How do you know if the tomato purée you’re buying is fresh? Here’s what the code on the packaging means and what to look for before buying it.
Homemade tomato purée remains one of the most beloved traditions of Italian cuisine, but even commercially produced versions can offer good results if chosen carefully.
However, not all bottles or jars of tomato purée reach store shelves at the same time. To better understand when a product was made, it can be helpful to look at certain details on the packaging, including a small identification code used by manufacturers for traceability.The Code on the Package: What Does It Really Mean?
Tomato purée packaging may display a code related to production or batch traceability.
This type of information is mainly used by manufacturers to identify a particular batch and trace details about its processing.
In some cases, the code or batch number can provide information about the period in which the tomato purée was produced.
It is important to remember, however, that there is no single universal code that applies to all brands. Each manufacturer may use a different coding system.
The Production Date Is Different From the Expiration Date
One of the most common mistakes is to look only at the expiration date.
A tomato purée with a long shelf life does not necessarily mean it was produced recently. Conversely, a properly processed and stored product can retain its quality for a considerable period.
Tomato purée packaging may display a code related to production or batch traceability.
This type of information is mainly used by manufacturers to identify a particular batch and trace details about its processing.
In some cases, the code or batch number can provide information about the period in which the tomato purée was produced.
It is important to remember, however, that there is no single universal code that applies to all brands. Each manufacturer may use a different coding system.
The Production Date Is Different From the Expiration Date
One of the most common mistakes is to look only at the expiration date.
A tomato purée with a long shelf life does not necessarily mean it was produced recently. Conversely, a properly processed and stored product can retain its quality for a considerable period.
