Spotlight Series: All About San Marzano Tomatoes

What Are San Marzano Tomatoes?

San Marzano tomatoes are a type of plum tomato that are grown in the rich volcanic soil at the base of Mount Vesuvius in Italy. They're highly prized for their sweet flavor, firm pulp, low seed count, and bright red color. What really sets them apart is their status as a DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) product, meaning they must be grown and produced in a specific geographical area using defined methods to be labeled as "San Marzano."

These tomatoes are often used in making marinara sauces because they are less acidic, sweeter, and denser than other tomatoes, which makes them perfect for cooking. They break down quickly and create a smoother, more flavorful sauce that's just delightful. Whether you're whipping up a quick pasta dish, a pizza sauce, or a stew, San Marzano tomatoes bring a touch of Italian authenticity that can elevate your dish to the next level.

What Makes San Marzano Tomatoes So Special (And Actually Worth It)?

Straight from the Rich Soils of Italy

First off, San Marzano tomatoes aren't your average garden-variety tomatoes; they're grown in the fertile volcanic soil of the Sarno River valley near Naples, Italy. This unique terroir is laden with rich nutrients and a slightly acidic pH, which is the perfect environment for growing tomatoes bursting with flavor. It's like the tomatoes are sipping on a nutrient-rich smoothie every day!

A Cut Above in Flavor and Texture

When it comes to taste and texture, San Marzano tomatoes are a culinary delight. They are famously known for their sweeter, stronger, less acidic taste and a low-seed count which makes them less watery. This makes San Marzano tomatoes ideal for creating thicker, more flavorful sauces that cling beautifully to your pasta without watering it down. Imagine that rich, velvety marinara sauce on your spaghetti – that's San Marzano magic!

The DOP Label: A Badge of Authenticity and Quality

San Marzano tomatoes stamped with the DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) label are certified for their authenticity. This label ensures they are grown, processed, and packaged in their original locale according to strict regulations. It's not just about geographic origin; the DOP label also guarantees they're cultivated using traditional practices that contribute to their superior quality. So, when you see the DOP mark, you know you're getting the real deal.

Worth the Splurge?

Now, San Marzano tomatoes are typically pricier than your standard tomatoes, but think of it this way: you're paying for a premium product with a guaranteed pedigree. They enhance your dishes not just with their exquisite taste but also with their rich history and tradition. For those who love cooking, using San Marzano tomatoes means elevating your sauces, stews, and pizzas to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Cooking with San Marzano Tomatoes

Ready to give them a whirl in your kitchen? Here’s a quick tip: San Marzano tomatoes work best in dishes that let their flavor shine through. Think classic marinara sauce, a hearty tomato soup, or even a simple pizza sauce. Their robust flavor also stands up well to herbs and spices, allowing you to experiment with your favorite recipes.

So, Are They Worth It?

Absolutely! For food enthusiasts and home chefs looking to bring authentic Italian flavor into their cuisine, San Marzano tomatoes offer an undeniable upgrade. Whether you're simmering a pot of Sunday sauce or crafting the perfect Neapolitan pizza, these tomatoes bring a touch of gourmet to your home cooking.

The Origin of San Marzano Tomatoes and Its Brief History

San Marzano tomatoes, with their distinct elongated shape and sweet, vibrant flavor, have a charming backstory that's as rich as their taste. Native to the small town of San Marzano sul Sarno, located near Naples, Italy, these tomatoes were first cultivated in the volcanic soil beneath Mount Vesuvius. This unique growing environment, enriched with minerals from the volcanic ash, is largely credited with giving San Marzano tomatoes their famous flavor profile.

The story begins in the 18th century when the first San Marzano seeds were said to have been gifted to the Kingdom of Naples as a token from the Viceroyalty of Peru. This precious gift found a perfect home in the Sarno Valley, where the Mediterranean climate, paired with the fertile volcanic earth, provided ideal conditions for growing.

Over the years, San Marzano tomatoes became a staple in Italian cooking, especially prized for making thick, flavorful tomato sauces. Their low seed count, firm pulp, and easy peel make them especially suited for canning and cooking down into a rich paste. Recognizing their special qualities, the Italian government has even granted San Marzano tomatoes the 'DOP' (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) status, which certifies products that are locally grown and manufactured.

This DOP label is not just a mark of genuine origin but also an assurance of quality. Only tomatoes that are grown in the specific areas around San Marzano under strict regulations can truly claim the title of San Marzano.

Today, San Marzano tomatoes continue to be celebrated worldwide, not just for their pivotal role in traditional Italian dishes but also for their story of origin, rooted deeply in the soils of Italian heritage. Whether it's used in a classic Neapolitan pizza or a rustic Italian tomato sauce, the San Marzano tomato carries with it a piece of history, making every dish a bit more special.

The Best San Marzano Tomatoes - The DeLallo Difference

At DeLallo, we believe in quality without compromise. That’s why we source our San Marzano tomatoes from small, family-run farms in Italy, where they are nurtured and harvested with the utmost care. Each tomato is hand-picked at peak ripeness to ensure the finest flavor and texture. But we don’t stop there. Our tomatoes are canned using time-honored techniques to preserve their taste and freshness. No artificial preservatives, just the natural goodness of San Marzano tomatoes, sealed with care.

Why Choose DeLallo?

1. Authenticity: Each can of our San Marzano tomatoes proudly bears the 'PDO' (Protected Designation of Origin) label, assuring you of genuine and traditional cultivation.

