Paste (food)

A paste, in a culinary context, refers to a semi-solid food product created by grinding, crushing, or mixing ingredients into a cohesive, spreadable substance. The ingredients used in pastes can vary widely and include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, meats, herbs, and spices. The texture can range from coarse and chunky to smooth and creamy, depending on the ingredients and processing methods.

Pastes are utilized in a variety of ways in cooking. They can serve as flavor enhancers, binding agents, or primary ingredients in dishes. They are often used as spreads, dips, sauces, or marinades. The method of preservation can vary depending on the specific paste; some are preserved through high salt content, others through fermentation, and still others through refrigeration or freezing.

Examples of common food pastes include:

• Nut pastes: Peanut butter, almond butter, tahini (sesame seed paste).
• Vegetable pastes: Tomato paste, chili paste, garlic paste.
• Fruit pastes: Date paste, tamarind paste.
• Meat pastes: Liver pâté, certain types of processed meat spreads.
• Spice pastes: Curry paste (various types, such as red, green, and yellow), harissa.
• Fish pastes: Anchovy paste, shrimp paste.