La Bella San Marzano Tomatoes in Tomato Puree w/ Basil, 28 oz (Pack of 12)

These are better than the standard canned tomatoes available in my local supermarket. These don't have the metallic taste and the acidity seems to be slightly lower. I like the fact that these come in tomato puree instead of just water. This means that you can use the entire contents of the can without worrying about watering down whatever you're cooking. There is a sprig of basil in each can, but it doesn't overpower the tomato flavor. I've used these tomatoes for dishes like Swiss steak and Chili without the basil being noticeable at all.

This was a rip off. 10 cans were dented out of 12. Some had signs of bulging suggesting botulinum.Do not buy this unless you want to eliminate someone you hate.

The flavor is very good, but the tomatoes are very, very soft and fall apart with just a gentle touch. This is OK, I suppose, when you're making sauce, which is why I buy Italian tomatoes anyway. For sauce making, I also like the fact that Italian tomatoes are packed in puree for shipment to the U.S.A. (I understand that this is done to reduce or avoid tariffs.) The resulting sauces are thick, rich, bright red and scrumptious. For soups, I prefer tomatoes packed in juice. I've used 5 of the 12 cans that I bought, and I haven't found a basil leaf yet. Not a big deal, really. I'm still going to try other brands before settling on a favorite.

Dented cans

I was a little disappointed that the can was about half tomatoes and half thin puree, which is probably why it sells for less than other brands. The tomatoes themselves taste fine, though.

Great quality. Sweet, melt in your mouth. Produces a wonderful sauce and the puree they are packed in enhances the product value. Will re-order when these are almost gone. Only issue - a couple of dented cans. Used them first with no problem.

Good product. The tomatoes are not sour very sweet to the taste, as they should be. It makes a very good gravy.

These are not authentic "San Marzano" tomatoes. This is San Marzano brand. No DOP number either. Very deceiving. I'm returning the case