San Marzano Redorta is a plum-type tomato variety, originating from Italy and named after the Pizzo Redorta mountain in Bergamo. It is known as a superior paste tomato, valued for its quality and robust flavor. This cultivar offers characteristics desirable for various culinary uses.
Understanding San Marzano Redorta
San Marzano Redorta distinguishes itself from other tomato varieties, including its common San Marzano relatives. Its fruits are large, weighing around 8 to 10 ounces and measuring approximately 4 inches in length. These tomatoes have an elongated plum shape with thick, meaty walls and a low seed count, making them ideal for processing.
It offers a rich, balanced flavor profile combining sweetness with a pleasant tang. This variety also exhibits good disease resistance. While traditional San Marzano tomatoes are renowned for sauces, the Redorta type is larger and more flavorful, suitable for eating fresh or for cooking.
Growing San Marzano Redorta
Cultivating San Marzano Redorta tomatoes requires specific environmental conditions and care. These plants thrive in warm climates, needing consistent warmth and ample sunlight for abundant yields.
Site and Soil Preparation
San Marzano Redorta tomatoes require a location with full sun, a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit production. The soil should be well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter. An optimal soil pH range is slightly acidic, between 6.0 and 6.8. Incorporating compost, aged manure, or other organic amendments before planting will improve soil texture and fertility.
Planting and Support
Planting should occur after all danger of frost has passed, when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F (16°C). If starting from seed, sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. When transplanting, space plants 2 to 3 feet (24-36 inches) apart for adequate growth and air circulation. As an indeterminate variety, San Marzano Redorta plants exhibit vigorous vining growth, reaching heights of 6 to 8 feet. Providing sturdy support like stakes, cages, or trellises from an early stage is important to manage their height and support the heavy fruit load.
Watering and Fertilizing
Consistent watering is important for San Marzano Redorta, particularly once plants begin flowering and setting fruit. Provide 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Drip irrigation is recommended as it delivers water directly to the roots while keeping foliage dry, which helps prevent diseases. Watering in the early morning or late afternoon is also beneficial to allow leaves to dry before nightfall.
Tomatoes are heavy feeders, and San Marzano Redorta benefits from regular fertilization. Initially, apply a balanced fertilizer, transitioning to one higher in phosphorus and potassium once blooming begins to support fruit development. Organic options like fish emulsion or seaweed extract can be applied monthly or every other week at half strength. Adding small amounts of organic fertilizer weekly enhances plant growth and productivity.
Pest and Disease Management
San Marzano Redorta tomatoes are noted for their inherent disease resistance. However, preventative measures benefit overall plant health. Ensuring good air circulation through proper plant spacing and strategic pruning deters fungal issues. Crop rotation, where tomatoes are not planted in the same spot year after year, also helps prevent the build-up of soil-borne pathogens. Consistent watering helps prevent blossom end rot, a common physiological disorder caused by uneven moisture levels.
Harvesting and Culinary Applications
San Marzano Redorta tomatoes are ready for harvest between 75 and 90 days after transplanting. The fruits are ripe when they have developed a full, bright red color and feel firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure. Harvest carefully, using garden shears or clippers, to avoid damaging the plant or other fruits. Picking ripe tomatoes regularly encourages the plant to continue producing more fruit throughout the growing season.
These tomatoes are prized for their culinary versatility, especially in cooked applications. Their low water content, thick meaty walls, and minimal seeds make them ideal for creating rich, concentrated sauces, pastes, and purees. They are also ideal for canning and roasting, as their robust flavor intensifies with cooking. While primarily used in Italian-style dishes, San Marzano Redorta tomatoes are flavorful enough to be enjoyed fresh in salads.