Tomatoes — the juicy red gems of produce. From sauces and salads, to sandwiches, and the occasional food fight, tomatoes reign supreme as the ideal ingredient for a variety of applications, renowned for enhancing the taste of any dishes to which they are added.
Oh my, BLT! From their humble beginnings as tiny berries to their status as pizza-topping royalty, tomatoes have a history as rich and complex as homemade marinara. Are they fruits or vegetables? Scientifically, they’re fruits, but their savory flavor often places them in the vegetable category in the culinary world.
When it comes to quality, consistency, and taste, Escalon Tomatoes have become a top tomato choice among chefs. Read on for more info on how your tomato selection is essential to unlocking your menu’s potential.
Growing Gold
Escalon Tomatoes are a favorite across diverse cuisines, particularly in pizza, Italian, and Hispanic dishes. Grown in California’s fertile soils, these tomatoes benefit from ideal growing conditions. The combination of rich soil, ample sunshine, and meticulous farming practices ensures that the tomatoes are harvested at their optimal ripeness.
Studies show that more than 80% of operators include tomatoes on their menus and 76% of consumers express a love for them — the demand for high-quality tomatoes is growing. Consistency is key, and consistency starts with the ingredients. Escalon Tomatoes are processed fresh, often within hours of being picked. This rapid processing helps preserve the tomatoes' natural flavors and nutrients, ensuring they retain their freshness.
Grade A
To achieve that fresh-from-the-vine tomato flavor and color, Escalon Tomatoes are transported from the field to the can within hours. The strict processing criteria, supplemented by the Processing Tomato Advisory Board’s grading, ensure each batch is thoroughly inspected for quality, and the sorting staff creates detailed “report cards” allowing only the finest tomatoes to make it to market. After each batch is graded, the blending process begins. Much like crafting a fine wine, this grading data is used to achieve the perfect tomato blend.
Full Steam Ahead!
These fresh-packed, in-season California tomatoes are steam peeled, never with chemicals or added citric acid to preserve their natural flavors. This method minimizes heat exposure during processing, resulting in tomatoes with exceptional sweetness, vibrant acidity, and striking color — perfect for supplementing any dish or raising your flavor game!
Bringing the Versatility
Available in a range of styles, Escalon Tomatoes offer tremendous versatility. Whole peeled tomatoes can be used in slow-cooked sauces, ragus, and stews, while diced tomatoes are perfect for salsas, soups, and salads. The rich, thick tomato purée is ideal for creating concentrated sauces, adding depth and richness to dishes across dayparts.
Beyond flavor, tomatoes are a valuable source of antioxidants, contributing to health benefits such as reduced risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol, while boosting immune systems. From bar and grill to fine dining, incorporating Escalon Tomatoes into your dishes not only enhances taste but also elevates nutritional value, appealing to health-conscious diners looking for bold flavors.
Content provided in collaboration with Kraft/Heinz.
