San Marzano tomatoes are highly prized for their sweetness, comparatively low acidity, and robust tomato flavor. Compared to canned tomatoes, canned tomatoes are among the most expensive ingredients in the kitchen pantry.
You can consistently prepare a comforting homemade dinner with minimal effort, even if your pantry contains only dried spaghetti, a single can of tomatoes, salt, and pepper. This is attributable to the fact that such an item can invariably be located. Conversely, what is your level of knowledge regarding tomatoes from San Marzano? Proceed with further reading to gain additional insights into this subject:
This specific variety of tomato has historically been grown in the region of Italy known as Sarnese Nocerino. It was named after the municipality of San Marzano Sul Sarno, situated in Italy, where it was originally cultivated. A type of plum tomato known as San Marzano tomatoes is oval in shape and has a meaty texture. They are slightly larger and smaller than plum tomatoes, containing less water and fewer seeds, and exhibiting a lower acidity level.
What distinguishes San Marzano tomatoes from other varieties is their unique balance of acidity and flavor. The renowned volcanic environment in which this tomato is grown is directly responsible for its peculiar flavors and textures. Consequently, they are regarded as the benchmark for preparing pasta and pizza sauces by both professional chefs and amateur cooks alike.
Compared to other canned tomatoes, the demand for and price of authentic San Marzano tomatoes is considerably higher. This is because these tomatoes are required to be imported from Italy, specifically from a particular region. The regulators or consortium certified by the Italian government, known as consorzio, must meet specific criteria in order for manufacturers to obtain an official Protected Designation of Origin seal. This is required for producers to attain official certification of San Marzano.
Compared to standard canned tomatoes, San Marzano tomatoes possess a flavor that is both sweeter and more intense, which accounts for their higher cost. Many individuals will concur that this makes the additional cost worth it. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to determine whether they are a worthwhile investment for your recipe. It is for this reason that you should consistently follow the preference that you hold for yourself.
As a general rule of thumb, you should consider experimenting with a recipe that calls for authentic San Marzano tomatoes instead of the canned variety that you typically use. If you enjoy the San Marzano variety but don’t want to spend the extra money, and you have a verdant thumb and a sunny area of soil, you might want to consider cultivating your own. At that stage, you will be able to benefit from the numerous advantages offered by San Marzano tomatoes.
What You Should Know before Buying San Marzano Tomatoes
