You can't talk about tomatoes without addressing the classic debate between "fresh verses canned" tomatoes. To me, it's like comparing a summer romance to a reliable marriage. Fresh tomatoes are the passionate fling — bursting with flavor and aroma, they're the life of the party (or the salad). But like a summer fling, their peak season is fleeting.
Canned tomatoes, on the other hand, are the dependable partner. They might not have the same initial spark, but they're always there, ready to cook up a comforting meal. And who knows, maybe that long-term commitment is what unlocks their hidden depths — like the surprising concentration of lycopene, a nutrient that loves a good simmer.
Therefore, the real debate between fresh and canned tomatoes should center around flavor and nutritional value. Fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes boast superior flavor and aroma, with a burst of sweetness and juiciness that canned varieties can't always replicate. However, canned tomatoes, particularly those packed in their own juice, offer several advantages. They are often picked at peak ripeness and processed immediately, locking in nutrients and flavor. This can result in higher levels of certain antioxidants like the “lycopene” mentioned earlier, which is better absorbed from cooked tomatoes. Canned tomatoes also provide year-round availability and convenience, making them a reliable pantry staple.
So now that you have a general understanding of the differences, let’s take a deeper dive into the famous, “San Marzano” tomato. Basically, the San Marzano tomato is not just any tomato, you see. It's the tomato. San Marzano tomatoes are like the supermodels of the tomato world. They're long, slender, and have this air of sophistication about them. The one that all other tomatoes aspire to be. It's so special, in fact, that it has its own little club, complete with a secret handshake and a hefty membership fee, known as the DOP seal (Denominazione di Origine Protetta, or Protected Designation of Origin). This means, San Marzano tomatoes are a type of plum tomato that originate in the San Marzano region of Italy. They are prized for their sweet, less acidic flavor and their firm, meaty texture. They are also relatively easy to peel, which makes them a popular choice for sauces and stews.
However, the lack of regulation in the United States means that many tomatoes labeled "San Marzano style" are not actually San Marzano tomatoes at all. This can make it difficult for consumers to find the real thing, and it also means that they may not be getting the same flavor and texture that they expect.
To complicate matters even more; while Marano's (our company) uses real San Marzano tomatoes from Italy, they are not DOP certified. This is because our Italian growers, while using the same volcanic soil, abundant sunshine, and cultivating tomatoes with the same characteristics as DOP-certified producers, choose not to pay for the authorization to use the official seal. How does this affect our sauces? Simple. Since we have chosen not to pursue the “official DOP certification,” it allows us to invest those resources into what matters most: sourcing other exceptional ingredients from trusted growers, and maintaining a completely hand-made process, jar by jar. We believe this approach delivers the world's best tomatoes, and a superior final product found in every jar of Marano’s Marinara.
So, the next time you see a can of San Marzano tomatoes with the DOP seal, you'll know that you're not just buying any tomato. You're paying for a piece of Italian history, a taste of volcanic soil, and a whole lot of tomato snobbery.
CAVEAT EMPTOR, TOMATO LOVERS! The quality of canned tomatoes varies significantly between brands. Some brands offer superior flavor and texture, while others may be overly acidic or bland. It's important to look for brands that prioritize quality ingredients and minimal processing. Avoid those with added sugars, thickeners, or excessive salt. The highly-regarded brands often use Italian plum tomatoes, known for their rich flavor, and avoid unnecessary additives.
Ultimately, the ideal choice depends on your culinary needs. Fresh tomatoes reign supreme in dishes where flavor is the star, such as vibrant salads or simple sauces. Their delicate sweetness and juicy texture add a unique freshness. However, canned tomatoes shine in applications involving simmering or blending, such as hearty soups, rich stews, and complex sauces. They offer consistent flavor and a convenient option for year-round cooking. Their long shelf life ensures you'll always have a supply of high-quality tomatoes on hand. So once you've found a brand you love, take advantage of the frequent grocery sales throughout the year to keep your pantry stocked. This ensures the quality and consistency of your favorite meals.