Tomato cultivation is centered in the Campania region, where the rich volcanic soil and intense Mediterranean sun provide optimal growing conditions. On July 10, 1996, the European Union granted DOP status to the San Marzano of the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino area of the region of Campania, Italy. The San Marzano has become the darling of professional chefs and home cooks around the globe because of its vibrant color and exquisite flavor—sweet, but with a characteristic bite. Moreover, the San Marzano’s firm flesh, low seed count, and skin that slips off easily makes it ideally suited to preservation by canning.
