“Why is sugar added to ready-made sauces?”

To answer, let’s first ask another question: do low-quality tomatoes have higher acidity than high-quality tomatoes?

It seems so!

“Grandma used to put sugar in the sauce!” Sure, but back then the diet (meaning daily nutrition) was very different. Today, it’s a whole other story!

High-quality tomatoes tend to be less acidic than low-quality tomatoes. The quality of tomatoes can significantly influence their taste, including the level of acidity. Here are some reasons why high-quality tomatoes can be less acidic:

1. Variety of Tomatoes: Some varieties of tomatoes are naturally less acidic and sweeter. High-quality tomatoes often come from varieties selected for their balanced taste.
2. Ripeness: High-quality tomatoes are generally harvested at the right stage of ripeness. Fully ripe tomatoes tend to be sweeter and less acidic compared to those harvested prematurely.
3. Growing Conditions: Tomatoes grown in optimal conditions, with adequate sun exposure, irrigation, and nutrients, tend to develop a more balanced flavor. Stressed plants or those grown in poor conditions can produce more acidic fruits.
4. Harvest and Post-Harvest Practices: High-quality tomatoes are often handled with care during and after harvest, reducing the risk of damage that could negatively affect the flavor.
5. Freshness: Fresh high-quality tomatoes tend to better maintain their flavor profile. Less fresh tomatoes, or those poorly stored, can develop a more acidic taste.

Impact on Sauce Production

When using high-quality tomatoes in sauce production, it’s possible to achieve a final product with a sweeter and less acidic flavor. This can reduce or eliminate the need to add sugar or other corrective agents to balance the acidity. Using high-quality tomatoes can thus improve not only the taste of the sauce but also its overall healthiness.

Which Tomatoes to Choose

– Choose Suitable Varieties: Opt for varieties known for their sweet taste and low acidity, such as San Marzano tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or beefsteak tomatoes. – Check Ripeness: Ensure that the tomatoes are fully ripe, with a deep and uniform red color. – Prefer Reliable Producers: Purchase from producers who guarantee the quality and freshness of their products.

By using high-quality tomatoes, you can produce tastier and naturally balanced sauces, reducing or even eliminating the need for additives (like sugar) and improving the consumer experience in favor of health.

SUGAR IS THERE BUT YOU CAN’T SEE IT (read more here)

Are there dangers for diabetics? And for healthy people?

Yes, the use of sugar in ready-made sauces can present some risks for both diabetics and healthy people. Let’s see in detail what the possible dangers are and how to mitigate or better yet, eliminate them entirely:

Dangers for Diabetics

• Increase in Blood Sugar: Added sugar in sauces can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose levels, which is particularly dangerous for people with diabetes.
• Difficult Diet Control: Consuming products with added sugar can make it more difficult for diabetics to maintain control of their diet and manage diabetes effectively.

Dangers for Healthy People

• Increased Risk of Obesity: Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to weight gain and obesity, which are risk factors for many other health conditions. The sum of all sugars present, even in small amounts, in the foods we eat can always pose a health risk; often people wonder why they can’t lose weight! Let’s take a guess?
• Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases: High sugar intake is associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
• Dental Problems: Sugar can contribute to the formation of cavities and other dental problems.

Strategies to Reduce Risks

• Read Labels: Always check product labels to verify the presence and amount of added sugar. If the label is transparent and honest, it will report the quantity. Opt for sauces without added sugars, but if you really have a specific reason to devour that particular sauce, at least check how much has been added.
• Use Natural Sweeteners: As mentioned earlier, you can use natural alternatives like grated carrots or red peppers to add sweetness to the sauce without adding refined sugar.
• Moderate Portions: Consuming moderate portions of ready-made sauces with sugar can help limit the impact on health.
• Specific Products for Diabetics: There are ready-made sauces specifically formulated for diabetics, with alternative sweeteners or no added sugar.

Conclusion

The use of sugar in ready-made sauces can pose risks for diabetics and healthy people, especially if consumed in large quantities. However, by adopting some precautions and making conscious choices, it is possible to enjoy sauces without compromising health.

This is why we at Cuore Verde Natura have always been committed to producing SUGAR-FREE SAUCES, choosing the best quality tomatoes and treating the raw materials with respect and love to be on the same side as the consumer.