Tinned Vegetables: The Latest Food Trend Elevating Canned Produce

Forget everything you thought you knew about canned vegetables. A new trend is emerging that’s transforming humble veggies into gourmet delicacies: tinned vegetables. Inspired by the popularity of tinned fish, companies are now packaging vegetables in visually appealing, flat rectangular containers, ready to serve on charcuterie boards or enjoy straight from the tin. But are these upscale canned goods worth the price?

What are Tinned Vegetables?

Row 7 Seed Company, based in New York’s Hudson Valley, is pioneering this trend. They package vegetables like tomatoes, garlic, and beets in tins reminiscent of conserva-style fish packaging. This presentation aims to craft canned vegetables more appealing and convenient, shifting the perception from a pantry staple to a sophisticated snack or appetizer component. The tins are designed to be served directly from, eliminating the necessitate for a separate dish.

Cost and Availability

Currently, Row 7 sells its tinned vegetables for $7.99 per tin at Whole Foods. A combo pack of all three varieties is available for $29 directly from row7.com. While some consumers compare the price to jarred vegetables like artichoke hearts and marinated peppers, many believe the square tin doesn’t justify the cost, especially considering the volume of produce inside.

How Do They Taste?

The Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen & Cooking Lab recently tested Row 7’s tinned vegetables, with mixed results:

• Sweet Prince Tomatoes: These tomatoes, packed with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, were the standout performer. They are described as soft, juicy, and possessing a concentrated tomato flavor.
• Sweet Garleek: This garlic-leek hybrid, dressed with Dijon mustard and white balsamic vinegar, had a pleasant flavor, but the texture was uneven. The tender white portion was enjoyable, while the green part was tougher and required chopping.
• Badger Flame Beets: Unfortunately, the beets were the biggest disappointment. They had a dull color and the oil tasted off and greasy. The flavor improved with added vinegar, salt, and pepper, but they lacked a strong beet flavor.

The Takeaway

The tinned vegetable format shows promise, offering a convenient and visually appealing way to enjoy vegetables. While the price point may position it as an occasional treat, there’s potential for exciting flavors and varieties to emerge in this new market. For those interested in trying this trend, the Sweet Prince Tomatoes are currently the most recommended option.