A small region near Naples in the Sarnese-Nocerino countryside, San Marzano is considered one of the best tomato growing regions in the world. With an ideal Mediterranean climate, temperature, and surrounded by the fertile volcanic-land of Mt. Vesuvius, this area is supreme for producing these cherished fruits. So prized are these red jewels that in 1996, the European Union denoted the tomatoes with a DOP (Protected Denomination of Origin)
Legend has it that the first seed of the San Marzano tomato came to Campania in the 16 Century as a gift from the Kingdom of Peru to the Kingdom of Naples, and later it was planted in the area that corresponds to the present commune of San Marzano.
The low acidity of the tomatoes results in a taste that is pure, rich and so tasty there is no need to add additional sugar to homemade tomato sauce. The tomatoes also have the characteristic elongated "plum" shape, firm flesh with a low seed count. The skin is an intense bright red color and peels off easily. It is fragrant and fleshy, rich in flavor and nutrients.
The harvest of the San Marzano usually begins in August and continues until the end of September.
|
