The pros: Â Trader Joe's Heavenly Villagio Marzano Tomatoes will remind you of the flavor of the larger San Marzano tomatoes.
The cons:Â Only sold in a small bag.
The verdict: Â
If I've learned anything from shopping at Trader Joe's, it's that variety does actually make a difference. When I tried their seasonal Chocolate Flight around the holidays each one was distinctly different from the other. It did not feel like a marketing ploy (other than the packaging), but it felt more like an experience where you had those moments of "wow...that's completely different from the last one I tried." You'll notice subtle difference between this variety, regular tomatoes, and Trader Joe's Mini Heirloom Tomatoes.
While this variety comes from Canada and not from Italy, this has certain distinct elements from San Marzano tomatoes. If you've ever had anything made with San Marzano tomatoes, you know that there is a distinct difference compared to regular tomatoes. Similarly, the flavor was nice and sweet with a low acidity. You could easily snack on this whole bag and not feel any noticeable acidity. While this was not grown in the volcanic soil in Italy, they made for a really lovely snack.
For $2.79 these are a good choice for snacking, dipping, cooking, or chopping up for a caprese salad. Whatever your usage for these the flavor is good without the acidic bite that can make your palate wary of tomatoes. As for me, I'd buy these again.
The bag:
The nutritional information:
Out of the package you get:
Would I buy this again? Yes, as a nice change to the mini heirloom tomatoes, Trader Joe's Heavenly Villagio Marzano Tomatoes were very tasty.
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for a searchable list.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Ryan Sturm says
I’ve been enjoying these sliced in half, over a portabella brushed with garlic butter, with mozzarella and finished with some basil. Are they new? I’ve only noticed them a few weeks… but I hope they stay around.
Ryan Sturm says
Oh, and with a balsamic glaze… They sell that at TJs too, right?
becomebetty says
Hey Ryan! I found them recently too. I've been enjoying mine with cheese, herbs, and olive oil. I think they do sell one. I still have a bottle I got from another store. Regardless, they do sell balsamic vinegar which can be reduced for a glaze too. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
Laurie Morin says
I'd like to know if these are organically grown or possibly what is sprayed on them, but couldn't find that info on the TJ website
becomebetty says
They aren't labeled as organic so I would assume they are conventionally grown.