Italy is the third-largest processed tomato producer globally (after the United States and China), accounting for approximately 14.8 percent of global production and 56.5 percent of Europe’s production, with revenue reaching nearly $5.4 billion in 2022 (Anicav). In 2022, Italian production of high-end tomatoes decreased by as much as 40% due to that year’s severe drought.
Italy continues to produce some of the world’s most coveted tomatoes, and their exports are on the rise. Among the favorites among food enthusiasts are San Marzano from Naples, Pachino from Sicily, and other local varieties from Tuscany and southern regions.
The best tomatoes in the world
Today, however, I want to introduce two varieties that are relatively unknown even in Italy. These are Pomodorp del Nasone from the Venice province and Datterino di Scicli from Sicily. The former is found around the beach resort town of Jesolo, and its large size makes it perfect for salads and pizzas. You will find this at one of the best pizzerias in the world which is called Stiefel near Venice. The latter is tiny, about the size of a date, and is deliciously sweet, perhaps one of the most elegant tomatoes in the world. The Scicli tomato is ideal for bruschetta, salads, pasta sauces, sandwiches, and snacks. What makes these tomatoes highly desirable is that they are difficult to find, even in Italy.