Unarguably, tomatoes are one of the healthiest food ingredients. While we consider them fruits, nutritionists refer to them as a vegetable. So tomatoes are both fruit and vegetable.
And because of its high nutritional value, it has become a dietary staple for all and sundry.
And although there are over one thousand varieties of tomatoes out there, a few have outstanding features. One of them is the San Marzano tomatoes.
The San Marzano tomatoes have commendable characteristics that are mind-blowing. San Marzano tomatoes are popular because of their rich flavor, tender texture, and mild acidity.
They are available in seeds and cans. However, these tomatoes seem to be rare because they are grown in a particular region. If you are asking why are San Marzano tomatoes the best, then read on!
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What are San Marzano tomatoes?
Botanically called Solanum Lycopersicum, San Marzano tomatoes are popular tomatoes that belong to the nightshade family.
San Marzano tomatoes are relatively oval-shaped, small tomatoes that have thick flesh and a few seeds. The tomatoes have less acidity content compared to the other tomatoes. These characteristics make them a must-have in Italian cuisines.
San Marzano tomatoes were named after the town San Marzano sul Sarno. it is located in the southern part of Italy; the Campania region. Little wonder these tomatoes are not always available in seeds.
The tomatoes thrive in this area because of the fertility of the volcanic soil.
Read: Datterini Tomatoes Substitute
Characteristics of San Marzano tomatoes
San Marzano tomatoes are excellent sources of vitamin A and C, fiber, potassium, folate, and other minerals.
Just like Roma tomatoes, San Marzano tomatoes are a type of plum tomatoes, however, they have different shapes compared to Roma tomatoes.
Yet they have other similar characteristics; firm flesh, few seeds, less water content, less acidity content, and heightened sweet flavor compared to other tomatoes.
San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for canning. So whether you settle for the seeds or the can, you still stand to reap the benefits that come with it. So, are San Marzano tomatoes the best? Let’s find out!
Are San Marzano tomatoes the best? Many people consider Marzano tomatoes the best because of their irreplaceable characteristics. So yes, San Marzano tomatoes are the best tomatoes.
Why are San Marzano tomatoes the best?
San Marzano is grown in one particular region; they are filled with nutrients while oozing with flavor. And although there are other varieties of tomatoes that would sometimes grow alongside San Marzano, they cannot be as sweet or as nutritious as San Marzano.
They are also known as pomodori pelati, meaning peeled tomatoes. And since it is mostly produced and processed in a particular region, the EU has rewarded San Marzano tomatoes a DOP.
These tomatoes are great when you use them in recipes, whether you use the seeds or the can. Use them to make tomato sauce to get the best out of the tomatoes. Because the less water content gives the tomato sauce a thick texture.
San Marzano tomatoes offer more nutritional value than most tomatoes.
Read: Do You Need To Refrigerate Tomato Sauce After Opening?
What can you cook with San Marzano tomatoes?
Apart from tomato sauce, you can make a handful of recipes with San Marzano tomatoes.
- You can use these tomatoes to make mouth-watery pasta. You can make some sauce to relish your pizza. Some mozzarella would sit fine for Margherita pizza.
- The flavor of San Marzano tomatoes makes them a great fit for Spanish kinds of seafood.
- Since most tomatoes are good for salads, San Marzano would do better if you add them to your bowl of salad; their sweet taste would reward your efforts.
- You’ll most likely enjoy your San Marzano tomatoes if you merge them with herbs; parsley, oregano, and basil. These ingredients enhance the taste of the food they find themselves in.
- They can be great if you intend to make some stewed tomatoes and soups.
- They are good for tomato juice too!
- You can add them to your sandwiches, bruschetta.
- Roast them too to get a different and satisfying taste.
Now, with all the characteristics and benefits of having San Marzano tomatoes, many people do not think highly of these tomatoes, hence the usage is relatively low in most regions. Let’s learn why?
Why many people do not use San Marzano tomatoes?
There are so many that could contribute to San Marzano tomatoes not gaining popularity in most regions.
1. Availability
So since San Marzano tomatoes are only grown in Italy after all, they have the most fertile soil to grow the tomatoes. They are not available in other regions.
The tomatoes are mostly available to only the regions that produce them. So, other regions that house these tomatoes in their grocery stores are most likely to run out of the tomatoes.
2. Expensive
The low availability of San Marzano tomatoes has hugely affected the price of the tomatoes compared to other tomatoes. So, in most cases, you would get the San Marzano tomatoes triple the amount compared to the amount of other tomatoes.
3. Limited options:
San Marzano tomatoes are great for canning, and most regions are only limited to can. Now, this would disturb any person who enjoys tomato seeds. Although the tomato paste is flavorful too, most people would prefer San Marzano tomato seeds.
4. Although Italy is the region certified to produce San Marzano tomatoes, most regions, like the United States grow San Marzano tomatoes.
And compared to the tomatoes grown in Italy, other San Marzano tomatoes would not be as sweet and nourishing as the original San Marzano tomatoes. So, it is possible to pay quite an enormous amount and still not get the original tomatoes.
So, these are the major reasons many people do not find comfort in San Marzano tomatoes. However, this does not affect the fact that they are the best tomatoes.
Read: How Long Do Sun-Dried Tomatoes Last Once Opened?
How long do San Marzano tomatoes last?
Well, like every other tomato, fresh San Marzano tomatoes can last from 2 to 3 days depending on the condition of the tomatoes. Although it might last longer since it has firmer flesh. It would last longer in the fridge.
And for the canned tomatoes, they can last for 2 to 3 years unless you get to open them. You should store them in the fridge and away from the reactive container.
Use a glass jar to store the tomato in the fridge so the tomato is not altered. you might want to learn How Long Will Homemade Tomato Sauce Last in The Fridge?
Conclusion
In this guide, we discussed why are San Marzano tomatoes the best? San Marzano tomatoes are great tomatoes that are rich in nutrients and sweet. They would reward your efforts when you use them in your recipe.
There are so many things you can make with San Marzano tomatoes; you can use the seeds or the can. And although the tomatoes are mostly available in cans, they still have significant benefits.
Irrespective of the availability and price, San Marzano tomatoes are great tomatoes that would outshine other tomatoes in several cases.