What's so good about San Marzano tomatoes?
Discover the richness of San Marzano tomatoes
San Marzano tomatoes are prized for their rich, sweet flavour, low acidity, and dense, meaty texture. Here’s what makes them special:
1. Superior Flavour
• Naturally sweet with a mild acidity, making them perfect for sauces.
• Rich, intense tomato taste with a hint of earthiness.
2. Thick Flesh & Few Seeds
• Unlike watery tomatoes, San Marzanos have firm flesh with fewer seeds.
• Less liquid means a thicker, more concentrated sauce.
3. Low Acidity
• Easier on the stomach than other tomato varieties.
• Great for making sauces without adding sugar.
4. Authenticity & Origin
• Traditionally grown in the volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius, Italy.
• Certified DOP (Denominazione d’Origine Protetta) ensures quality and authenticity.
5. Perfect for Cooking
• Favoured for tomato sauces, pizza sauce, soups, and stews.
• Holds up well to long cooking times without breaking down into watery mush.
What Are San Marzano Tomatoes?
San Marzano tomatoes are a variety of plum tomatoes known for their rich flavour, meaty texture, and low acidity. They originate from Italy, specifically the San Marzano region near Naples, and are often considered the gold standard for making sauces, particularly for authentic Italian dishes like pizza and pasta.
Key Characteristics:
• Shape & Size: Long and slender, with a pointed tip (unlike rounder Roma tomatoes).
• Texture: Dense flesh with fewer seeds and less water.
• Flavour: Naturally sweet with a mild acidity, making them perfect for cooking.
• Color: Deep red with thin skin, which peels easily.
Where They Grow:
• The most famous San Marzano tomatoes are grown in the volcanic soil of the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino region near Mount Vesuvius in Italy.
• Authentic ones have a DOP (Denominazione d’Origine Protetta) label, which ensures quality and origin.
Why Are They Special?
• Ideal for sauces: Their low moisture content and rich flavour make for thick, flavourful tomato sauces.
• Low acidity: Less tangy than other tomatoes, making them smooth and naturally sweet.
• Versatile: Used in pizza sauce, pasta sauce, soups, and even canned for convenience.
More information can be found here about San Marzano Tomatoes