July is the month of the tomato’s absolute triumph tomato.

 

Historical Italian Varieties and Their Regions of Origin

The San Marzano tomato is much more than just a vegetable: it is a cultural treasure.

In the fields of Campania, where volcanoes have made the soil incredibly fertile, San Marzano DOP tomatoes—considered the best sauce tomatoes in the world—ripen. These red fruits, a symbol of Italian cuisine, embody centuries of agricultural tradition and extraordinary nutritional value.

Grown exclusivelyin the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino region, in the provinces of Salerno, Naples, and Avellino, this tomato has found the ideal conditions in the volcanic soil of Vesuvius to develop its unique characteristics. Its elongated shape, fleshy pulp, few seeds, and low acidity make it perfect for sauces.

Alongside the San Marzano, Italy is home to other historic varieties: the Pachino Tomato PGI, small and full of flavor, perfect for salads; the Cuore di Bue, with its distinctive shape and firm flesh, ideal for stuffing; and the Fiaschetto di Torre Guaceto tomato, an ancient Apulian variety with a sweet and aromatic flavor.

 

Protection of Traditional Varieties

Globalization and agricultural industrialization are putting many local varieties at risk. Our producers actively participate in biodiversity conservation projects, preserving seeds of heirloom varieties and experimenting with sustainable farming techniques.
This focus on biodiversity is not only an ethical choice but also an economic one: traditional varieties, perfectly adapted to the local environment, are more resistant to disease and produce higher-quality fruit.

Lycopene and Its Health Benefits

Tomatoes are one of the richest sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives them their characteristic red color.

Lycopene has been shown to have cancer-protective properties, particularly against prostate cancer, and supports cardiovascular health. Interestingly, lycopene is more easily absorbed by the body when tomatoes are cooked, making tomato sauce a true functional food.

Tomatoes are also rich in vitamin C, potassium, and folate. They also contain naringenin, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties, and lycopene, which protects the skin from UV damage. Regular consumption of fresh, high-quality tomatoes contributes significantly to overall well-being.

Healthy Recipe: San Marzano Tomato Gazpacho

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1 kg of ripe San Marzano tomatoes
• 1 cucumber
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 small red onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Preparation:

1. Wash and roughly chop all the vegetables
2. Blend the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and garlic together
3. Add oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper
4. Pass the mixture through a sieve to remove the seeds
5. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours
6. Serve cold, garnished with fresh basil and a drizzle of oil

Nutritional Benefits:

Gazpacho preserves all the nutritional properties of raw tomatoes. Although lycopene is less bioavailable than when tomatoes are cooked, this is offset by vitamin C, which facilitates its absorption. Cucumber hydrates, bell pepper provides vitamin A, and extra virgin olive oil contributes healthy fats. A cold soup that replenishes the minerals lost during the summer heat.

July tomatoes are the essence of an Italian summer.

Every piece of fruit and every vegetable we bring to your tables tells the story of a bountiful land and an agricultural tradition that we have a duty to preserve and pass on.