Many will agree that canned tomatoes are among the undisputed MVP’s of the kitchen pantry, and San Marzano tomatoes are especially coveted thanks to their sweetness, relatively low acidity, and robust tomatoey flavor.
Even if you find nothing more than some dried past, a single can of tomatoes, salt, and pepper sitting on your pantry shelves, you can always pull together a comforting homemade dinner with minimal effort. But how much do you know about San Marzano tomatoes? Let’s find out!
What are San Marzano Tomatoes?
Named for the Italian town of San Marzano Sul Sarno where this particular variety of tomato was first cultivated, this tomato has historically been grown in particular part of Italy called Sarnese Nocerino. Meat and oval in shape, San Marzano tomatoes are a varietal of plum tomato that’s slightly longer and smaller, with lower water and seed contents and less acidity.
What makes San Marzano tomatoes so special is the fact that they boast a unique balance of acidity and sweetness. The distinctive tastes and textures of this tomato are products of its famed volcanic landscape. This makes them a gold standard for chefs and home cooks alike for making pasta and pizza sauces.
Why are San Marzano tomatoes so Expensive?
Considering true San Marzano tomatoes have to be imported from Italy from a very specific region, their demand and cost is relatively higher than for other canned tomatoes. To officially certify San Marzano’s, producers must meet certain criteria by the Italian government-approved regulators or consortium, known as consorzio, earning an official Protected Designation of Origin seal.
Many people will agree that the sweeter and richer flavor of San Marzano tomatoes makes them worth the higher cost compared to conventional canned tomatoes. It is eventually up to you as to whether they are worth the splurge for your recipe. For this reason, you should always go with your personal preference.
As a rule of thumb, consider trying a recipe you usually make with canned tomatoes and swap authentic San Marzano tomatoes to see the difference. If you happen to be a fan of the San Marzano variety but aren’t keen to spend the extra money- and you boast the green thumb and a sunny patch of soil- why not consider growing your own. It is then that you can enjoy the numerous benefits San Marzano tomatoes offer.
