San Marzano tomatoes

San Marzano tomatoes are an elongated and meaty tomato variety, highly valued in traditional Italian cuisine, especially in the Campania region near Naples. Originating from the small town of San Marzano sul Sarno, these tomatoes are cultivated in mineral-rich volcanic soil, which contributes to their sweet flavor, low acidity, and dense pulp with few seeds.

They are ideal ingredients for sauces due to their firm texture and intense flavor, being the classic base for the famous Neapolitan sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are also used in pizzas, stews, and other Mediterranean dishes that require a high-quality tomato.

Their notable properties include a high lycopene content, a natural antioxidant that helps protect the body against certain diseases. They are also a good source of vitamins A, C, and B complex, contributing to a healthy diet.

In the context of Latin America, San Marzano tomatoes can be found under names such as "Italian tomato" or simply "sauce tomato", although their most recognized name is usually maintained due to their origin and prestige. In some regions, they are also called "San Marzano jitomate" when the term jitomate is used to refer to red tomatoes.