Are you a fan of pork and beans? Do you enjoy the convenience of canned foods in your pantry?
If so, you may have come across Showboat Pork and Beans. But have you ever wondered who makes this delicious and nutritious product?
In this article, we’ll delve into the history and origins of Showboat Pork and Beans, and discover the company behind this beloved brand.
So sit back, grab a can of Showboat Pork and Beans, and let’s explore the story behind this classic American staple.
Who Makes Showboat Pork And Beans?
Showboat Pork and Beans is a brand of canned beans that has been around for over a century. The company behind this beloved brand is none other than Bush Brothers & Company.
Founded in 1908, Bush Brothers & Company has been dedicated to producing high-quality beans that are both delicious and nutritious. Over the years, the company has expanded its product line to include a variety of canned beans, including Showboat Pork and Beans.
Showboat Pork and Beans is made with quality white beans in tomato sauce, along with pork, garlic, paprika, and other seasonings. This tasty combination makes for an easy and delicious side dish that pairs well with pulled pork or barbecued chicken. It can also be used as a base for baked bean casserole or any number of great recipes.
The History Of Pork And Beans In America
The history of pork and beans in America is a fascinating one that spans over a century. The origins of this classic dish are somewhat unclear, with different stories claiming to be the true source. Some sources suggest that pork and beans first became popular during the Civil War, when soldiers relied on canned foods for sustenance.
One story claims that in 1894, an Indianapolis jobber brought a load of canned baked beans to the Van Camp plant to have them reprocessed. At lunchtime, Frank Van Camp, the founder’s son, opened a can from the jobbing house to eat with his lunch. The flavor of the beans was flat, so to make them more palatable he added some Van Camps’ ketchup, originating “Van Camp’s Pork and Beans with Tomato Sauce.”
Meanwhile, the Stokely brothers began their own cannery in 1898 to process the surplus produce from their Tennessee farm. Intrigued by the modern canning factories in Indianapolis, one of the brothers, George, headed north around 1909 to learn more. By 1933, the Stokelys worked out a deal to merge with the Van Camps, and in 1944, the company name was officially changed to Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.
During World War II, Stokely-Van Camp leveraged their food production operation to feed the troops. They produced C-rations for the U.S. military consisting of pork and beans, canned meat and candy. After the war, they continued to produce pork and beans for consumers.
In 1983, Quaker Oats purchased Stokely-Van Camp, which included the famous Van Camp’s pork and beans brand. In 1995, Quaker Oats sold Van Camp’s pork and beans to Conagra Foods Inc., which continues to produce and distribute them today.
Through all these changes in ownership and production methods, pork and beans have remained a beloved staple in American cuisine. Today, brands like Showboat Pork and Beans continue to offer delicious and convenient canned bean options for families across the country.
The Ingredients And Nutritional Value Of Showboat Pork And Beans
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and nutritional value of Showboat Pork and Beans. The can contains prepared navy beans, water, sugar, tomato puree (tomato paste and water), salt, pork, modified corn starch, spice, extractive of paprika, natural flavor, and garlic powder.
The % Daily Value (DV) is listed on the can to help consumers understand how much of each nutrient is in a serving of the product. The DV is based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet and tells you how much of each nutrient is in a serving of food. For Showboat Pork and Beans, a serving size is 1/2 cup (130g).
Each serving of Showboat Pork and Beans contains 150 calories, 1g of fat, 29g of carbohydrates, 6g of fiber, 12g of sugar, and 7g of protein. It also provides 6% of the daily value for calcium and 10% for iron.
The pork in Showboat Pork and Beans adds flavor and protein to the dish. The beans are a good source of fiber and protein as well. The tomato puree provides vitamin C and lycopene, which is an antioxidant that may help protect against certain types of cancer.
The Company Behind Showboat Pork And Beans: A Look At Their History And Values
Bush Brothers & Company is a family-owned corporation that is best known for its Bush’s Best brand canned baked beans. The company has been in operation for over a century and produces approximately 80 percent of the canned baked beans consumed in the United States. This represents estimated annual sales in excess of $400 million and the processing of more than 55 million pounds of beans per year.
Despite its success, Bush Brothers & Company remains committed to its values and to building a strong community around the humble little bean. The company operates plants in Augusta, Wisconsin and Chestnut Hill, Tennessee, and its canned goods are sold through retail food outlets and food service operators throughout the United States and Canada.
At Bush’s®, the company feels intimately connected to the bigger bean story, and that’s why for generations, they have been committed to nothing else but building their community, company, and values around that humble little bundle of goodness. The company has expanded its product line over the years to include a variety of canned beans, including Showboat Pork and Beans.
Bush Brothers & Company is dedicated to producing high-quality beans that are both delicious and nutritious. The company takes pride in its commitment to using quality ingredients and producing products that meet the highest standards of quality and taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a base for your favorite recipe, Showboat Pork and Beans is a great choice that you can feel good about serving to your family and friends.
Recipes And Serving Suggestions For Showboat Pork And Beans
If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to use Showboat Pork and Beans in your cooking, look no further than these delicious recipes and serving suggestions.
1. Baked Beans with Showboat Smoked Sausage: This recipe is a kitchen hack that takes canned baked beans to the next level by adding in Showboat Smoked Sausage. Simply sauté onion, garlic, and sausage in a Dutch oven, then stir in the beans, ketchup, molasses, sugar, vinegar, and mustard. Bake for 45 minutes until bubbly and thick.
2. Classic Baked Beans: For a classic baked beans recipe using canned pork and beans, combine the beans with brown sugar, onion, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a baking dish. Top with bacon slices and bake for an hour until the sauce is thickened and the bacon is cooked.
3. BBQ Baked Beans: For a twist on classic baked beans, use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup and add in some diced jalapeño for a bit of heat. Top with crumbled bacon before serving.
4. Bean Salad: Drain and rinse a can of Showboat Pork and Beans and mix with diced cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Dress with lemon juice and olive oil for a refreshing summer salad.
No matter how you choose to use them, Showboat Pork and Beans are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal.