Originally from the small town of San Marzano sul Sarno in Italy, these tomatoes are prized for their balanced taste and dense flesh, which makes them ideal for sauces, particularly traditional Italian dishes like marinara and pizza sauce. They have fewer seeds and less water than typical tomatoes, allowing for a thicker, more flavorful sauce without excess liquid. San Marzano tomatoes are typically elongated, with a deep red color and slightly pointed ends.