San Marzano Tomatoes

[Pizzaboyo]

Hi Folks,
I found these in a local supermarket tucked away on a bottom shelf for some reason  . After reading so much about them on here I thought I'd never get a proper can of toms here in Ireland but what a difference they make to my sauce. The question I have is in every can I've opened there is one or two "leaves" like tomato leaves, is this normal for these???

http://www.amazon.com/Whole-San-Marzano-Tomatoes-D-O-P/dp/B006FW0NMW/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1350060153&sr=8-11&keywords=Whole+San+Marzano+Tomatoes+D.O.P.

[Tscarborough]

Yes, that is basil.

[Pete-zza]

I remember reading some time ago that the basil leaves in canned San Marzano tomatoes are not for flavor or similar purposes. After all, how much flavor can two shriveled leafs of basil provide in a can that is 28 ounces or more. My recollection is that there were tariff reasons for the basil. It took me a while to research this matter but I found this at Chowhound: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/551713. If the Chowhound explanation is correct, then it appears that adding basil leafs to the San Marzano tomatoes makes the combination a "sauce", or something similar, and that may mean lower tariffs.

Peter

[TXCraig1]

I have noticed a meaningful (negative) flavor difference in the Cento Italian (35oz) cans that don't have a leaf.

[I Have Feet]

I've heard it's to preserve the fresh "vine" taste and reduce the canned flavour. But that could well be total bs.

Brendan

[Pizzaboyo]

To be honest it looks more like a vine than basil (that's to my untrained eye)