tomato

San Marzano DOP

Sweet, low-acid plum tomatoes from Mt. Vesuvius volcanic soil.

Origin
Agro Sarnese-Nocerino, Italy
Acidity
low

About

Genuine San Marzano DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) tomatoes are grown in the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino region between Naples and Salerno, where volcanic soil from Mt. Vesuvius gives them low acidity, deep red color, and a balanced sugar-to-acid ratio that needs almost no doctoring. Look for the DOP seal and "Pomodoro S. Marzano dell'Agro Sarnese-Nocerino DOP" on the label — many "San Marzano" cans grown elsewhere are pomodoro lungo varietals using the name. Crush by hand or pass once through a food mill; never blend (oxidation produces a paler, foamy sauce).

Substitutes

Recipes that use San Marzano DOP