USA grown tomatoes are the best tomatoes in the world!

USA grown tomatoes are the best tomatoes in the world!

You don’t need to buy canned tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, or food for that matter from outside the U.S. for better quality in taste and nutrition. Eating U.S. grown canned tomatoes and tomato products can help protect the environment, support local farmers, and you’ll still benefit from high quality taste and nutrition because USA grown tomatoes are the best tomatoes in the world!

Tomatoes are a nutrient-dense food and one of the healthiest fruits on the planet, packed with a variety of nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants like lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful nutrient that has been shown in research to help decrease risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. When tomatoes are heated, the body actually absorbs lycopene more, becoming more bioavailable compared to eating tomatoes that have not been heated. This is because the cell walls of lycopene are broken down further when tomatoes are heated, making it easier for our bodies to absorb and transport it. All canned tomatoes are cooked, making them a great choice for maximizing lycopene and nutrition overall.

However, you don’t need to purchase canned tomatoes and tomato products coming from outside the U.S. to obtain these benefits. In fact, eating U.S. grown tomato products will provide not only health benefits for yourself but be good for the environment too. Buying tomato products made outside the U.S. must travel a longer distance to get to you, meaning more transport costs, more pollution, all adding to the climate change problem and affecting the environment. The greater the distance food travels, the more energy the transportation consumes and the more CO2 it will release. These emissions have a significant impact on air quality and contribute to global warming. Transporting by air generates 50 times more CO2 than any other type of transport, making it the worst mode of transport, followed by road. Although sea shipping may be at the bottom of the list, sea shipping is slow, and in our increasing demand for food, food is increasingly being shipped by faster and more polluting means.

Rest assured there is something we all can do to help reduce food miles and help the environment, and that is simply purchasing canned tomatoes and tomato products grown on U.S. soil. Doing this will help reduce international food transport, greenhouse gasses emitted, improve our carbon footprint, save us money, support local farmers, benefit from high-quality tomatoes and nutrition, and overall help protect our planet. Consuming USA tomato products taste better and will not have traveled far, therefore no additional energy will have been used to transport them-imagine all the fossil fuel that could be saved! The benefits of purchasing American-grown canned tomatoes and tomato products are having the peace of mind knowing what you are getting with each product, consuming high-quality tomatoes, and the positive impact you are creating at a local and global level. In the documentary called “Empire of Red Gold” the filmmaker not only found fraud, pollution, and terrible worker conditions in China and Italy tomato processing centers, but also found Chinese canned tomatoes being shipped to Italy and being relabeled as Italian. Unlike China and Italy, U.S. grown tomato products follow standards of sustainability, worker justice, and safety. USA farmers need our support as they are struggling with global trade wars, tariffs, and increased costs up and down the supply chain. Therefore, choosing local tomato products also supports our local farmers and communities.

So, the next time you find yourself at the grocery store deciding on different canned tomatoes or any other type of tomato products like salsa, ketchup, marinara sauces, etc. remember the positive impact you can make and the American farmers you can help support by simply purchasing delicious local American-grown tomatoes.


Biography:

Fatima De Haro is an RD2BE from Bakersfield, California. She received her B.S. from the University of California, Davis and will start her coordinated program in dietetics this upcoming fall through the University of Vermont where she will receive her M.S. in Dietetics and complete the dietetic internship. She is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and believes that by incorporating nutrient-dense foods and being physically active, we can help prevent, control, and cure certain illnesses. In her spare time she enjoys being with family and friends, as well as hiking, trying new food, and cooking. Her goal is to become a clinical registered dietitian.

 

Muhammara Walnut Shakshuka

Muhammara Walnut Shakshuka

Do you feel stuck in a breakfast rut? Eating the same things for breakfast everyday can get monotonous, so if you love recipes that are packed with a combination of delicious ingredients and seasonings, try this ethnic Muhammara Walnut Shakshuka breakfast dish. This vegetarian dish contains high levels of protein, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats—making it a well-balanced breakfast to start your day off right. Plus, you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes! This meal guarantees that you will have the energy and motivation to achieve your goals for the day.

One of the stars in this Muhammara Walnut Shakshuka is the canned tomato products, as they are easy-to-use and add a juicy touch to the entire plate. Not only do canned tomatoes taste delicious in various recipes, but they are also great for your health! The combination of ingredients found in this recipe make it easy for you to acquire the recommended amount of nutrients for breakfast. When you consume a meal that contains something from every healthy food group (such as protein, vegetables, and healthy fats), you feel better and more productive throughout the day. Plus, canned tomatoes have a plethora of antioxidants that play an integral role in the reduction of certain types of diseases and cancers. They are also great if you’re looking to increase your intake of vegetables that have the potential to boost your overall health.

