TPWC Member Highlight: Del Monte

TPWC Member Highlight: Del Monte

Get the scoop on Tomato Wellness member, Del Monte. We are proud to have this company as part of the Tomato Wellness Family!

Del Monte was established in 1886, and continues to grow their reputation with a singular dedication to quality, as they always strive to cultivate the best tomatoes to help you live a life full of vitality and enjoyment. Their produce is also picked at the peak of ripeness, so when canned, you know you’re getting a delicious flavor along with vitamins, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients.

We love that 95% of Del Monte’s produce is grown on farms in the USA, all of which travel less than 100 miles from farm to manufacturing gate. And because Del Monte partners with growers on a variety of programs to yield healthy, productive crops, they are able to protect the planet while promoting responsible growing and food production practices. Learn more about how they want to grow a healthier tomorrow. 

We applaud the values of Del Monte as an authentically quality and sustainably minded processor and appreciate their contributions to our industry. Coupled with a focus on long-term relationships with customers and growers, it’s easy to see why we are so honored to profile this Tomato Wellness member.

Try out some of Del Monte’s delicious recipes:

TPWC Member Highlight: Silgan Containers

TPWC Member Highlight: Silgan Containers

Get the scoop on Tomato Wellness member, Silgan Containers. We are proud to have this company as part of the Tomato Wellness Family!

As the largest provider of metal food packaging in the United States, Silgan Containers is trusted by America’s most respected brands. Their reputation is based on a foundation of quality, excellence and unsurpassed technical expertise, enabling them to be a dedicated solutions-based partner to their customers.

Silgan’s steel food containers are 100% recyclable, and are used primarily by processors and packagers for many food items including tomato based products. And we love that Silgan also is committed to providing knowledge about the sustainability, health benefits and unmatched convenience of metal packaging. They do this through their learning center, which is packed full of videos, interactive tools, and more to help you better understand the benefits of this type of packaging.

In addition to their quality products and desire to help further knowledge, Silgan has a deep-rooted passion about giving back to communities, assisting charitable organizations, and participating in a variety of civic and social events. We applaud Silgan’s employees for being a proactive member of their local communities! 

We are proud to have Silgan as part of the Tomato Wellness family. Coupled with a focus on quality and technical expertise, it’s easy to see why we are so honored to profile this Tomato Wellness member.

Look out for Silgan’s canned tomato products, and give them a try in these delicious recipes:

Pizza Hall of Fame: John Arena

Pizza Hall of Fame: John Arena

John Arena is a third-generation pizza chef with over 48 years of experience. He is the owner and co-founder of Metro Pizza and the newly opened Truly Pizza in Dana Point, CA. He is one of the most well-respected and cherished leaders of the Global Pizza Industry. His knowledge and pizza wisdom are legendary. He always has a kind word, and generous with his time and sharing lessons to the next generation. We asked him what he thinks about our favorite pizza trend: #SauceOnTop!  

“Probably one of the most noteworthy trends influencing the American pizza scene in the last few years has been the increased use of sauce being placed on top of cheese when the pizza is assembled. For some this has been seen as a radical or even sacrilegious movement. But let’s really think about it. A number of regional styles have always used this method including Chicago Deep Dish, Detroit Red Top, New Jersey Tomato Pie, NY Grandma style and the so called “upside down” Sicilian pizza of Brooklyn. In my pizzeria we have 3 different pizza styles that place tomato on top of cheese and I feel there are very valid reasons for doing so. In our restaurants, everything revolves around engaging the five senses in a positive way.

  • Sight- The contrast of bright red tomato set on a base of milky white mozzarella is visually dramatic and eye catching
  • Aroma- The fragrance of a balanced and well-crafted tomato sauce is much more pronounced when the tomato is placed on top. The guests can notice it as soon as the pizza is set on the table.
  • Feel (texture) Americans love crispy pizza. By placing the cheese down first the butterfat in the cheese becomes a barrier protecting the dough from any moisture coming off of your sauce. In addition the sauce protects the cheese from being exposed to excessive heat in the oven. The result is a crispy crust and creamy cheese- the best of both worlds. As an extra bonus you will get a pizza that travels much better when placed in a box.
  • Sound -Because the sauce on top method reduces absorption of moisture into the crumb structure of the dough you will get a satisfying “crunch” sound when cutting or biting into the pizza.
  • Taste- Of course it all comes down to flavor. Most pizzerias purchase cheese, But every high quality pizzeria makes their own tomato sauce. By placing the tomato on top you are putting your key signature ingredient front and center to maximum effect and thereby setting yourself apart from the competition.

 

Get Fired Up For USA Tomato Products

Get Fired Up For USA Tomato Products

I’m here to drop some truth bombs on why spending more money on imported tomatoes from Europe doesn’t make a lick of sense when we’ve got the best damn tomatoes right here in America.

