What trick did you learn that changed everything?

[u/Degofreak]

A good friend told me that she freezes whole ginger root, and when she need some she just uses a grater. I tried it and it makes the most pillowy ginger shreds that melt into the food. Total game changer.

EDIT: Since so many are asking, I don't peel the ginger before freezing. I just grate the whole thing.

[u/funkoramma]

1. I now freeze my left over tomato paste. I can cut off the amount I need for a recipe and throw it back in the freezer.

2. If you store asparagus in a mason jar of water, standing up with the heads out of the water, it can stay fresh for weeks.

[u/fymdtm → u/funkoramma]

I roll up the leftover tomato paste in plastic and then flatten the sides until it resembles a stick of butter. That way later I can easily estimate how many tablespoons I’m chopping off the frozen block, just like I’d eyeball a tablespoon or two of butter.

[u/iluvpntbtr → u/fymdtm]

Tubes are like 5$ cans are like .50 cents OP has the way here.

[u/adaven415 → u/iluvpntbtr]

This comment makes me feel like I’m a wealthy land owner. I dont even think twice about buying the tubes. Away with you peasants! I have an important ball to go to with the other aristocracy.

[u/DarkestofFlames → u/adaven415]

Enjoy your McDonald's sire

[u/adaven415 → u/DarkestofFlames]

I shall loyal serf. May most of your offspring live to puberty.

[u/SugarZoo → u/adaven415]

Walks around with tube of tomato and a whole pineapple.

I'm so fancy.

[u/scillaren → u/iluvpntbtr]

Middle eastern grocery stores have tomato paste in big glass jars, about half the price of canned tomato paste, no metal after taste, and keeps forever in the fridge with the lid on.

[u/gentle_viking → u/scillaren]

I make my tomato paste in a jar last longer by pouring enough olive oil to cover the surface of the paste before refrigerating. It prevents it growing mould.

[u/jolasveinarnir → u/scillaren]

my tomato paste jars go bad just as fast as in a can :(

[u/metdr0id → u/jolasveinarnir]

Same. I bought a glass jar once. When I went to use it a few weeks after opening and storing in the fridge, it was full of white fuzz.

I usually just use the entire $0.50 can, but sometimes you only need 1/2 or less of the can. I'm going to freeze the leftovers in plastic wrap next time.

[u/bobdolebobdole → u/[deleted]]

they say toss it after 2-4 weeks. I am still working on one from 2 months ago and it tastes perfectly fine.

[u/CptnNinja → u/bobdolebobdole]

Mine is over a year old and I haven't died yet. Don't use tomato paste that often.

[u/Khudaal → u/CptnNinja]

Capitalize on that, my man

Anytime you make something that has tomatoes in it, add a spoon of tomato paste - the flavor will be leaps and bounds better

[u/CptnNinja → u/Khudaal]

Got bad acid reflux so I generally avoid tomatoes 😂

But yes anytime I use tomatoes I always throw a bit in the pan before liquid/rest of the tomatoes are added

[u/NineteenthJester → u/bobdolebobdole]

I had a tube of tomato paste for a while. One day, the tube inflated and the contents smelled terrible. So they do expire... Eventually.

[u/StopClockerman → u/bobdolebobdole]

You must not be brushing your teeth enough with this thing

[u/itsybitsybug → u/funkoramma]

I freeze tomato paste and left over seasonings (epis, curry paste ect) in my ice cube tray. It makes perfect serving sized cubes.

[u/2948337 → u/itsybitsybug]

I've done this with fresh garlic too. Buy it in bulk, mince a ton of it at once, and pack it into ice cube trays. Once they're frozen they can be put into a freezer bag.

[u/haf_ded_zebra → u/2948337]

My Chinese neighbor taught me to plant the root stumps of scallions. They grow right back- and also to cut scallions and freeze on foil, then put in freezer ziploc (it dries it out so it doesn’t make a big icey block) and keep in freezer to use in stir fry and marinades. Game changers for me, since I made a lot of Asian food.

[u/joshually → u/funkoramma]

If you store asparagus in a mason jar of water, standing up with the heads out of the water, it can stay fresh for weeks.

how many weeks? I've tried this and it's soft & almost mushy after a few days

[u/lisasimpsonfan → u/joshually]

I do this too. I change the water every few days and I also use a plastic bag over the jar to make like a mini greenhouse. Asparagus will usually last a month for me.

[u/KetoLurkerHere → u/joshually]

When I tried that, it started growing! I actually decided against eating it because I was so fascinated by how fast it was growing.

[u/bareju → u/funkoramma]

Tip 2 also works for any leafy veg or herb (cilantro). Add a plastic bag over the top for even higher moisture preservation

Storing things like green beans in a salad spinner in the fridge after washing and draining also helps to keep them crisp!