On the left you will see a Roma tomato, a tomato that is commonly grown in the United States. On the right you will find the San Marzano tomato, one that is rich in flavor, low in acidity, and absolutely delicious.
Why? San Marzano tomatoes are different in shape, have a thicker flesh and fewer seeds. Authentic San Marzano tomatoes are marked as D.O.P. (Denominazione d'Origine Protetta, translation "protected designation of origin") which guarantees they can only be found in the San Marzano region in Italy. This means they are grown in the volcanic soil around the Vesuvius and naturally have low acidity and a rich flavor.
"Ask any chef what the best tomatoes for sauce are, and you’ll hear a unified chorus: San Marzano— a tomato so distinctive and high quality that it is the only variety that can be used for true Neapolitan pizza." - The Nibble.com, The Magazine about Specialty Foods.
