What are San Marzano Tomatoes?

🍅 What Are San Marzano Tomatoes?

San Marzano Tomatoes are a type of plum tomato distinguished by an elongated shape that tapers to a pointed tip, with thick flesh and fewer seeds. They have a complex flavor profile that is less acidic than most tomatoes, making them particularly well-suited for canning. 

This Italian tomato is renowned by cooks and food enthusiasts for its balanced flavor. They are sweet, with an intense tomato flavor that has just enough acidity to brighten things up without dominating. This makes these delicious tomatoes an excellent choice for a wide range of dishes and sauces. 

The secret to their superior taste lies in the volcanic soils of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) region where they are grown. The tomatoes get their name from the city of San Marzano sul Sarno, which is in the Campania region of southern Italy, located between Naples and Salerno. They’re grown in the agricultural area of Agro Nocerino-Sarnese in the Sarno River valley near Mount Vesuvius. 

The unique combination of the soil and the Mediterranean climate in this region contributes to the quality of these tomatoes. Though San Marzano seeds have become more accessible, allowing for cultivation outside Italy, it's generally accepted that the Italian variety is superior in sweetness and richness.

The specific growing conditions are hard to replicate elsewhere. American San Marzano tomatoes, for example, tend to be less sweet and more salted.

📜 Certification

There is a distinction between tomatoes that are DOP certified and those that are simply labeled as "Certified San Marzano." DOP, standing for Denominazione di Origine Protetta, or Protected Designation of Origin, is a stringent certification that ensures the tomatoes are grown, harvested, and processed within the specific region of San Marzano sul Sarno in Italy, following strict guidelines that uphold quality and authenticity. This guarantees that consumers are getting the real deal, with all the unique characteristics that make San Marzano tomatoes stand out.

On the other hand, tomatoes labeled as "Certified San Marzano" without the DOP mark may not adhere to the same rigorous standards. These tomatoes can be grown outside the traditional region, in the United States or other parts of the world. While they may be grown from the San Marzano seed, the difference in soil, climate, and cultivation practices means they may not possess the exact taste profile.

Adding to the confusion are "San Marzano-Style" or "San Marzano Region" tomatoes. These are not genuine, but they are varieties that have some of the same characteristics.

While they are delicious and work well in recipes, they lack those unique qualities of the real deal. Depending on what is available to you, these will still work as a great option over regular canned tomatoes.

🛒 Buying San Marzano Tomatoes: Are They Worth It?

Identifying authentic San Marzano tomatoes requires attention to detail since they can be grown domestically now. 

Authenticity is guaranteed when you spot the DOP label, which is red and yellow and includes a serial number. Additionally, genuine cans will also bear the Consorzio San Marzano number stamped on the bottom, another sign of authenticity. 

Look for the words Pomodoro San Marzano dell’Agro Sarnese Nocerino on the packaging and know that tomatoes will only be sold canned whole or halved. Diced or pureed tomatoes and tomato paste are never authentic.

Your best bet for finding authentic San Marzano tomatoes is specialty food or Italian markets. Chain grocery stores may also offer some options, but not as many.

Wherever you find them, you’ll notice they have a higher price point than other canned tomatoes. This is due to their quality, the DOP certification process, the costs associated with importing them from Italy, and the high demand.

Choosing to purchase an authentic variety will add more flavor to your favorite Italian dishes. Fewer seeds, sweeter flavor, and consistent quality backed by the DOP/PDO certification means that these tomatoes are top-notch. This is why both professional chefs and home cooks are willing to seek them out and pay extra for them.

📖 Recipes using San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes

San Marzano tomatoes elevate recipes thanks to their robust flavor and texture, but their price point means you may not want to use them in every single recipe that calls for canned tomatoes.

I think they’re especially worth it for tomato-forward dishes like sauces. I use them in my Sunday Italian Gravy, Bolognese, Eggs in Purgatory, Penne Pomodoro, and Tomato Soup. 

If you’re not convinced, try a taste test! Grab a DOP-certified San Marzano, an American variety, and regular whole peeled tomatoes. Try them out in your favorite recipe and see what you think.