Canned tomatoes on display in store shelves.

The Quickest Way To Tell If San Marzano Tomatoes Are The Real Deal

NEWS

By HILARY WHEELAN REMLEY

Peeled tomatoes in a wooden bowl.
As per Taste in 2011, the president of Consorzio San Marzano, the organization certifying the tomatoes, estimated that up to 95% of San Marzano tomatoes in the U.S. are counterfeit.
An open can of tomatoes with a spoon.
Therefore, it’s crucial to learn how to differentiate between genuine and fake San Marzano tomatoes. Firstly, make sure your tomatoes are canned and packaged whole.
Whole peeled tomatoes in bowl.
San Marzano tomatoes are not sold diced, with skin on, or uncanned. Also, ensure that your can has a DOP label and a Consorzio San Marzano certification number on the bottom.
A jar of San Marzano tomatoes with DOP labelling.
The DOP label, which is short for Denominazione d'Origine Protetta, or Protected Designation of Origin, is the only marker of legitimate San Marzano tomatoes.
A partially open can of tomatoes.
However, there is no regulation of DOP labeling in the United States, meaning some companies may add a false DOP label to their cans after the products are imported to the U.S.
Two cans of Cento San Marzano tomatoes on a wooden surface.
Ensuring your tomato can has a DOP label, a Consorzio San Marzano seal, as well as a Consorzio certification number on the bottom is the closest you can get to a solid bet.