Concerned about BPA? We are too!

As we get into the full swing of winter, our bodies are in need of abundant vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for protection against the cold and flu season. At the turn of the 19^th century, canning was developed in France as a method of preserving foods. Unfortunately, summer vegetables that are available in the winter have traveled great distances to reach those of us living in the colder areas of the country. If you are lucky enough to have canned during the summer months, you can tap into the fresh essence of summer. We want you to think of our jovial tomatoes in the same way; a product that has captured the sweetest flavor of a perfectly ripened summer tomato and packed with love and great care. That means, we do not need to add salt or chemical additives like calcium chloride or citric acid. Plus, each cup of jovial tomatoes contains 52 mg of lycopene, a healthy serving of a much-needed antioxidant.

Bisphenol A, better known as BPA, has been a hot topic in the news for many years now. BPA is a chemical compound that is found in the lining of cans and bottles, as well as being a component in some plastic containers. BPA is an endocrine disruptor and has been linked to cancer, heart problems, hypertension and brain and behavior problems in infants and children. Wrought iron tins, which were lighter and less fragile than glass, were also employed in manufacturing and in the 1950’s, cans were fabricated with aluminum and some years later, touted an attractive enamel lining that protected the food inside from the metals. Now, manufacturers are moving away from BPA in their packaging because consumers are growing concerned about how this chemical affects their health.

At jovial, we wanted to avoid plastic linings altogether because we knew that there was more to a lining than just BPA. In fact, we have also made sure that the lids to our glass jars are free of other harmful chemicals you might not have heard about, like Bisphenol S, diglycidyle ethers (BADGE), Phthalates, Adipates, 2-EHA, Semicarbazide (SEM), and Epoxidized Soybean Oil (ESBO). We can promise you that we will always steer clear of harmful chemicals and stay focused on giving you the best products we possibly can, while staying true to nature.

Click on the links below to learn more about jovial’s tomatoes, BPA, or take a look at some of our favorite recipes:

• See the pictures of this year’s jovial tomato harvest!
• Learn more about BPA and hypertension.
• Get our recipe for homemade tomato soup.
• Enjoy our favorite gluten free lasagna during the holidays.