On May 26, the Columbus Citizens Foundation in New York hosted another event in the House of Made in Italy calendar: a masterclass entirely dedicated to the Italian tomato, organized in collaboration with Ciao Pomodoro and designed to provide foodservice professionals with both a technical and sensory exploration of one of the most iconic ingredients in Italian cuisine.
The event brought together 25 professionals from the restaurant industry, who took part in an educational journey focused on discovering the distinctive characteristics of Italy’s most important tomato varieties and their proper culinary applications.
The first part of the masterclass focused on the different tomato products presented by Ciao Pomodoro. Participants explored the unique qualities of Authentica, peeled tomatoes, and San Marzano tomatoes, gaining a deeper understanding of their origins, organoleptic characteristics, texture, sweetness, and ideal gastronomic uses.
Through a guided tasting, guests discovered that each variety has its own distinct identity and that choosing the right tomato plays a crucial role in the success of a dish—especially when it comes to authentic Italian pizza and cuisine.
The session then shifted from theory to practice with a live cooking demonstration by pizza chef Giorgia Caporuscio, who transformed the lesson into an engaging culinary experience.
Using the different tomato varieties introduced during the masterclass, Giorgia Caporuscio prepared a selection of pizzas designed to showcase the unique characteristics of each product.
The experience concluded with the preparation of a classic Marinara sauce, a simple yet essential recipe that allowed participants to once again appreciate the importance of high-quality ingredients. With only a few components—tomatoes, herbs, and technique—the recipe demonstrated how Italian excellence often lies in simplicity.
The initiative once again highlighted the importance of education as a powerful tool for promoting Made in Italy. Telling the story of a product means sharing its history, territory, production methods, and cultural significance, while providing international food professionals with the knowledge needed to recognize and promote authentic Italian quality.
Throughout the masterclass, and through the story of such an iconic ingredient as the tomato, participants gained a deeper appreciation of how a seemingly simple product embodies tradition, craftsmanship, innovation, and a rich culinary heritage that makes Italian cuisine unique around the world.
House of Made in Italy is a project by I Love Italian Food and the Columbus Citizens Foundation, carried out under the patronage of the Italian Trade Agency, with the support of Coldiretti and Filiera Italia.
Sponsors: Agriform, Mulino Caputo, Casa Modena, Ciao Il Pomodoro di Napoli, Filicori Zecchini, Acetaia Giusti, GranTerre, Lurisia, Monini, Parmareggio, Mionetto, Effeuno, Il Newyorkese, Marino PR, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Modalita, Manikomio Dsgn, and Istituto 100% Italiano.
