Heinz: Marz edition ketchup

 Heinz on Monday (Nov. 8) revealed its first bottle of "Marz Edition" ketchup, a sauce made from the same premium-quality tomatoes as used in its popular Earth-based edition, but grown in the same harsh conditions as found on Mars. More than just a new label, the Mars-ready condiment is the product of two years of research conducted by a team of astrobiologists at the Florida Institute of Technology's Aldrin Space Institute.

"We're so excited that our team of experts have been able to grow tomatoes in conditions found on another planet and share our creation with the world," Cristina Kenz, chief growth officer for Kraft Heinz International Zone, said in a statement. "From analyzing the soil from Martian conditions two years ago to harvesting now, it's been a journey that's proved wherever we end up, Heinz Tomato Ketchup will still be enjoyed for generations to come."

Although not available for purchase, a batch of the Marz Edition ketchup was unveiled at Heinz' headquarters in Pittsburgh, where the experimental sauce passed the company's quality tests to be approved to become certified bottles of Heinz Tomato Ketchup.

To demonstrate that the tomatoes could be harvested on Mars, the plants were grown in Martian simulant — Earth-based soil chemically matched to the Red Planet's regolith — under the same temperature and water conditions as found on Mars. Heinz and Aldrin Space Institute experts analyzed soil conditions, selected seeds and implemented agricultural techniques to ensure the end result was the recognizable taste of Heinz ketchup.

The research, which was one of the largest projects of its kind related to Mars, also has applications closer to home. If, as shown, the tomatoes can be grown off-planet, they can also be grown in more remote and harsh places on Earth.
"With regards to our own survival on this planet, one of the big questions is how do we grow in soils that are less than ideal," said Andrew Palmer of the Aldrin Space Institute.

In addition to studying Martian crops, the Kraft Heinz Company has invested in environmental social governance goals, including using 100% sustainably-sourced Heinz Ketchup tomatoes by 2025.

Some additional information
On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTSlxLzbdPE

Sources: collectspace.com, hortidaily.com