First things first, let’s talk about quality. Now, I’m not saying Europe can’t produce some decent tomatoes, but let’s be real, folks – the heart and soul of tomato growing is right here in the good ol’ US of A. It always has been. Tomatoes are native to the Americas!  Blind taste tests continue to prove that on any given day, a USA canned tomato can and usually does beat out any imports. We totally understand that most people will pick the brand their grandma used, but it’s just foolish to believe blindy that everything imported is somehow superior. Try it for yourself!   

In America, we’re all about that hustle and grind, and guess what? Supporting local farmers is part of that ethos. When you buy American tomatoes, you’re not just getting the best taste; you’re also supporting our own economy, our own farmers, and our own communities. That’s how we build a stronger foundation for our future – by putting our money where it matters most.

Let’s talk about the carbon footprint, too. Shipping tomatoes all the way from Europe? Come on, that’s like paying for a first-class ticket for unnecessary pollution. We’re all about sustainability and reducing our impact on this beautiful planet. So why not cut down on those food miles and get your tomatoes from right here in America? It’s a win-win for your taste buds and the environment.

So, to wrap it all up – we’ve got the best tomatoes, we’re supporting our own economy, we’re reducing our carbon footprint, and we’re saving time. It’s a no-brainer, my friends. Let’s keep it real and make the smart choice – go for those American tomatoes and watch your taste buds, your wallet, and the planet will thank you later. 💪🍅

Alec Wasson – Chief Tomato Evangelist & Director                                            Tomato Products Wellness Council 

 

TPWC Member Highlight: Red Gold Tomatoes

TPWC Member Highlight: Red Gold Tomatoes

Get the scoop on Tomato Wellness member, Red Gold Tomatoes. We are proud to have them on board as part of the tomato community!

When the United States joined World War II, the Reichart family answered the call to action and began producing canned tomato products for the troops. Red Gold Tomatoes is a Midwest company that has been offering quality goods since 1942, and they are currently the largest privately owned tomato processor in the country. They own several brands and product lines, work with family farms across Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio, and operate multiple state-of-the-art facilities in Indiana.

Family Owned, Grown, and Made in the USA! For four generations, the Red Gold family has been working with local family farms to grow the highest quality, best-tasting tomatoes in the world. 

Their mission statement is to produce the freshest, best tasting tomato products in the world. There are a total of eight brands that operate under the Red Gold label. They offer a wide variety of tomato-based products including diced and stewed tomatoes, sauces, ketchups, condiments, juices, and mixes. Whatever you need, Red Gold is there to provide high quality ingredients.

Red Gold operates on three pillars of success: superior quality, outstanding service, and operational excellence. Their 1,300 employees strive to uphold these values every day. Beyond their excellent products and service, Red Gold proudly supports hunger and disaster relief organizations and partnered with Folds of Honor to support military families.

Try some of these fabulous Red Gold recipes in your kitchen!

Fideo Soup
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Monte Cristo Salad

An Ode to Canned Tomatoes – Historical Archives

An Ode to Canned Tomatoes – Historical Archives

An excerpt from a letter, found in the Library of Congress, between Abraham Lincoln, and someone that would become his nemesis later on, Clement Vallandigham. An Ohio opponent of the Civil War and of abolition, he hated canned tomatoes and eventually was thrown out of the country by Abraham Lincoln because of his views. As a result of his banishment, Vallandigham became a martyr to his cause and was nominated for governor by the Democratic Party in 1863. He ran the race from exile. The stakes in this colorful campaign were enormous, and Lincoln was highly involved, worrying that a Vallandigham victory would be seen as a rejection of the war by voters. That could have been devastating to the Union cause. Many historians wonder if it all started over their disagreement about canned tomatoes: 

My dear friend, let me tell you why canned tomatoes are so great.

Firstly, canned tomatoes are a testament to human ingenuity and innovation. They are the result of years of hard work by farmers, food scientists, and engineers who sought to preserve the bounty of the tomato harvest for year-round consumption.

Secondly, canned tomatoes are incredibly versatile. They can be used in a wide range of dishes, from hearty stews to refreshing salads. They add depth and flavor to sauces, soups, and casseroles, and can even be used as a base for homemade ketchup.

Thirdly, canned tomatoes are a healthy and nutritious addition to any diet. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost the immune system, protect against disease, and promote overall health and wellness.

Finally, canned tomatoes are a symbol of resilience and perseverance. Just as the tomato plant can weather storms and overcome adversity, so too can we as individuals and as a society. In the face of challenges and difficulties, we can draw strength and inspiration from the humble tomato, and its enduring legacy of nourishment and sustenance.

So, my dear friend, I hope you now understand why canned tomatoes are so great. They are a testament to human ingenuity, versatility, health, and resilience, and are truly one of nature’s greatest gifts to humanity.

Sincerely,

Abraham Lincoln 

April 1, 1857