2. Flavor: Rich, robust, and perfectly balanced. Whether you’re simmering a sauce or dressing up a pizza, our tomatoes bring a burst of Italian sunshine to your table.

3. Versatility: Beyond sauces, our San Marzano tomatoes are excellent for soups, stews, or even just spread on a crisp bruschetta.

San Marzano Tomato Recipes And Usage Ideas

San Marzano Tomatoes are a key ingredient in a myriad of Italian recipes and everyday creations. These tasty tomatoes are perfect for rich, slow-simmered pasta sauces, baked pasta dishes, soups and pizza. Check out some of our favorite recipes:

San Marzano Tomatoes: FAQ

How are San Marzano Tomatoes different from other canned varieties?

San Marzano tomatoes hail from the rich volcanic soil of the Sarno River valley near Naples, Italy, which gives them a unique sweetness and low acidity that’s hard to find in other varieties. What really sets these tomatoes apart is their status as a DOP” label (Denominazione di Origine Protetta), meaning they are protected by strict geographical and cultivation rules to ensure authenticity and quality.

These plum tomatoes are longer and thinner compared to your average canned varieties. They also have fewer seeds and a denser, meatier texture, which makes them perfect for creating a smoother, richer tomato sauce.

How can I tell if tomatoes are San Marzano? 
Things to look for on your label:

• The label must state: “Pomodoro S. Marzano dell’Agro Nocerino-Sarnese”.
• Look for the ID number, assigned by the consortium to that tin, printed on location of the canning.
• Look for the D.O.P. seal and the seal of the consortium who regulates the D.O.P.
• San Marzano tomatoes must be sold whole, never crushed, diced or pulped.
• The body of a San Marzano must always be elongated, a true plum tomato.

Can San Marzano Tomatoes be grown in the U.S.?

Yes, you can grow San Marzano tomatoes in the United States; while the "true" San Marzano tomato is only grown in a specific region of Italy, the same variety of tomato can be cultivated in the US, with many American brands now producing them domestically, especially in California.

Key points to remember:

Not authentically San Marzano:
While you can grow San Marzano tomatoes in the US, they won't be considered "authentic" as the true San Marzano variety is only grown in a specific region of Italy with unique soil conditions.

"San Marzano-style":
Many tomatoes sold as San Marzano in the US are actually "San Marzano-style" which means they are a similar type of plum tomato but may not have the exact flavor profile.

Widely available seeds:
You can easily find San Marzano tomato seeds at most garden centers and online retailers, allowing you to grow them in your own garden.

What is a DOP tomato?

D.O.P. stands for the Italian phrase Denominazione d' Origine Protetta, or Protected Designation of Origin. D.O.P. intent is to preserve the geographical origin of products. This helps to protect the reputation of regional foods and to eliminate unfair competition and that mislead consumers with non-genuine products of inferior quality.

The D.O.P. label guarantees that these tomatoes are produced, processed and packaged in a specific geographical zone according to the standards and regulations set by the Italian government based on tradition. To earn this certification, producers must adhere to a strict set of guidelines overseen by the government.

What is the diffenrence between San Marzano Tomatoes And DOP tomatoes?

"San Marzano" refers to a variety of plum tomatoes. Renowned for their sweet flavor and low acidity, they are considered by many chefs and food lovers as among the best tomatoes in the world for making sauces. These tomatoes are longer and thinner than the typical plum tomatoes you might see in a grocery store. They originally come from the small town of San Marzano sul Sarno, near Naples, Italy, which is often said to have the perfect soil and climate for growing these gems.

"DOP" is not a type of tomato but a certification. DOP stands for "Protected Designation of Origin," and it’s a label that guarantees that products are locally grown and packaged in specific areas according to traditional methods. For San Marzano tomatoes to be labeled as DOP, they must be grown in the specific region around Naples under strict regulations that maintain quality and authenticity, including being harvested and processed by hand.

What is the difference between San Marzano Tomatoes and roma tomatoes?

San Marzano tomatoes are a variety of plum tomatoes considered by many chefs to be among the best in the world for making sauces. They are grown in the volcanic soil of the Sarno River valley in Italy, which is said to give them a sweeter flavor and fewer seeds. They are longer and thinner than most plum tomatoes and have a thicker consistency with a richer and deeper flavor. This makes them ideal in dishes that require a well-developed tomato flavor, such as pasta sauces and pizza toppings.

Roma tomatoes (also known as Italian plum tomatoes) are more common worldwide and are grown in different regions. They are shorter and plumper compared to San Marzano tomatoes, with a slightly grainier texture in their flesh. While they are also great for sauces and pastes due to their low moisture content, their flavor is generally considered to be not as sweet or intense as San Marzano tomatoes. However, they are versatile and can be used in everything from fresh salads to cooked dishes.

What is the difference between San Marzano Tomatoes and plum tomatoes?

As mentioned above, San Marzano tomatoes are a type of plum tomato, but they have some unique characteristics that set them apart.

Plum tomatoes, which can be grown anywhere, are also a popular choice for sauces and pastes. They're generally meatier than round tomatoes and have a good balance of sweetness and acidity, making them very versatile in the kitchen. Plum tomatoes can vary more in flavor and texture, depending on where and how they are grown.

Where can I buy DeLallo San Marzano Tomatoes?

Order DeLallo San Marzano Tomatoes online or find them at most major supermarkets across the country.