San Marzano tomatoes DOP are a variety of plum tomato that is grown in a region in Italy near Naples. These tomatoes are known as the “crown jewel” of European tomatoes for their delicious flavor.
What are San Marzano tomatoes DOP?
I received canned San Marzano tomatoes from I love San Marzano DOP for culinary and informational purposes only. This is not a sponsored post and all opinions are my own.
San Marzano tomatoes are not a brand, but rather they are a variety of plum tomato.
San Marzanos are thinner and longer than the typical plum tomato. They are bright red in color with a firm pulp.
These tomatoes have a fresh, intense flavor and aroma, making them stand above all the rest. Their sweet tomato flavor combines with the perfect amount of acidity making them known for having the perfect balance of flavor.
Sometimes called red gold, or the king of tomatoes, they are primarily known as San Marzano dell’Agro Sarnese-Nocerino DOP.
San Marzano tomatoes DOP are canned tomatoes that have been peeled, making them ideal for sauce recipes.
These tomatoes are 100% USDA certified organic, all-natural, preservative-free, low in sodium, and have less seeds than the typical plum tomato.
You can make a delicious pizza sauce with San Marzano tomatoes as well as a variety of sauces for pasta.
What does DOP mean
I’m sure you are wondering what does DOP stand for? DOP is the Italian abbreviation for Protected Designation of Origin.
This designation means that these tomatoes have been grown in a region in Italy between Naples and Salerno.
DOP standards
DOP standards have to be met for these tomatoes to get this designation.
When tomatoes receive this designation you are guaranteed that they are produced, processed and packaged in a specified geographical area.
The tomatoes also have been prepared according to established tradition.
Every step along the way, including production and packaging, is regulated.
Some of the regulations that are required for a DOP designation include:
- Where the tomatoes can be grown
- How the tomatoes are grown
- Where the tomatoes can be grown in Italy
- What size, color and shape the tomatoes must be when they are harvested
- The tomatoes must be harvested by hand
- The tomatoes must be peeled when packed
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San Marzano tomatoes DOP
Some DOP tomatoes that you will find in the US in grocery stores, Italian specialty stores, and also available on amazon, include:
San Marzano tomatoes recipes
- San Marzano tomato sauce recipe
- Tuscan Bread and Tomato Soup
- Best Ever Meat Sauce
- Spaghetti with Homemade Tomato Sauce
Where are San Marzano tomatoes grown?
San Marzano tomatoes are grown in 41 towns that are located within the volcanic rich area of Agro Sarnese-Nocerino near Naples, Italy. These areas are the rich volcanic soil plains of Mount Vesuvius.
The volcanic soil plains of Mount Vesuvius are known throughout the world as The Italian Tomato Heartland.
How can you tell if your canned tomatoes are San Marzano tomatoes DOP?
Look on the back of the label to find a DOP seal along with a Consorzio San Marzano certification number.
These two things must both be on the can for the tomatoes to be authentic DOP San Marzano tomatoes.
Growing San Marzano tomatoes
San Marzano tomato plants can be grown from seed here in the United States but they will never be given the DOP designation because of where and how they are being grown.
They may be grown from San Marzano seeds but they will not have the distinctive flavor, texture and balance as the tomatoes grown in the specified region in Italy.
Final thoughts
There's nothing quite as flavorful as San Marzano tomatoes DOP. The tradition in which they are grown and harvested, and the volcanic soil in which they are cultivated, all combine to make San Marzano tomatoes DOP amazingly delicious and sought after.
Sweeter, less acidic, with a meatier pulp and less seeds than the average plum tomato, their flavor speaks for itself making San Marzano tomatoes the King of Canned Tomatoes!
Learn more about San Marzano tomatoes on the I Love San Marzano website. #ILoveSanMarzanoDOP
Be sure to visit the Swirls of Flavor Amazon Storefront for GG's personal kitchen recommendations!
The very best kind of tomatoes for my favourite pasta and pizza sauces!
A must have when making a quick marinara. Nothing beats the flavour!
I learned so much from this! It was like you were reading my mind and answering my questions as I read along! Now I need to buy some of these coveted tomatoes!
Thank you so much for this info!! Really great to know!
I love cooking with San Marzano tomatoes and learned so much from this post. Thank you!
I will be honest - I did not know what these tomatoes were are first! I have never cooked with them before. I will have to keep my eye out for these tomatoes now.