Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Heirloom Tomato - San Marzano Redorta

One of the most famous heirloom tomatoes is the San Marzano.  The history of the San Marzano tomato dates back at least to 1770 when it arrived in the Campania region of Italy as a gift from the Kingdom of Peru to the Kingdom of Naples.  Similar in some respects to the Roma tomato, the Marzano is thinner and pointer in shape.  The flesh is thicker with fewer seeds.  The flavor is also sweeter and less acidic then the Roma and is preferred by many gourmet chefs for making sauce.  In fact, due to their renowned high quality and origins near Naples, San Marzano tomatoes are the only tomatoes that can be used for authentic Vera Pizza Napoletana (True Neapolitan Pizza).

Several strains exist, although there is controversy as to the authenticity and origins of some of the varieties of seeds that bear the name San Marzano. 

In 2011, San Marzano Redorta was the largest strain of San Marzano that we tried at T-Farm, and we were not disappointed.  The flavor, texture and size of the fruit is truly exceptional for pizza, sauces and more.  The quality is so remarkable, that this tomato is excellent as slices in and on cooked foods and can even been enjoyed fresh. 





The seeds can be difficult to find but they can be purchased here: http://store.tomatofest.com/San_Marzano_Redorta_p/tf-0444.htm

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