Read this before your next trip to the grocery store.

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Tomato paste in bowl surrounded by fresh tomatoes - Esin Deniz/Shutterstock When it comes to cooking, tomato paste is a true ...

Tomato paste tubes stay fresh for weeks thanks to an airtight cap. Tubes let you squeeze small amounts, helping reduce food waste. Canned paste is more economical for recipes that use larger amounts.

Chances are, if you look in your pantry right now, you'll find a jar or can of a deep ruby red ingredient laying in wait. It's tomato paste, and secretly it can completely transform your cooking life.