I've tried a bunch of different canned tomatoes on my pizzas from various stores--the Italian market in Scottsdale, AJ's Fine Foods, Trader Joe's, and local regular grocery stores. The San Marzano's are truly amazing, but hard to find and expensive around here (upwards of $5/28oz can).
I've found one that tastes almost as good for only $.99/28oz can, and is available two miles from my house. Really, it was barely distinguishable from the San Marzanos. It's the Fresh and Easy brand of crushed tomatoes with basil. I drained it a bit, but it was essentially ready to go right out of the can. I know Tesco in Europe does carry San Marzano tomatoes, but the label here reads "Our tomatoes are California grown and vine ripened." Still, by far the best competition I've found for the imported stuff at specialty stores, and a fraction of the price.
Phoenix was one of the first test markets for Tesco's American venture, Fresh and Easy markets. They've opened a ton of locations in this area and a few others around the country, with plans to expand nationwide. If there's one around, I highly recommend giving this product a try.
I've found one that tastes almost as good for only $.99/28oz can, and is available two miles from my house. Really, it was barely distinguishable from the San Marzanos. It's the Fresh and Easy brand of crushed tomatoes with basil. I drained it a bit, but it was essentially ready to go right out of the can. I know Tesco in Europe does carry San Marzano tomatoes, but the label here reads "Our tomatoes are California grown and vine ripened." Still, by far the best competition I've found for the imported stuff at specialty stores, and a fraction of the price.
Phoenix was one of the first test markets for Tesco's American venture, Fresh and Easy markets. They've opened a ton of locations in this area and a few others around the country, with plans to expand nationwide. If there's one around, I highly recommend giving this product a try.
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