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Tomato: the heart of Italian flavor

The soul of every true Italian dish

Juicy, rich, and full of Mediterranean sunshine, the Italian tomato is the secret behind pasta sauces, pizzas, and timeless recipes loved around the world. Discover how this simple ingredient turns every meal into a taste of Italy.

The Italian Tomato Stories

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From Sun to Sauce: The Story of the Italian Tomato

Discover how the Italian tomato became the heart of Italian cooking — from its origins to today’s most loved dishes.

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Five Italian Dishes Where the Tomato Shines

Explore the top five Italian dishes that showcase the tomato — simple, authentic, and full of Mediterranean flavor.

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Modern Italy: How Italians Use the Tomato Today

See how Italians reinvent the tomato today — fresh, creative, and full of Mediterranean flavor.

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The Italian Classics

Lasagne alla Bolognese

Pasta alla sorrentina

Meatballs with tomato sauce

Spaghetti Amatriciana (Spaghetti with guanciale and tomato)

Ragu' alla bolognese

Penne all'arrabbiata

Eggplant parmigiana

Spaghetti with tomato sauce

Pappa al pomodoro (Tuscan Tomato and Bread Soup)

Pasta with pancetta and creamy tomato sauce (pasta del maresciallo)

Polpo alla Luciana (Italian Stewed Octopus)

Calamarata pasta with swordfish ragù

Mussels in spicy tomato sauce

Swordfish Meatballs in Sauce

Tomato passata

Everyday Tomato

Tomato bruschetta

Pasta with cherry tomato sauce and stracciatella

Eggs with Tomato Sauce

Tomato Soup

Ricotta cheese fried balls with sauce

Swordfish and eggplant bites with tomato sauce

Fresh tomato sauce

Summer tomato soup (pappa al pomodoro)

Caprese Bruschetta

Cherry Tomatoes Confit

Roasted Tomato and Mozzarella Soup

Sausages in Tomato Sauce

Braised Squid in Tomato Sauce

Spicy spaghetti nests

Lentil stew

Spaghetti all'Assassina

From Pizza to Pizzaiola

Pizza Margherita

Chicken Pizzaiola

Focaccia Barese

Neapolitan pizza

Steak pizzaiola

Pizza marinara

Pizzaiola Zucchini

Thick and soft tray-baked pizza

Cauliflower alla pizzaiola

Eggs pizzaiola

Focaccia with Cherry Tomatoes and Oregano

Pasta alla pizzaiola

Italian pizzaiola meatloaf

Your Tomato Questions, Answered

QUESTION Why are Italian tomatoes so special?

Bathed in Mediterranean sun and grown in rich volcanic soil, Italian tomatoes develop deep sweetness and a perfect, natural balance of flavor.

QUESTION What makes San Marzano tomatoes unique?

Grown near Mount Vesuvius, they’re elongated, low-acid, and sweet — prized by Italian chefs for creating velvety, rich sauces.

QUESTION Are Italian tomatoes different from American ones?

Yes — Italian tomatoes are picked ripe, packed for flavor, not looks, offering sweetness and aroma that feel straight from the field.

QUESTION Why do Italians cook tomato sauce for hours?

Long cooking releases sweetness, softens acidity, and creates a deep, comforting aroma that feels like Sunday in an Italian kitchen.

QUESTION What’s the secret to perfect Italian tomato sauce?

Ripe tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and basil — no sugar, no rush. Balance and simplicity are the real Italian magic.

QUESTION Do Italians prefer fresh or canned tomatoes?

Fresh in summer, canned in winter. Italians follow the seasons, preserving sunshine in jars of homemade passata.

QUESTION What exactly is passata di pomodoro?

A smooth, strained tomato purée — the essence of ripe tomatoes captured for sauces, soups, and stews all year long.

QUESTION Are all “Italian” tomatoes really from Italy?

Not always. For authenticity, look for the DOP mark — like Pomodoro San Marzano DOP — grown only in select Italian regions.

QUESTION What’s the best way to store fresh tomatoes?

Keep them at room temperature, out of sunlight. The fridge stops ripening and dulls their natural flavor and fragrance.q

QUESTION Are tomatoes good for your health?

Absolutely! Rich in lycopene and antioxidants, especially when cooked with olive oil — healthy, tasty, and purely Italian.

Top recipes by our Brand Ambassador Cooker Girl

Pici with Cherry Tomatoes and Ricotta with Lemon Aroma

Tomato pastina

Spaghetti with Tomato and Caramelized Onions

Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Capers, Stracciatella

Baked Ziti (clean out the fridge recipe)

GialloZafferano is the #1 food&cooking media brand in Italy and ambassador of the Italian cuisine in the world. Since 2006, we have been inspiring people in cooking, by creating and sharing over 8,000 recipes for a global audience of 70 million followers.

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