Heinz Tomato Ketchup

Heinz Tomato Ketchup is a brand of ketchup produced by the Kraft Heinz Company. It is one of the most popular condiments in the world, known for its distinctive taste and iconic packaging.

History

Heinz Tomato Ketchup was first introduced in 1876 by Henry J. Heinz, the founder of the H. J. Heinz Company. The company initially started with the production of horseradish, but soon expanded its product line to include ketchup. Heinz's ketchup quickly became popular due to its quality and unique flavor.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients in Heinz Tomato Ketchup include:

• Tomato concentrate from red ripe tomatoes
• Distilled vinegar
• High fructose corn syrup
• Corn syrup
• Salt
• Spices
• Onion powder
• Natural flavoring

The specific recipe is proprietary, but these ingredients contribute to the ketchup's sweet and tangy flavor profile.

Production Process

The production of Heinz Tomato Ketchup involves several key steps:

Tomato Processing

The process begins with the selection of ripe tomatoes, which are washed and sorted. The tomatoes are then crushed to create a tomato concentrate, which forms the base of the ketchup.

Mixing

The tomato concentrate is mixed with vinegar, sweeteners, and spices in large vats. This mixture is heated to a specific temperature to ensure proper blending and flavor development.

Pasteurization

The ketchup is pasteurized to kill any harmful bacteria and to ensure a long shelf life. This involves heating the product to a high temperature for a short period.

Bottling

After pasteurization, the ketchup is cooled and then bottled. Heinz uses a variety of packaging, including glass bottles and plastic squeeze bottles, to cater to different consumer preferences.

Nutritional Information

Heinz Tomato Ketchup is low in calories and fat, making it a popular choice for adding flavor without significantly increasing caloric intake. A typical serving size of one tablespoon (17 grams) contains:

• Calories: 20
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 5g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 0g

Cultural Impact

Heinz Tomato Ketchup has become a staple in many households and is often associated with American cuisine. It is commonly used as a condiment for french fries, hamburgers, hot dogs, and other foods. The brand's "57 Varieties" slogan and its iconic glass bottle design are well-recognized symbols in popular culture.

Packaging

Heinz is known for its innovative packaging solutions. The company introduced the "upside-down" squeeze bottle in 2002, which allows consumers to easily dispense ketchup without shaking the bottle. The glass bottle, however, remains a classic and is often used in restaurants.

Market and Distribution

Heinz Tomato Ketchup is available in over 200 countries and territories. The brand holds a significant share of the global ketchup market, competing with other major brands such as Hunt's and Del Monte Foods.

See Also

• Ketchup
• Condiment
• Kraft Heinz Company

External Links

• Official Heinz Website