Some of the greatest dishes in any chef’s arsenal are made possible by the sweet complexities of tomatoes . And when those tomatoes are sun-ripened under the Mediterranean sun, picked at the peak of flavor, and processed immediately to preserve their juicy bright taste, you’ll be able to achieve a new level of vibrant flavor in all your recipes. From the fabled San Marzano tomatoes to the chef's favorite brand Mutti , investing in premium tomato products may feel like an unnecessary splurge; until you taste the results. With no other change in the way you cook or the order in which you prepare recipes, your dishes will immediately achieve a new level of delicious flavor thanks to the bold, sweet taste of premium Italian tomatoes!
There are many competitors on the market when it comes to tomato products, and their misleading labels and similarity in brand names can sometimes fool you into getting less than premium products. Throughout this article not only will we be pointing out which brands are the best, but also how you can differentiate the genuine from the pseudo.
If canned tomatoes were cars, this imported Italian variety would be a Ferrari. But what makes San Marzano tomatoes so special? Grown in Italy, specifically in the region surrounding Mt. Vesuvius, the volcanic soil around the mountain makes these tomatoes sweeter and less acidic than other varieties. Their firm pulp, easily removed skins, and a lower ratio of seeds, also make them a favorite of all who use them.
These plum tomatoes can only be grown in and around San Marzano and carry the DOP designation (denominazione origine protetta). This stamp of approval signals that the tomatoes are not only the correct variety but that the product is guaranteed to come from this specific area of Italy and has met the appointed growing criteria. While many canned tomatoes will use the name San Marzano without the DOP designation and the seal of the EU, they are just another strain of plum tomatoes. Keep your eye out for the form in which they’re sold as well, true San Marzano tomatoes are never sold pureed, minced, or diced, but always canned peeled whole, or simply cut in half.
Use San Marzanos in marinara sauces, pizza, pasta, ragu, and other dishes where they can shine. Avoid recipes that are heavily spiced and flavored, like chili, where their exceptional flavor might be overwhelmed.
For every meal, there is a tomato, and the tomato paste from Italy’s own Mutti is one of the best. From Mediterranean classics to innovative haute cuisine, there is no easier way to add full-bodied umami flavor than with tomato paste . This double-concentrated paste was the first product introduced by Mutti all the way back in 1899, and has remained the best tomato paste on the market to this day. Using only the highest quality 100% Italian tomatoes, each pound of paste requires a full 5.5-pounds of fresh tomatoes. Be sure to scan tubes and cans for the words ‘100% tomato paste’ to ensure you’re getting the best flavor. Many imitation pastes use leftover skins and additives, resulting in an artificial, lackluster flavor profile.
Tomato paste is arguably the most versatile form tomatoes can take, easily melding into recipes and adding body and savory flavor. Add a dollop to stews and soups to boost flavor and add richness. Use on any meat during braising to help hold the sauce together and meld the fat, spices, and aromatics in the recipe. Swirl into pasta, beans, and rice, to deepen umami flavors and get the most out of every element of the dish. Truly the chef’s secret weapon, keep a tube of Mutti on hand at all times to ensure optimum results in your kitchen!
A true flavor bomb sundried tomatoes are all the best characteristics of tomatoes, personified. Bold, intensely flavorful, and chewy, a little goes a long way. Versatile and super-convenient, sun-dried tomatoes can be used in so many different ways in the kitchen - you can even use the flavorful oil they marinade in as an ingredient in its own right! With all these amazing characteristics it’s little wonder that the market is saturated with all manner of sundried options, which are, as you may have guessed, not all created equal. Trust La Medina when looking for a reliable, top-quality brand. La Medina sun-dried tomatoes are hand-picked in Italy, dried under the Mediterranean sun, and packaged in premium oil to keep the tomatoes moist, plump, and ready to use in recipes.
Delicious in a wide range of applications, try them as a topping for bruschetta, swirled into pasta and quiche, or generously studded across the top of your next pizza. For an extra punch of flavor, try substituting sun-dried tomatoes in recipes that call for canned tomatoes and notice the sweet tomato-forward results.
From shakshuka and gazpacho to Caprese and pasta, tomatoes are the humble fruit responsible for everyone’s favorite recipes. Armed with a list of brands and suggested uses, you’re ready to use this special ingredient to its full potential and take your cooking to the next level. While you’re on the subject, be sure to browse through our carefully curated selection of all the best tomato products
right here at Gourmet Food Store!