San Marzano Tomatoes

Can tomatoes be legendary? If they come from Mount Vesuvius, they can. San Marzano tomatoes are grown in the volcanic soil of this Italian (now) dormant volcano, kissed by the intense Mediterranean sun, and are sweeter, much less acidic than your regular garden variety tomatoes. This makes this plum tomato variety a prized ingredient in recipes where tomato is a shining star and you let the flavor come though.

Besides that extra boost in flavor thanks the special qualities of the soil, these Italian tomatoes also have less seeds and a firmer pulp. An easy to slide off skin makes them a star for canning. San Marzanos also have a DOP protection – protected designation of origin”, which means in order to be called “San Marzano” the production has to follow special (strict) rules and their vines are inspected regularly.

These San Marzano tomatoes are canned whole and peeled, bathed in tomato sauce and with basil leaves. Use them in recipes or dishes that don’t require very lengthy cooking, so you allow that bold, bright flavor to come through. Spread over a baguette for fabulous crostini, use it in homemade pizza, or perhaps a quick-cooking pasta sauce.