D'accord. Totally agree. Veg and fruit pastes of all sorts, as you note, are just reeking with 'stuff'--additives necessary to preserve the original sought-after product in some semblance of resemblance to its original state. But because of the shifts in taste, texture, etc., not worth the effort.

Like you, again, where possible I grow my own. Rocotillo/aji dulce fresh off the vine works just fine! : )

Geo