Many believe that San Marzano tomatoes are the best-canned tomatoes in the world. They even refer to San Marzanos as the crème de la crème – the standard we use to judge other tomatoes. Back then, it was not easy to lay your hands on them; these days, you can find some varieties on most supermarket shelves.

Both chefs, home cooks, and culinary enthusiasts around the world know these Italian tomatoes for their sweet taste and subtle acidity that matches perfectly with cheese and rich meats. But is the San Marzano tomato worth the hype? The name “San Marzano” refers to a particular kind of tomato in a specific area in Italy.