What Makes San Marzano Tomatoes Special and Are They Worth the Hype?

You might think all canned tomatoes are the same, but that's not quite the case. Some recipes specifically call for San Marzano tomatoes, which are cherished in Italian cuisine for their sweet, intense flavor. These tomatoes pack more punch compared to other varieties.

What Exactly Is a San Marzano Tomato?

San Marzano tomatoes are longer and thinner than typical plum tomatoes. They have a smooth skin and meaty flesh, with less watery pulp in the center, resulting in a richer, more flavorful tomato. Think of it as getting more tomato goodness in every bite.

Just as Champagne can only come from the Champagne region of France, authentic San Marzanos are only grown, processed, and canned in a specific area of Italy. While growers in places like California may cultivate tomatoes from the same seeds, they don't quite match the true Italian variety.

True San Marzano tomatoes come with a DOP label, which stands for 'protected designation of origin.' This designation ensures that only tomatoes grown and processed in specific areas of Italy can bear the name. Much like Parmigiano Reggiano, this legal protection dictates where and how these tomatoes are cultivated and canned. These strict rules mean that authentic San Marzanos often come with a hefty price tag compared to other canned varieties.

So, Are They Really That Much Better?

In a word — yes, they really are. For dishes like slow-simmered sauces or pizza where tomatoes are the key ingredient, the quality of the tomato matters. And there’s simply no match for the rich flavor of a genuine San Marzano.

San Marzanos grown in the U.S. may use the same seeds, but the taste is influenced by many factors beyond the variety. Italians will argue that it’s the unique soil, the coastal winds, and the sun of southern Italy that give DOP San Marzanos their unparalleled flavor. Whether those factors actually make the difference, there’s no denying that tasting an authentic San Marzano is a memorable experience. However, in dishes where tomatoes play a secondary role, like goulash, the subtlety of a top-tier tomato might not matter as much.

The bottom line: Yes, San Marzanos are exceptional and incredibly tasty, but they’re only worth the extra cost if the tomatoes are the star of the dish.

Counterfeit Canned Tomatoes

Since authentic Italian San Marzanos can command a premium price, it’s no surprise that some producers try to capitalize on that reputation. San Marzano seeds are widely available, which leads some domestic producers to label their cans with the coveted name, even if the tomatoes were grown in the same greenhouses as regular plum tomatoes. Without knowledge of the DOP (protected designation of origin), consumers often end up purchasing these impostor cans, thinking they’re getting the real thing. While it’s not illegal to use the San Marzano label, it’s certainly misleading to deceive customers into believing they’re buying true DOP San Marzanos.

To spot a fake, always check for the DOP seal on the label. This distinctive red and yellow sunburst seal is typically located beside the main label. Be wary of labels that say 'San Marzano style' or 'Italian-style,' as these are clear indicators you’re not getting genuine San Marzanos. Some cans may even say 'grown in the USA,' signaling that the tomatoes were cultivated domestically. To ensure authenticity, carefully read the label and look for 'DOP' or a clear reference to tomatoes grown in the San Marzano region of Italy.