Ragú is a well-known brand of pasta sauce that has been a staple in American households for generations. The brand was created in 1937 by Assunta Cantisano, who made the first jar of sauce in her kitchen in Rochester, New York. Since then, Ragú has become the best-selling pasta sauce brand in the United States, offering a wide range of flavours to suit every taste.
The history and heritage of the Ragú brand is deeply rooted in Italian culinary culture. The sauce is made with high-quality ingredients, including vine-ripened tomatoes, herbs, and spices, to create a delicious and authentic taste. Ragú has also expanded its product range to include pizza sauce, Alfredo sauce, and other condiments, all of which are made with the same commitment to quality and taste.
Despite its Italian heritage, Ragú has a global presence, with products available in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Oceania. The brand has become a household name around the world, thanks to its delicious taste and commitment to quality. Whether you’re looking for a classic tomato sauce or something a little more adventurous, Ragú has something for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Ragú is a well-known brand of pasta sauce that has been a staple in American households for generations.
- The history and heritage of the Ragú brand is deeply rooted in Italian culinary culture.
- Ragú has a global presence, with products available in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Oceania.
History and Heritage
Ragú is an American brand of Italian-style sauces and condiments that has been satisfying taste buds since 1937. The brand was founded by Assunta Cantisano, an Italian immigrant who started selling her homemade tomato sauce from her front porch in Rochester, New York.
Founding and Expansion
Cantisano’s sauce was so popular that she eventually founded the Ragu Packing Company in 1937. The name “Ragú” comes from the French word “ragout,” which means a rich, meaty stew. Cantisano’s sauce was a hit with American families and quickly expanded beyond her front porch. By the 1960s, Ragú had become a household name, and the company began expanding its product line to include other Italian-style sauces and condiments.
Acquisitions and Ownership
Over the years, Ragú has changed ownership several times. In 1969, the company was acquired by Chesebrough-Pond’s, which was later acquired by Unilever. In 2014, Mizkan, a Japanese food company, purchased the brand from Unilever. Today, Mizkan continues to produce Ragú sauces and condiments, and the brand has expanded to include a wide variety of flavours and styles.
Ragú’s long history and commitment to quality have made it one of the most trusted names in Italian-style sauces and condiments. Whether you’re looking for a classic tomato sauce or something more adventurous, Ragú has a sauce that will satisfy your craving. So next time you’re in the mood for some delicious Italian-style cuisine, reach for a jar of Ragú sauce and experience the rich heritage and flavour that has made this brand a household name for over 80 years.
Product Range
Ragú is a popular brand of Italian-style sauces and condiments that has been around for over 80 years. The brand offers a wide range of products that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are the two main categories of Ragú products:
Classic Varieties
Ragú’s classic varieties are the old-world style sauces that are made with a combination of vine-ripened tomatoes, herbs, and spices. These sauces are perfect for those who love the traditional Italian flavours. The classic varieties include:
- Old World Style Traditional Sauce: This is Ragú’s classic tomato-based sauce that is perfect for any pasta dish. It is made with vine-ripened tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices.
- Chunky Sauces: These sauces are perfect for those who like their pasta with a bit of texture. The chunky sauces include Chunky Garden Combination Sauce, Chunky Mushroom and Green Pepper Sauce, and Chunky Tomato, Garlic and Onion Sauce.
- Robusto! Sauces: These sauces are made with a bold combination of flavours that will make your taste buds dance. The Robusto! Sauces include Roasted Garlic Sauce, Spicy Italian Style Sauce, and Sweet Italian Sausage Sauce.
Innovative Selections
Ragú’s innovative selections are the newer additions to the brand’s product range. These sauces are perfect for those who are looking for something different. The innovative selections include:
- Organic: Ragú’s organic sauces are made with organic tomatoes and other organic ingredients. They are perfect for those who prefer organic food products.
- Light Pasta Sauces: These sauces are perfect for those who are watching their calorie intake. The light pasta sauces include Light Tomato and Basil Sauce and Light No Sugar Added Tomato and Basil Sauce.
- Pizza Sauce: Ragú’s pizza sauce is perfect for making homemade pizzas. It is made with vine-ripened tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of spices.
- Ragú Simply Sauces: These sauces are made with only a few simple ingredients. They are perfect for those who prefer sauces with a shorter ingredient list. The Ragú Simply Sauces include Simply Traditional Sauce, Simply Chunky Marinara Sauce, and Simply Roasted Garlic Sauce.
With Ragú’s wide range of products, you can easily find a sauce that suits your taste and preferences. Prices for Ragú products vary depending on the type of sauce and the size of the jar. You can find Ragú products in most supermarkets and grocery stores. So, next time you’re in the mood for some pasta, grab a jar of Ragú sauce and enjoy a delicious Italian-style meal!
