In June 2022, I had just returned from my 4th trip to Italy this time with my son, Jeff, as a birthday gift from him. Many others who have visited this beautiful country often asked the same question, “Why even the simplest dishes taste so much better in Italy than at Italian restaurants here?” Easy answer - It is because in Italy they serve real food void of preservatives and harmful chemicals which are illegal and/or banned in Italy. ( Side bar; The
FDA and the US government allows over 10,000 chemicals to be added to processed, canned as well as boxed foods. I always encourage people to read labels before you make that decision to feed such harmful additives to yourself and/or your family.)
Lets take the simplest tomato sauce which is made with the legendary San Marzano tomatoes. It is widely believed by all chefs, and not just in Italy, that the San Marzano tomatoes make the very best sauce and are the best tomatoes on earth. In fact, the Neapolitan Pizza Association mandates that only San Marzano tomatoes can be used for the sauce on a true Neapolitan pizza.
There are several factors which make southern Italy a superb place to grow these delicate fruits and earn the coveted PDO (Protected Designation Origin) mark.
· The volcanic soil rich in organic matter, phosphorus and potassium
· Climate
· Quality groundwater
· Influence of the Mediterranean
· Lack of damaging hail
But the PDO rules go far beyond designating geographic borders. To qualify they also regulate specifically several other characteristics.
· Quality of the taste and odor
· How closely the plants can be planted
· How the tomatoes must be picked by hand to protect them from damage
· What type and size of containers the tomatoes can be transported in
· What type of jars or cans they can be put into
· The only addition is salt and/or basil.
· No artificial ingredients, colors, or flavors
Although there are lots of other tomatoes grown in Italy far more than in this PDO region, all of which are hurt by San Marzano’s status. Here in the states, there are producers of canned tomatoes which try to imitate San Marzano tomatoes with Italian looking labels. Many are not grown in volcanic soil, often not from Italy and not even the same kind of tomato.
PDO designations certainly add value to products and most likely you will pay more at the market. When you first try them, you will taste a much sweeter tomato when you make your pasta or pizza sauce.
On my last trip to Italy, June 2022, I readily indulged in bruschetta; lightly toasted with a slice of San Marzano tomato, a piece of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. OMG! Simple and absolute heaven! And by the way - This Italian Diva always makes her Neapolitan pizzas with true PDO regulated San Marzano tomatoes.
As a final thought, when you come to one of my pizza workshops, you can taste for yourself and determine why San Marzano tomatoes are the best.
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