packaging, serves to prevent the paste from spilling. Moreover, it shields the paste from contaminants, dust, insects, and the like, thereby extending its shelf life. A critical objective of aseptic packaging is the ability to store the paste in ambient conditions.
Since aseptic tomato paste is also intended for export, the paste’s high quality is paramount. Therefore, the production of this paste utilizes high-quality and fresh tomatoes. This ensures that the resulting paste possesses an ideal flavor and color. Additionally, packaging plays a crucial role in establishing a strong communication link between producers and consumers, both in terms of quality and visual appeal.
Notable Aspects of Aseptic Tomato Paste
- Ingredients: One of the key distinctions between aseptic tomato paste and other packaged pastes lies in its ingredients. This paste boasts a very high concentration and is entirely pure. No preservatives or salt are added during the production of this tomato paste. Due to the 100% purity of aseptic paste, the final product exhibits exceptional quality.
- Packaging: Many tomato pastes are packaged in glass, plastic, or metal containers. However, a notable feature of aseptic pastes is their packaging in specialized bags, which are then placed in metal drums. This type of packaging prevents the ingress of any contaminants, dust, or microbes into the paste. Furthermore, it helps maintain the required paste temperature and extends its shelf life in ambient conditions.
- Export: Iran is one of the leading exporters of aseptic tomato paste, supplying this product to countries like Iraq, Russia, Qatar, Poland, Romania, Afghanistan, Armenia, Belarus, and others.
Conclusion
Aseptic tomato paste stands out as a convenient and versatile ingredient that can be employed in a wide range of recipes. If you seek a shelf-stable tomato paste that does not require refrigeration, aseptic tomato paste is an excellent choice.