Gruber's Tomato Dip Mild. A mild tomato sauce for dipping – fruity, with apple juice and apple cider vinegar, to be used like ketchup.

Gruber's Tomato Dip Mild is a mild, fruity tomato sauce made from tomato paste, onions, apple juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and spices. It comes from Gruber's Fruchtzauberei in Reigersberg near Ilz in Eastern Styria, 260 g in a jar. You use it just like ketchup. The gentlest of the three tomato varieties, completely without any chili or curry heat.

Tomato Dip Mild by Gruber's Fruchtzauberei is the sauce for those evenings when everyone at the table wants something different. The kids want fries, the adults want sausages, and someone asks for ketchup. That is exactly what this jar is for: a tomato dip that goes with everything that would otherwise be dunked into the red bottle. The base is tomato paste, meaning highly reduced tomatoes with lots of flavor. Onion provides spice, apple juice adds fruity sweetness, and apple cider vinegar provides acidity. This makes the dip well-rounded and family-friendly. Anyone at the table craving more fire can reach for one of its two spicier sisters.

Flavor

The dip first tastes of tomato, concentrated and fruity. Then comes a gentle sweetness that comes from the apple juice and sugar. The apple cider vinegar provides a fresh acidity that balances everything out. Onion and spices provide a savory note in the background. It is never spicy at any point.

The three tomato dips from Fruchtzauberei share the same base of tomato paste, onion, apple juice, and apple cider vinegar. The difference lies in the seasoning. The Tomato Dip Hot contains chili and is medium-hot. The Tomato Dip Curry brings an exotic note with curry. The Tomato Dip Mild sticks to the tomato and is therefore the variety for everyone who likes it mild.

Usage

Use this dip anywhere you would otherwise use ketchup. It is the obvious companion for French fries, potato wedges, and hash browns. It pairs just as well with sausages, Leberkäse (meatloaf), and schnitzel sandwiches. Fish sticks, chicken nuggets, and meatballs also get a flavor boost with a dollop.

When grilling, the jar belongs next to bratwurst, burgers, and chicken legs. Inside the burger itself, it replaces the ketchup on the bun. For breakfast, a spoonful goes well with scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or toast with cheese. And as a base for a cocktail sauce, stir it together with mayonnaise, a little lemon, and a splash of brandy.

Our tip: Stir two tablespoons of the dip into a minced meat sauce just before it is finished. This gives the Bolognese a fruity depth for the kids.

Origin

The dip comes from the kitchen of a fruit farm in Eastern Styria, and apples also play a role in the recipe. Gruber's Fruchtzauberei is a small family business in Reigersberg near Ilz. The history of the farm dates back to 1860. In the early 1990s, it was converted to fruit growing, with a focus on apples.

The cultivation is handled by René Gruber, who calls himself a passionate master fruit grower. In the kitchen, Beatrix is in charge; she is a chef. In addition to jams and chutneys, their range includes sauces and dips. They develop the recipes together by tasting and experimenting until the flavor is just right. Everything is made by hand.

For whom

The Tomato Dip Mild is for families, for children, and for everyone who likes pure tomato flavor without any heat. It is perfect for a fry night, a barbecue party in the garden, and a snack on the weekend. The 260 g jar is enough for a larger group and stays ready in the fridge after opening. It is also the safe choice if you are unsure how much heat your guests can handle. If you prefer a fruity sauce with peach for grilling, try the Grill Sauce sweet & sour. You can find all the sauces and jars from Reigersberg on the Gruber's Fruchtzauberei page.

This dip is not suitable for anyone looking for a spicy sauce for grilling. For that, the Tomato Dip Hot with chili is the better choice.

A mild tomato dip from Eastern Styria – for fries, sausages, and family evenings at the table.