Gimme Some Oven

Del Monte Harvest Tour + $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

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Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

“Movin’ to the country…gonna eat a lot of peaches……”

Ok ok, I may not be moving to the country. But I definitely ate a lot of peaches on my recent trip to California to visit Del Monte.

Actually, we had the amazing opportunity to literally pick peaches fresh off the tree, and then follow them literally from farm to “table” all the way through the canning process and into some delicious dishes that I can’t wait to share with you. It was incredible. It was inspiring. It was fascinating. It was delicious. And of course, I would say the whole experience was downright “peachy”. ;)

So come follow along on this photo journal of my time experiencing a Del Monte peach and tomato harvest with some of my wonderful blogging friends. And then be sure to scroll to the very bottom, where you can enter for the chance to win an extra “sweet” giveaway.

Alright — off to California we go!

Del Monte Harvest | gimmesomeoven.com

First of all, allow me to introduce you to my sweet friends who I joined for the trip, and the wonderful food blogs they write:

If you haven’t visited their blogs before, you must. These women are such talented cooks and bloggers, and I quickly found out that they are also so much fun to travel with! We are all from totally different parts of the nation, but had such a great time exploring California together!

We each flew into San Francisco and spent the first day exploring the Bay area, and then hopped in some cars and road tripped it to Modesto for the final two days — home of Del Monte’s fruit cannery.

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

Now I have, of course, eaten Del Monte canned peaches (and that iconic fruit cocktail) since I was a kid. So I was excited to finally get the chance to visit the peach farms and meet the farmers and hear the story behind the company. But I have to admit that I was mostly curious to see what really happens in the process from farm to table (or “can”).

I feel like there has definitely been a growing trend away from canned produce over the last few decades — partly because using fresh produce is awesome when you can get it. But when it’s out of season, which is most of the year for me living in Kansas, or when you are looking for that convenient canned option, it seems like consumers like me still get a little wary about not knowing what really happens to the peaches or tomatoes in the canning process. So I showed up with a bunch of questions to ask, and ready to eat some peaches!!!

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

From the first moment we all walked into the door of the Del Monte cannery and smelled the sweet, intoxicating, peachy air, we all knew that it was going to be a delicious day. Everyone gave us such a warm welcome. And after a quick breakfast, we all donned our hairnets (“safety first” in a packaging facility!) and then headed for a tour of the canning facility.

We began outside, where Del Monte is constantly receiving trucks overflowing with fresh peaches since the farmers are in the middle of harvest. I have never seen so many peaches in my life! And oh my goodness, did they look and smell tasty.

(Millions of peaches…peaches for me…)

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

Then the fascinating part began — following the peaches step by step through the canning process.

I have to admit that I’m not much of a canner. I tried it once when I visited my friend Megan’s farmhouse and we spent the day making homemade Earl Grey Peach Jam. And while the results were delicious, I learned that the process is a lot of work!!!

I also remember being amazed at how the basics of canning have virtually remained the same since our great-great-great-great-grandmothers were canning jam centuries before. Interestingly, it turns out that the canning process is pretty much the same at Del Monte. Yes, they have worked to maximize the efficiency of their technology so that they can process huge batches of peaches as well as other fruits and veggies quickly to ensure a high quality product. But the overall essence of the process is still the same classics of canning!

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

We watched as the peaches were all very carefully inspected (and then inspected again, and again). Then a cool machine helped remove the fuzzy skins. Then the peaches were pitted, sliced, mixed with different kinds of syrups for the different varieties, canned, and packaged. And then those packages — which came in all sorts of shapes and sizes — were all distributed quickly to stores all around the world. It was amazing.

All of us couldn’t stop talking about how incredible it was that these machines were so efficiently able to perform the simple tasks that canners have done for centuries — especially things like removing the peach skins so perfectly and chopping the peaches into perfectly-sized bites. But while they also have fancy scanners that help with ensuring the color and quality of each peach, it was cool to see that there is still no substitute for a final inspection with human eyes. The hardworking crew at the cannery were inspiring to watch as they watched each peach come through the line to be sure that it would pass the quality standards.

