Various Brands of San Marzano Tomatoes

[prio girl]

I would like to hear CH's opinions on canned San Marzano tomatoes.
1) Costco carries the brand Nina and the label says San Marzano - are they true San Marzano tomatoes or 'San Marzano style'?
2) My other question is with regard to the Cento brand. I believe they are true San Marzano tomatoes...am I correct?
I notice one big difference between Cento canned tomatoes and the other brands (like Nina) that I've tried: The Cento tomatoes are of a softer consistency and packed in a thick sauce. I think they are nicer to cook with and make a very good sauce.
3) Many other brands have tomatoes of a harder texture and are packed in liquid.
What are your opinions are what brands do you prefer to use?
Grazie!

[Ruthie789]

I use Vitelli brand tomatoes, they were difficult to find for awhile but they are back.

[biondanonima]

I love the Nina brand tomatoes from Costco - they come in a nice thick puree, and are soft enough to crush easily by hand. As far as I know, they're the real deal.

[GH1618]

I'm using Simpson Imports San Marzanos, mostly.

http://www.farawayfoods.com/sanmarzan...

These are not imported — the tomatoes are grown in California. They are the same cultivar grown in San Marzano. I buy them because they are domestic and because I like the result, not because they are inexpensive (they're not, where I get them). I just don't see any good reason to bring tomatoes from Europe to North America.

For certain recipes, I use Strianese D.O.P. San Marzanos, because that's a brand consistently available and because I like the result. These have a thicker purée than the others, and are available in a small can.

[pine time]

If you want truly San Marzano-grown tomatoes, look for the DOP appellation. Many, even imported, S.M.'s aren't grown in San Marzano.

That said, I grew my own S.M. one year, and didn't think they were great...maybe it really is the terroir thing!

[PesachBenSchlomo]

Cento packs San Marzano tomatoes *and* other tomatoes. They label the San Marzano ones but the cans are the same color, so read the label. Just sayin'.

[prio girl]

Yes, the Cento ones I'm referring to are clearly labeled San Marzano.

[Veggo]

I just checked the 35 oz. can of Cento Italian tomatoes in my pantry. No mention of San Marzano. Grrrr.....

[prio girl]

Now that I'm checking more carefully, I realize there are some Cento labelled "Italian style" and some are labelled "San Marzano."