Global Presence
Ragú is a brand that has gained a significant global presence over the years. Beyond the United States, Ragú is also present in the United Kingdom, Oceania, and Finland. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the brand is owned by Symington’s, a private-label food manufacturer. In Oceania and Finland, the sister product to Ragú, known as Raguletto, is produced.
Beyond the United States
Ragú is a popular brand in the United Kingdom, where it is known for its Italian-style sauces and condiments. The brand has been a favourite of many households in the country for several years. The brand’s popularity in the United Kingdom can be attributed to its quality and taste.
Local Adaptations
Ragú has adapted to local tastes in the regions where it is present. For example, in Oceania and Finland, the brand produces a sister product known as Raguletto. This product is specifically tailored to the local tastes and preferences of the people in these regions.
In addition, the brand has also collaborated with other brands to produce new products that cater to local tastes. For example, in the United States, Ragú collaborated with Simplot to produce a line of frozen pasta dishes. In the United Kingdom, the brand collaborated with Bertolli, another Italian food brand, to produce a range of pasta sauces.
Overall, Ragú’s global presence is a testament to the brand’s popularity and quality. With its local adaptations and collaborations with other brands, the brand has been able to cater to the tastes and preferences of people in different regions. Whether you are in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Oceania, you can enjoy Ragú’s delicious Italian-style sauces and condiments.
Culinary Culture
Italian Cuisine Influence
Ragù is an Italian sauce that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a staple in Italian cuisine and is used in a variety of dishes. The sauce is made with a combination of ingredients, including tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. The sauce is typically slow-cooked to allow the flavours to develop and is often served with pasta.
The origins of ragù can be traced back to the 18th century in Bologna, Italy. The sauce was originally made with minced meat and was served with tagliatelle pasta. Over time, the recipe evolved, and other ingredients were added, such as tomatoes, to create the ragù alla bolognese that is known today.
Recipe Inspirations
Ragù has become a popular sauce around the world, and it has inspired many different recipes. In Italy, ragù is often served with pasta, such as tagliatelle al ragù. However, the sauce can also be used in other dishes, such as lasagne and pizza.
In addition to Italian cuisine, ragù has also become popular in other parts of the world, including the United States. The Ragú brand, for example, produces a range of Italian-style sauces and condiments that are sold in North America. These sauces are often used in a variety of dishes, such as spaghetti and meatballs.
If you are looking to create an authentic Italian dish, using ragù is a great place to start. The slow-cooking process allows the flavours to develop, and the sauce can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you are making a classic pasta dish or trying something new, ragù is sure to add a depth of flavour to your meal. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious it can be?
Health and Nutrition
When it comes to choosing a pasta sauce, health-conscious people always look for options that are both delicious and nutritious. Ragù is a brand that offers a range of sauces that can satisfy both taste and health requirements.
Ragù sauces are made with natural ingredients, which means they are free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors. This makes them a healthier option compared to other sauces that may contain harmful additives.
Additionally, Ragù sauces contain a full serving of veggies per half-cup serving. This means that you can get your daily dose of vegetables in an easy and delicious way. The veggies in Ragù sauces are cooked to perfection, making them soft and easy to digest.
Cooked tomato foods such as Ragù sauces contain the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Studies have shown that a diet rich in lycopene may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancers.
Ragù sauces are also a great source of cancer-fighting agents. The vegetables used in the sauces, such as onions and garlic, contain compounds that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
Overall, Ragù sauces are a great option for those who want to enjoy delicious pasta sauces while also maintaining a healthy diet. With natural ingredients, a full serving of veggies, and cancer-fighting agents, Ragù sauces are a great addition to any meal. And the best part is, they won’t break the bank – you can enjoy a jar of Ragù sauce for as little as $3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tantalising varieties of ragù can one explore?
You can explore a range of tantalising ragù varieties, including Chunky Gardenstyle, Meat Creations, and Old World Traditional.
Who is the brilliant mind behind the creation of ragù sauce?
The original recipe for ragù sauce was created by Assunta Cantisano in her kitchen in Rochester, New York in 1937.
What delectable ingredients go into making a classic ragù?
A classic ragù sauce typically includes ingredients such as tomatoes, beef, pork, onions, garlic, and a blend of herbs and spices.
How does ragù differ from the traditional Bolognese sauce?
While ragù and Bolognese sauce share some similarities, they are not the same thing. Ragù is a meat-based sauce that originated in Italy, while Bolognese sauce is a specific type of ragù that originated in the city of Bologna.
Which company currently has the honour of owning the ragù brand?
Currently, the ragù brand is owned by Mizkan, a Japanese food company that acquired the brand in 2014.
In which delightful year was the original Ragu sauce introduced to the world?
The original Ragu sauce was introduced to the world in 1937, when Assunta Cantisano began selling her homemade sauce to local grocery stores.