Oh, Happy Day (sorry, another off topic)

[58limited]

My local grocery store, HEB, started carrying Red Gold tomatoes. Red Gold is the parent company of Redpack, which I've been wanting to try ever since everyone raved about them a couple of months ago. I'll be making my signature sauce tomorrow to try them out.

Anyone - is there a difference between Red Gold and Redpack in taste and freshness? I think this was asked awhile back, but I can't remember the comments. I'm assuming that since they are both from the same company that they are similar.

 

[frigilux]

Let me know what you think of Red Gold; I see them at a local store but have never tried them. I'm usually a Muir Glen man, myself....

 

[appnut]

YAY HEB!!!

 

[DADoES]

Is this about canned tomatoes? I noticed Red Gold on the shelf @ HEB last visit there.

 

[maytagbear]

I haven't used Red Gold, but do use Redpack

tomatoes and tomato products, and the Redpack line has been very good. I prefer them to Hunt's or Contadina, though the tomato paste I use is the Amore brand in the tube--double concentrated.

However, in the seasons when truly good fresh tomatoes are not available, any reputable brand of canned tomatoes are better than the so-called "fresh" ones.

I like Muir Glen, but they can be a bit spendy.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[58limited]

Well, its my day off so I'm cooking the spaghetti sauce right now. I will have to say that the Red Gold crushed tomatoes are better than Hunt's, DelMonte, and even the HEB store brand. Most grocery stores seem to have cheesy knock offs as their store brand, but HEB usually has really good stuff.

The Red Gold tomatoes were nice and bright red in the can, not dark and dull like the other brands. They have a nice fresh flavor that is mot acidic. I usually don't like canned tomatoes by themselves, but I could eat some of these straight from the can just fine. The sauce is tasting great, and I haven't finished browning the meat balls. It will simmer for two hours, then I'll try it again.

 

[58limited]

Well, the verdict is in: The red gold tomatoes are better than what I've been using. The sauce is lighter and fresher tasting. I'm going to stock up this weekend.

 

[frigilux]

Thanks for the tasting verdict, David. I'll try Red Gold this weekend. My litmus test is uncooked salsa using canned diced tomatoes. If they can taste 'fresh' in that recipe, they'll find a home on my pantry shelf.

 

[58limited]

Frigilux

Let me know how the salsa turns out.

 

[bongobro]

Red Gold vs Redpack

Red Gold is based in Indiana, and their tomatoes have been sold in the midwest for many years. Not sure if Redpack is a midwestern brand, however...

But I prefer Red Gold to Hunt's tomatoes, particularly the spicy ones with the peppers...they make a great add-in for chili or a good start for salsa!

Charlie
bongobro

 

[58limited]

I looked at the history on Red Gold's web page. They acquired Redpack, an east coast company, in 2001.

 

[~sudsshane]

RedPack and RedGold are the same

Both brands are based in Elwood, Indiana. RedPack is exactly the same as RedGold. I use both.. Trust me-- Once you use RedPack there is no going back to other brands. David, did you ever make my Italian sauce recipe?

 

[retromom]

Tomato Talk...

I just used some Red Gold Italian Style tomatoes in tonight's meal. They definitely looked better than the usual canned variety, and tasted quite fresh. I noticed several different varieties on the shelves, but didn't even check the price, as I got mine free in one of those "Combo Loco" deals.

David, you're right. HEB branded items are usually very good quality. I prefer any of their canned vegetables or fruit to DelMonte hands down.

Eugene, I love your litmus test for canned tomatoes!! I will definitely do the salsa test, that is, until our tomatoes come in. Then it will be "garden fresh" tomatoes for the summer!

Enjoy - let us know how the sauce turns out!

 

[~sudsshane]

venus~

Did you carry home your RedGold in your Publix canvas bag??? =)))

 

[58limited]

~David, did you ever make my Italian sauce recipe?


Actually, no. I haven't made pasta sauce since the last discussion, until now with the Red Gold tomatoes, and I wanted to try them with a sauce I was familiar with. I will try your sauce sometime in the next few months.

I haven't really been cooking for myself lately - I'm building a storage building and working on cars - the brakes on my '77 Ford truck just acted up today, will do them in the morning while the dew dries off of the grass before starting on the building again.

 

[bongobro]

nothing to see red (Gold or Pack) about!

Okay! I stand corrected...I've seen more Red Gold than Redpack in St. Louis...

thanks, sudsshane!

Charlie
bongobro