San Marzano Tomatoes

Published on Wednesday, August 15, 2007, by Sarah Perry / Edit Post

When people talk about San Marzano tomatoes, they may mean one of two things. First, says Karl S, there is an area near Naples (a DOP, or Denominazione di Origine Protetta) famed for its volcanic soil and quality of its tomatoes. Only cans marked DOP hold tomatoes grown in this region, and as supplies are limited, such tomatoes are more expensive.

The second possible meaning for San Marzano is a variety of plum tomato similar to those grown in the DOP near Naples—but not actually grown there. This is not to say that San Marzano–variety tomatoes grown in your area are inferior to those grown and canned in Italy. In fact, since you may be able to obtain them fresh, local tomatoes may be even better in terms of taste. And for canned tomatoes, factors other than geographic origin influence flavor, such as whether the can is lined with enamel.

Of the tomatoes from San Marzano DOP proper, Porthos particularly recommends the Strianese brand. They’re much sweeter and more vibrant-tasting than other DOP San Marzano canned tomatoes—and harder to find. “If you do find some, taste them right when you open the can (careful or you’ll eat the whole thing),” says Porthos.

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  • I have tried any number of San Marzano D.O.P certified tomatoes. Generally, I have found them to be disappointing. They are usually mealy. In addition, they taste metalic like the can and are infused with a minty flavor by that awful piece of wilted basil.

    California grown tomatoes generally taste better. The one exception is the Strianese brand tomatoes. They really do taste good. Makes a...+READ

    I have tried any number of San Marzano D.O.P certified tomatoes. Generally, I have found them to be disappointing. They are usually mealy. In addition, they taste metalic like the can and are infused with a minty flavor by that awful piece of wilted basil.

    California grown tomatoes generally taste better. The one exception is the Strianese brand tomatoes. They really do taste good. Makes a wonderful marinara or simple pizza sauce.-COLLAPSE

  • I have tried any number of San Marzano D.O.P certified tomatoes. Generally, I hjave found them to be disappointing. They are usually mealy. In addition, they taste metalic like the can and are infused with a minty flavor by that awful piece of wilted basil.

    California grown tomatoes generally taste better. The one exception is the Strianese brand tomatoes. They really do taste good. Makes a...+READ

    I have tried any number of San Marzano D.O.P certified tomatoes. Generally, I hjave found them to be disappointing. They are usually mealy. In addition, they taste metalic like the can and are infused with a minty flavor by that awful piece of wilted basil.

    California grown tomatoes generally taste better. The one exception is the Strianese brand tomatoes. They really do taste good. Makes a wonderful marinara or simple pizza sauce.-COLLAPSE

  • My Sclafani brand can was about $4.50 for 28 oz. Expensive! It has three certification stamps on the can and has what appears to be a unique serial number! The round DOP certification emblem you refer to shows up as unreadable text (unless you magnify it) on a circle within a circle of yellow and purple. Looks a little like a yellow sun with a purple middle and purple, radiating corona.
    Now if I...+READ

    My Sclafani brand can was about $4.50 for 28 oz. Expensive! It has three certification stamps on the can and has what appears to be a unique serial number! The round DOP certification emblem you refer to shows up as unreadable text (unless you magnify it) on a circle within a circle of yellow and purple. Looks a little like a yellow sun with a purple middle and purple, radiating corona.
    Now if I could just find me some volcanic soil.....-COLLAPSE

  • I've tried San Marzano tomatoes for the first time, and they just happen to be Strianese D.O.P. They are absolutly delicious, although I can't compare them to any other brand of San Marzano tomatoes because I haven't had any others yet. And they were a bit pricy, $4.49 for 28.oz. But well worth it. They make excellent sauce for pizza, all you do is drain, crush, and add salt; that's it!

  • I use cans of San Marzano tomatoes purchased in a supermarket here in Brooklyn for all my sauces (pasta and pizza). I brown some cloves of garlic in olive oil, then add the can of tomatoes, chopping them with my spoon. Simmer for a half-hour, add some fresh basil, salt and pepper and we're ready for anything. I'll have to examine the can more carefully to determine if they are DOP. Given that...+READ

    I use cans of San Marzano tomatoes purchased in a supermarket here in Brooklyn for all my sauces (pasta and pizza). I brown some cloves of garlic in olive oil, then add the can of tomatoes, chopping them with my spoon. Simmer for a half-hour, add some fresh basil, salt and pepper and we're ready for anything. I'll have to examine the can more carefully to determine if they are DOP. Given that they are $1.99 for a 24-ounce can, I doubt it.-COLLAPSE