San Marzano tomatoes are grown in Italy’s Campania area. Chefs and home cooks alike prize these unusual, long cylindrical tomatoes for their rich taste.
They are available fresh or tinned at grocery shops, marketplaces, and even online. They do, however, often come at a cost in terms of price.
But what if you’re making a recipe that specifically calls for San Marzano tomatoes? What other options are there? If any?
As an alternative for the San Marzano type, many other tomatoes enjoy the deep depths of taste. But, in general, you should stick to other canned plum tomato kinds. Most plum tomatoes have similar flavors and textures.
Contents
- 1. Roma Tomatoes
- 2. Ropreco Paste
- 3. Amish Paste
- 4. Big Mama
- 5. Plum Tomatoes
- FAQs
- Which canned tomatoes are actually San Marzano?
- Are Roma tomatoes the same as San Marzano?
- Are crushed tomatoes the same as San Marzano tomatoes?
- What makes San Marzano tomatoes different?
- Can you buy real San Marzano tomatoes in the US?
- Can you get San Marzano tomatoes in the US?
- What is so special about San Marzano tomatoes?
- What tomatoes are best for marinara sauce?
- What is the best tomato variety for pizza sauce?
- Why do chefs use San Marzano tomatoes?
1. Roma Tomatoes
The Roma is our top choice for a top substitute for San Marzano. Roma tomatoes, like plum tomatoes, have a deep meaty taste. This tomato has few seeds and is ideal for use in sauces and other creamy meals. They are available in supermarkets, and they are frequently better bought canned.
2. Ropreco Paste
Don’t be duped. We are not advocating that you replace tomato paste. But, Ropreco Paste is a plum tomato that makes an excellent substitute for San Marzano. Since these tomatoes are often available fresh and taste better than Roma tomatoes, they are our option for a whole tomato alternative.
3. Amish Paste
It’s impossible to establish if this enormous tomato has anything to do with Amish people. So, what do you think? For the last several years, this tomato has emerged as a rising star in the world of paste tomatoes. If you can obtain these tomatoes, either fresh or tinned, you should use them instead of San Marzano.
4. Big Mama
Big Mama tomatoes provide some of the most delectable thick and creamy sauces for anything from a simple passata to a hearty bolognese. Moreover, since they peel so readily when par-boiled, these tomatoes are an excellent substitute for San Marzano, whether canned or whole. They may be found in many quality store-bought plum tomatoes, but check the label first.
5. Plum Tomatoes
Although knowing some of the finest tomato types to replace for San Marzano tomatoes is useful, there are occasions when you simply do not have the choice to choose these kinds.
In such instances, look in the cabinets or pantry for plum tomatoes. You may check the label to see what kind of tomatoes are used, and you might be surprised. If not, they may be used as a replacement in any recipe and will have the same texture.
The sweetness and richness of the sauce distinguishes premium plum tomatoes from common plum tomatoes. As a result, you may always add a little of sugar or salt as required. To add richness, blend non-premium plum tomatoes with a little tomato puree.
FAQs
Which canned tomatoes are actually San Marzano?
You believe you have San Marzano tomatoes in the pantry. If you pull it out, you’ll know right away whether they’re genuine. DOP canned tomatoes are distinguished by a certification on the side of the can (seen above), certifying that they are native to San Marzano (1). San Marzano tomatoes are unpeeled whole tomatoes.
Are Roma tomatoes the same as San Marzano?
San Marzano tomatoes are slimmer and more pointed than Roma tomatoes. The flesh is thicker and contains fewer seeds, and the flavor is richer, sweeter, and less acidic.
Are crushed tomatoes the same as San Marzano tomatoes?
Crushed tomatoes are made by combining diced tomatoes with tomato puree or paste. Stewed tomatoes are simmered and canned, frequently with additional spices and sugar. San Marzano tomatoes are an Italian type that are very delicious and ideal in sauces.
What makes San Marzano tomatoes different?
Agro Sarnese Nocerino, located between Naples and Salerno, grows San Marzano tomatoes. They are protected by the San Marzano DOP, which guarantees they have the typical fleshy texture and brilliant red color. For added richness, these tomatoes are canned in a velvety passata.
Can you buy real San Marzano tomatoes in the US?
Most big supermarket shops will carry San Marzano or Italian style tomatoes, but few seem to have genuine ones. Your best chance is to hunt for an Italian grocery shop or a supermarket with a broad assortment of Italian cuisine in your neighborhood.
Can you get San Marzano tomatoes in the US?
San Marzano tomatoes are not found in all canned tomatoes from Italy, and to add to the confusion, San Marzano tomatoes grow outside of Italy as well. In reality, they are currently cultivated in the United States, and their seeds are readily accessible, so you could plant San Marzano tomatoes in your own.
What is so special about San Marzano tomatoes?
DOP San Marzano tomatoes feature thick, sturdy walls, fewer seed pockets and seeds, less moisture content, and a stronger taste. They are also less acidic and so more balanced than other types of tomatoes.
What tomatoes are best for marinara sauce?
While any tomato might be used, Roma and other paste tomatoes—those with a meaty texture and few to no seeds—are thought to have the finest taste when boiled down into a wonderful sauce.
What is the best tomato variety for pizza sauce?
The Greatest Pizza Tomatoes
Italian Plum tomatoes are fantastic for preparing a delicious pizza sauce. Indeed, San Marzano tomatoes are considered to be the greatest tomatoes for pizza sauce. Grown in the San Marzano area of Italy on slopes with Mt. Vesuvius soil.
Why do chefs use San Marzano tomatoes?
San Marzano tomatoes have a thicker tomato wall, fewer seeds, and lower acidity than other tomatoes, making them perfect for genuine Italian cooking.