San Marzano

San Marzano is the classic Italian plum tomato, originating in the volcanic soils near Naples and prized for centuries as the premier paste and canning tomato. The elongated, blocky fruit has thick walls, few seeds and a low water content that makes it ideal for rich sauces and the traditional Neapolitan pizza. Indeterminate vines produce heavy clusters of fruit over a long season. A true San Marzano is protected by DOP status when grown in its home region, but the open-pollinated variety is grown worldwide. Cooks value it for the way it cooks down to a smooth, sweet, low-acid sauce with deep tomato flavor.