For generations past, Carmelina San Marzano Tomatoes have been a family affair and will continue in the traditional Italian way for generations to come. In order for the tomato to be considered San Marzano DOP it must of San Marzano the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino region identified on the map. This valley off the slopes of Vesuvius is blessed with excellent soil rich in nutrients the San Marzano tomatoes need to develop and plenty of sunshine. The climate here is dominated by the nearby Mediterranean Sea. Its proximity moderates the hot summers the region is known for, thus creating an ideal tomato-growing environment.

For a visual comparison of common Italian tomato varieties see some examples above. The San Marzano tomato was created in the region during the early 1900's from a cross between three tomato varieties already being grown: the King Umberto, Fiaschella, and the Fiascona varieties of tomato. An elongated shape, fewer seeds, and a pulp with excellent sweet flavor are traits imparted on the San Marzano tomato. Since its creation, the San Marzano tomato has been hybridized with traits like disease resistance and more even ripening while still retaining the original traits that make the San Marzano tomato so unique. With its high quality and use primarily for preserves, the San Marzano tomato has become big business in this region for growers and packers alike.

With the San Marzano tomato becoming very important to the local economy, the Italian growers have formed the Consorzio San Marzano to oversee the production and marketing of this tomato variety. Thus, the San Marzano tomato has been given DOP status by the European Union. The main argument for doing this is to protect the San Marzano tomato product from others using this name with different products. . Factories in the San Marzano region which market their products as DOP San Marzano must pay the Consorzio San Marzano to use 2 stamps on their labels; the EU's DOP stamp and the Corsorzio San Marzano stamp. These fees then contribute to the continued operation of the Consortium. At Carmelina's production facilities in the San Marzano region, they have decided to produce Carmelina's San Marzano Tomatoes without the DOP or Consorzio San Marzano stamp because the Carmelina family know the quality of the brand can compete with any DOP product. They can pass on the savings to our customers who are focused on the quality of the tomato in the can, rather than a stamp on the label.

Compare Carmelina's San Marzano Tomatoes with any DOP product and you may find yourself unable to justify the extra expense of a stamp on the label.

Varieties Sold Separately.