About San Marzano Tomatoes
Tomatoes have been identified with Neapolitan cuisine since the 18th century. The traditional growing area is the region between Nocera and Sarno, where it is said that the volcanic soil, hot summers, and rich earth are optimal for growing tomatoes. The traditional variety from this region, while flavorful, was also fragile and difficult to process for canning. Over the years tomato canners turned to other hybrid varieties grown in other areas for their processing needs (while still calling them “San Marzano” on the label).
In response to demand for a return to the traditional San Marzano tomato, the Italian government granted a D.O.P. (protected denomination of origin) to the authentic San Marzano. This ruling requires that it be grown in the traditional way (vertical plants with fruit off the ground, harvested by hand), and in the traditional Sarnese-Nocerino area. The yield per acre is regulated, as are other aspects of cultivation. As for canning, the tomatoes themselves, as well as the juice they are packed in, must be of the designated variety.
A consortium of manufacturers in the region was granted the responsibility of safeguarding these controls. The authentic San Marzano D.O.P. must have:
- The correct name, that is: San Marzano Tomatoes of the Sarnese-Nocerino area D.O.P
- The three seals of authenticity printed on the side panel
- An individual number stamped on the side of the label
It is against Italian labeling law to use the words “San Marzano” on the label in any form other than the system outlined above. Some companies continue to do so anyway. Pastene, as the oldest Italian tomato importing company in America, pledges to you, our customers, that we will continue to offer the genuine article, produced and labeled in the approved manner. It’s really very simple: if you want to experience the rich flavor of the traditional San Marzano tomato, make sure that it has the name “Pastene” on the front label.
