Best Tomato Varieties for Neapolitan Pizza Sauce
In this short article we’ll explore the best tomato varieties for Neapolitan pizza sauce. Sauce is, in fact, one of the key building blocks for making a true Neapolitan pizza.
Tomato sauce is one of the essential elements that gives Neapolitan pizza its distinctive, authentic flavor. In the Neapolitan culinary tradition, choosing the right tomatoes is crucial to achieving an outstanding result.
Below are the best tomato varieties commonly used to make Neapolitan pizza sauce, along with the main characteristics of each and how they contribute to the sauce’s flavor and texture.
San Marzano Tomatoes
San Marzano tomatoes are considered the gold standard for Neapolitan pizza sauce. Native to the area around Mount Vesuvius, they’re prized for their dense flesh, sweet taste, and balanced acidity. Their elongated shape and low seed content make them ideal for sauce, delivering a smooth texture and an intense, clean tomato flavor.
Piennolo del Vesuvio Tomatoes
Piennolo del Vesuvio tomatoes are another iconic Campanian variety, particularly suited to Neapolitan pizza sauce. They have a firm yet juicy flesh and are grown on the slopes of Vesuvius, benefiting from the territory’s unique climate. Their natural sweetness and well-balanced acidity make them a favorite among traditional-minded pizzaioli.
Datterini Tomatoes
Datterini tomatoes are loved for their pronounced sweetness and concentrated flavor. With their small, elongated shape and meaty texture, they’re excellent for creating a rich, flavorful sauce. Datterini add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the other classic pizza ingredients.
Roma Tomatoes
Roma tomatoes (also known as Italian plum or paste tomatoes) are a popular choice for Neapolitan-style pizza sauce. They feature thick flesh and few seeds, making it easy to obtain a sauce that’s creamy and consistent. Roma tomatoes are appreciated for their deep flavor and balanced acidity, which gives the sauce extra dimension.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are small, sweet, and juicy, and they bring a fresh, vibrant note to pizza sauce. Their size makes them easy to cut and incorporate, while their lively, fruity taste adds a burst of flavor. They’re especially valued for their versatility and how well they adapt to many different recipes.
Final Notes on Neapolitan Pizza Sauce
Choosing the right tomatoes is essential when making Neapolitan pizza sauce. The varieties listed above offer several excellent options, each with unique qualities that influence the sauce’s flavor and texture. Selecting high-quality, seasonal tomatoes is key to creating a delicious, authentic sauce—one that elevates Neapolitan pizza to a higher level of taste and tradition.