Get the full recipe for Muhammara Walnut Shakshuka by visiting our friends at California Walnuts.

If you’re looking for other delicious breakfast recipes, check out some of our favorites:

Zesty Tomato Smoothie
Breakfast Egg Bake

Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce

Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce

If you’re on the hunt for a healthy, delicious pasta meal, then look no further than this recipe for Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce. Thanks to it’s easy prep time and simple ingredients, you’ll have a nutritious, affordable dish on the table in under 40 minutes. The best part about this specific dish is that there are a few hidden vegetables, which may help with getting your kids an extra serving or two. There are a variety of nutrients found in this flavorful pasta dish and you are always free to add even more of your favorite vegetable add-ons. 

Thanks to the canned tomato sauce, this pasta is incredibly juicy and scrumptious. Plus it offers some amazing health benefits! Canned tomatoes are full of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that provide numerous health benefits, such as reducing the risk of certain diseases, improving skin and hair, and boosting heart health. They are also known for being great sources of vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folate, and are easily found at your local grocery store. Not only are they easily accessible, but they are extremely affordable and have a long shelf-life. Additionally, canned tomatoes require less production and transportation to provide consumers because of the canning process, making them sustainable and environmentally-friendly. So, the next time you’re craving pasta, go ahead and whip up this recipe to get a boost of nutrition and flavor! 

Get the full recipe for Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce by visiting our friends at the California Beef Council.

For other pasta recipes, check out some of our favorites:

Swiss Chard Pecan Lasagna
Pasta with Marinara and Roasted Vegetables

Making Easy Meals Affordable and Healthy

Making Easy Meals Affordable and Healthy

Making healthy meals doesn’t have to be time consuming or complicated. By using canned goods, you can actually get dinner on the table in no time at all without breaking the bank! Learn more about making easy meals affordable and healthy with canned tomatoes.

There are preconceived notions that suggest eating healthy is not affordable, but this is just a false rumor. Pre-cooked, pre-prepared canned goods (such as beans, tomatoes, fish, grains, and more) are quite cost-effective and easy-to-use in your kitchen. You can get a healthy meal on the table in no time with just using pantry ingredients, all without breaking the bank to do so!

Making Easy Meals Affordable and Healthy

Preparing basic, healthy meals with canned foods is more nutritious than you may think. These affordable foods are preserved at nutritional peak when they are being canned and processed. This means that they are filled with tons of vitamins and minerals your body needs to function properly, and can help boost energy and reduce risk of certain diseases. That’s we love canned tomatoes, as they are one of the most accessible, affordable, convenient, and sustainable products that you can buy! In fact, studies have shown that canned tomatoes are even more nutrient-rich and environmentally-friendly than fresh tomatoes. The popularity of canned tomatoes is continuing to increase as people become more aware of its usefulness for cooking easy, nutritious meals from the comfort of their own homes. From soups and lasagnas to dips and smoothies, canned tomato products can be used for just about any meal.

To prepare a well-balanced meal, all you need is a can of tomatoes, and your favorite grains, protein, vegetables, and spices. The sky’s the limit from there. That’s why we love this recipe for Chipotle Tomato Rice Power Bowl; it’s a pantry-friendly recipe that’s also affordable and nutritious! You can also make this recipe ahead of time and have it for leftovers throughout the week. You’ll save both time and money, all while feeling your best! 

Why Canned Tomatoes are an Attractive Option for Consumers

Why Canned Tomatoes are an Attractive Option for Consumers

Canned tomatoes have become an increasingly popular trend that appeal to many due to their affordability and versatility. What else makes canned tomatoes an attractive option for consumers? Read on to learn more.

There are both intrinsic and extrinsic qualities that contribute to why consumers are easily attracted to and influenced by specific food choices. For some, it may be health reasons, while for others it could be the product packaging. So, why are canned tomatoes increasing in popularity and what makes consumers so attracted to them? In this study, researchers found that consumers generally purchase canned tomatoes based on its beautiful red color, the way it’s packaged, and ease of use in the kitchen. The conclusion of the study also suggests that the attributes of canned tomatoes were strongly influenced by the level of familiarity with these products, such as how to prepare, cook, and use them in the kitchen.

In addition to their popularity among consumers, canned tomatoes play more of an effective role in reducing the risk of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and incorporate tomatoes into your weekly recipes so that you can achieve optimal health and reduce your risk of preventable cancers. Whether it’s pastapizza, or a taco dish, tomato products are super easy to use and will save you time and money while boosting your nutrient intake. Head out to your local grocery store today and try out some canned tomatoes for yourself!

Check out some delicious recipes featuring canned tomatoes:

Pan Seared Pork Chops with Bourbon Peach Compote
Easy Chicken Curry
Pizza Stuffed Chicken
The BEST BLT Dip