What Are San Marzano Tomatoes?
Originating from the San Marzano sul Sarno region in Italy, near Mount Vesuvius, these plum tomatoes are famous for their sweet flavor, low acidity, and firm texture. People prize these tomatoes for their use in Italian cuisine, particularly in making sauces, such as marinara or Neapolitan pizza sauce.
These Italian tomatoes are typically elongated with a pointed tip and have thick, meaty flesh with relatively few seeds, making them ideal for cooking. They are often canned for preservation and exported worldwide for various dishes.
What Makes San Marzano Tomatoes Special?
These Italian tomatoes are renowned for their exceptional flavor, texture, and culinary versatility, which set them apart from other tomato varieties. Here's what makes them so special:
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Rich Flavor
Their rich, sweet, tangy flavor profile perfectly balances acidity and sweetness, making these tomatoes highly valued for various culinary applications.
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Meaty Texture
These tomatoes have a distinct, firm, meaty flesh with fewer seeds and less water. They cook down into a thick and velvety texture—a texture you won't find in other tomatoes.
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Low Acidity
This characteristic of having lower acidity than other tomatoes makes them more digestible for some people and provides a smoother taste in dishes like sauces and soups.
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Distinct Shape and Appearance
Chefs and home cooks adore these tomatoes because of their elongated, pointed form and vibrant red hue. They make any dish deliciously flavorful and visually appealing.
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Protected Geographical Indication
Farmers cultivate these authentic tomatoes in the volcanic ground of Italy’s Sarno River valley in the Campania region. The exceptional quality of these tomatoes stems from their unique soil composition, climate, and traditional farming methods.
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Versatility
Pasta sauce, pizzas, soups, stews, salads, and whatnot! The robust flavor of these tomatoes makes every dish delicious.
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Culinary Tradition
A symbol of culinary heritage, these authentic tomatoes have a long history deeply rooted in the Italian culinary tradition. They have been cultivated for centuries, with traditional growing and harvesting methods passed down through generations.
US-Grown vs. Italy-Grown San Marzano Tomatoes
These tomatoes are a type of tomato grown exclusively in Italy's Agro Sarnese-Nocerino region. However, they are also grown in other places, such as California in the United States. Several American brands have recently started cultivating these Italian tomatoes domestically.
However, the flavor of the Italian San Marzano Tomato is authentically sweeter and more affluent, while the American variety is said to be slightly more acidic and saltier. That said, the taste may vary from producer to producer.
How To Determine The Authenticity Of San Marzano Tomatoes?
Authentic DOP San Marzano tomatoes from Italy are distinguishable by two certification markings and a serial number on the label. Still, similar tomatoes can be grown and labeled "San Marzano-style" elsewhere. Beware of imitations labeled "San Marzano-style" or "Italian peeled tomatoes."
However, the label "San Marzano" doesn't guarantee they were grown in Italy's designated region. Certified cans bear the Denominazione d'Origine Protetta (DOP) label, but many fakes exist, so it is better to rely on additional indicators as well:
1. Look for a Consorzio San Marzano number on the can.
2. Check for "Pomodoro San Marzano dell’Agro Sarnese Nocerino" on the label.
3. Ensure the tomatoes are whole or halved in cans; diced, puréed, or paste forms are not authentic.
Where to Buy and Why Are They Expensive?
Various grocery stores and online retailers are selling DOP San Marzano tomatoes as they gain popularity. They are pricier (sometimes four times as much) due to their seasonal, handpicked cultivation and strict canning guidelines.
These tomatoes contain only salt and, sometimes, fresh basil leaves, with no added preservatives or fillers. While they may occasionally be available for as low as $5 per can, prices around $10 are more common.
Recipes You Can Make Right Away
These are some of the recipes that will make you fall in love with these Italian tomatoes.
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Tortellini Soup
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San Marzano Pizza
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San Marzano Homemade Ketchup
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HomeMade San Marzano Pizza Sauce
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Pizza Neapolitan Margherita
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Tuna & Anchovies Over Capellini
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Tuna & Shrimp Seafood Pasta
San Marzano tomatoes are special because of their unique flavor, texture, and appearance. From their origins in Italy to their distinct taste and thin skin, these tomatoes have captured people's hearts and taste buds worldwide. Their sweet tanginess makes them a top choice for chefs and home cooks.
Whether making a simple pasta sauce or a gourmet pizza, this beloved ingredient can transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary delights. So, the next time you're at the grocery store, grab a can of these unique tomatoes and experience the difference for yourself.
