Unlike many fresh tomatoes, all DEL MONTE® tomatoes are vine ripened in the sun.  Some forms (e.g., whole peeled) are packed before others, because they are easiest to pack when firmer.  DEL MONTE® tomatoes are picked and canned within 24 hours to ensure the freshest, truest tomato flavor

1. Vine ripened in California sun
2. Washed
3. Hand selected
4. Gently steam peeled (no alkali)
5. Hand selected again
6. Either packed whole (whole peeled) or cut
     the stewed items are cut into medium-size pieces
     the diced and chunky tomatoes are cut into smaller pieces
     the sauce and paste items are processed further to give them the correct consistency
7. A unique blend of herbs, spices, and aromatic vegetables is added to the stewed tomatoes and chunky tomatoes
8. Tomatoes are packed in the can, sealed, and then cooked in a batch of boiling water.  This sterilizes the tomatoes naturally without any artificial preservatives.

Stewed, diced, and whole peeled tomatoes are all cooked for approximately the same amount of time.  They differ slightly in appearance and texture based on the cut of the tomato, the variety of tomato used, and their level of maturity.