Future Mars' explorers, this is good news! The Red Planet will allow humans to taste the best-selling red condiment on Earth when they set up camp.
Heinz released its first "Marz Edition" ketchup on Monday, Nov. 8. It is made from the same high-quality tomatoes used in the Earth-based edition but grown under the same harsh conditions that Mars experiences. The Mars-ready condiment is more than a new label. It's the result of two years of research by an international team of astrobiologists from the Florida Institute of Technology’s Aldrin Space Institute.
"We are so happy that our team has been able grow tomatoes on other planets and share our creation with everyone," Cristina Kenz (chief growth officer Kraft Heinz International Zone) said in a statement. It's been an amazing journey, from analyzing the soil on Mars two years ago to harvesting now. This has proven that Heinz Tomato Ketchup will continue to be loved by generations to come.
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Heinz Tomato Ketchup Marz Edition has been discontinued but passed all quality tests and was approved by the brand to become Heinz Tomato Ketchup certified bottles. (Image credit: Heinz)
A batch of Marz Edition ketchup was not yet available for purchase at Heinz' headquarters, Pittsburgh. The experimental sauce passed Heinz' quality tests and was approved by the company to become Heinz Tomato Ketchup certified bottles.
Dr. Andrew Palmer led the 14-member Aldrin Space Institute team that submitted the first of three scientific papers to chart the Heinz mission. This institute was established in 2015 to promote a permanent human presence to Mars and preserve the technical and scientific legacy of Buzz Aldrin, the Apollo 11 astronaut who was the first to walk on the moon.
Palmer from Florida Tech stated that "before now most efforts around discovering how to grow in Martian-simulated circumstances are short term plant growth studies." "This project has focused on long-term food harvesting.
"Achieving a crop of high quality tomatoes to make Heinz Tomato Ketchup was our dream result. We achieved it. He said that working with Heinz's 'Tomato Masters’ has enabled us to see the potential for long-term food production.
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Andrew Palmer, Aldrin Space Institute at Florida Tech, led a team consisting of 14 astrobiologists who grew Heinz premium quality ketchup tomatoes in the same conditions as Mars. (Image credit: Heinz)
The tomatoes were grown in Martian Simulant, an Earth-based soil that is chemically matched with Mars' regolith. They were kept at the same temperatures and water as Mars to prove they could be harvested. Experts from Aldrin Space Institute and Heinz analysed the soil conditions and selected seeds to create the distinctive taste of Heinz Kettleup.
This research, which was the largest of its kind, has many applications close to home. As shown in the video, tomatoes can be grown on Mars, but they can also grow in harsher and more remote locations on Earth.
Palmer stated that "for our survival on the planet, one of our biggest questions is how can we grow in soils less than ideal."
Kraft Heinz Company is not only studying Martian crops but has also invested in social governance, including 100% sustainably-sourced Heinz Ketchup tomatoes for 2025.
In April 2021, a bottle of Heinz Tomato Ketchup floated above the International Space Station dining table. Roscosmos image credit
Heinz ketchup will continue to be a flavorful condiment on Mars if and when astronauts do so. Heinz Tomato Ketchup is a product that has been around for many years.
Mike Massimino, an ex-NASA astronaut and Heinz TomatoKetchup Marz Edition ambassador, said, "In space, we have a saying: 'it's never about the food. It's about sauce." "We had the freedom to choose what food we would like to eat, but many of the dishes were dehydrated and somewhat bland. A good dollop or sauce made every meal delicious."
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