San Marzano tomato

San Marzano Tomato

The San Marzano tomato is a variety of plum tomato, considered by many chefs to be the best of its kind in the world. The tomato is named after the region of San Marzano sul Sarno in Italy, where it was first grown.

History

The San Marzano tomato was first grown in volcanic soil in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, one of the best tomato growing regions in the world. The first seed of the San Marzano tomato came to Italy in 1770 as a gift from the Kingdom of Peru to the Kingdom of Naples. They were planted in the area that corresponds to the present commune of San Marzano, near Naples, Italy, and were given the name of that town. Since then, San Marzano tomatoes have been cultivated in the region.

Characteristics

San Marzano tomatoes are thinner and more pointed than the typical plum tomatoes and are known for their strong, sweet flavor, low acidity, and firm pulp. They have fewer seeds than typical plum tomatoes. The skin of the San Marzano tomato is thicker and easier to peel off. The tomatoes are also well known for their bittersweet flavor, which is well balanced with high acidity and sugar.

Cultivation

San Marzano tomatoes thrive in well-drained soil and typically enjoy a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. They are indeterminate growers, which means they will continue to grow and produce fruit until killed by frost or another external factor.

Usage

San Marzano tomatoes are widely recognized by top chefs, Italian cooks and food aficionados as the gold standard for taste. The tomatoes are most commonly used in Italian cuisine, and are a common ingredient in pizza sauce. They are also used in various pasta sauces, including marinara and arrabbiata.

Protected Designation of Origin

The term "San Marzano" applies both to the cultivar of tomato and to the Italy-specific product, which is protected by the Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP). This certification ensures that products are locally grown and packaged in the San Marzano region of Italy and are grown in a consistent and traditional manner.

See Also

• Tomato
• Italian Cuisine
• Denominazione di Origine Protetta

References

• San Marzano Tomatoes Official Website
• Italy Magazine: San Marzano Tomatoes, Italy's Favorite Ingredient

External Links

• Slow Food: San Marzano Tomato
• Napoli Unplugged: San Marzano Tomatoes