We also heard again and again how careful Del Monte is with making sure that the peaches that come in from the farms are harvested and canned at the peak of ripeness to ensure the best end product in the cans. This helps to lock in quality and flavor — which, I’ve learned over the years, can sometimes be more nutritious than fruit that has been sitting on the shelf for days or weeks. And 98% of Del Monte’s canned fruits and veggies are preservative-free. Bonus.

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

While in the canning facility, we also had the chance to see some other local fruit being canned — especially pears, grapes and cherries that go into Del Monte’s classic fruit cocktail.

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

These used to be a staple in my school lunches back in the day! Although I want to point out that the heavy syrup option that I used to have is only one of the many options that Del Monte now offers for canned peaches. You can purchase many varieties of peaches with “lite” syrup, or even peaches with no sugar added at all. You can check out all of their different varieties of canned peaches here.

And 100% of those canned peaches (and Del Monte tomatoes!) are grown in the USA.

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

Afterwards, we stopped for a little break with a peach slushy snack that we learned was made by pureeing and freezing the canned peaches we had just watched pass through the canning facility. So yummy! I’m totally trying this at home for a quick and easy frozen treat.

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

Next, we all hopped in the car and drove outside of town to visit a local peach farm. And it was as charming and adorable as I had hoped!

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

When we arrived, we were introduced to 3rd-generation peach farmers, John and Cliff.

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

And their sweet dog, Cosmo, who kind of stole the spotlight (and all of our hearts). :)

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

They told us all about life on a peach farm. It may be beautiful and delicious, but as with all farming, it requires dedication and a lot of hard work. These farmers are constantly learning about and studying the new innovations in the industry to improve their farms. From advances in irrigation, to planting rotations, to building a great team of harvesters, there is so much to keep learning!

But the heart of their peach farm has remained tried and true throughout the generations. And we were all awed and inspired by the pride in these brothers’ eyes as they talked about their farm, and what it has meant to their family. Farmers are seriously the coolest!!!

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

We were all smiles after smelling that heavenly peach scent all morning.

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

And of course, we did what the food blogging paparazzi are known for — taking a zillion photos. ;)

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

But how could you not?! These peaches were b-e-a-utiful…Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com …and tasty! I picked and ate one fresh off the tree! Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

Afterwards, we returned to Del Monte for a delicious lunch overflowing with fruits and veggies, many of them Del Monte. My kind of lunch. :)

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com Even the centerpieces were overflowing with fruit! (Do you spy the peaches and oranges in there?) Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

Did I mention how much I love these bloggers? :)

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

After lunch, we had the surprise of getting to visit another Del Monte farm. This time — tomatoes!!

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

Now, we definitely grow tomatoes in Kansas. But our neighborhood loft garden does not look like this!

There were literally acres upon acres of tomatoes as far as the eye could see. But the thing I immediately noticed was that their tomatoes are not staked up like mine have always been. Rather, they let them grow flat. And then an enormous harvester is able to come and miraculously pick them up instead of having to pick them one at a time by hand.

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

On the farm, we were introduced to another farming family — The Pereira’s.

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

They gave us a tour of their tomato farms, and proudly showed us some of their crop that was nearly ready for harvesting.

The main question we all had was how on earth the harvesters are able to plow through these fields without crushing all of the beautiful ripe tomatoes! It turns out, as they demonstrated above, that all you really need to do to remove tomatoes from the vine is hold up the plant and then give it a good shake. Once you do, the tomatoes instantly fall out and the plant can be mulched to help fertilize the ground for the next crop. Pretty cool!

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

We even got to see one of the tomato harvesters in action as it came through the fields.

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

Harvesters of all kinds absolutely fascinate me. Such a cool process to see the tomatoes picked, sorted, and then literally wind blown into a storage cart that drives alongside the harvester.

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

This tire was as tall as me, and filled with tomatoes. It gives entirely new imagery to “crushed tomatoes”, eh? :) Then all of those tomatoes are transferred immediately to Del Monte for canning at the peak of ripeness.

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

Of course, we had to snag just a few for sampling. And then the Pereira’s generously encouraged everyone to hand-pick a batch to take home. They were so kind!!

Del Monte Harvest Tour | gimmesomeoven.com

Our group had such a great time getting to talk with them and hear about their story farming, and working with Del Monte. Without any prompting, it was cool to hear them talk so positively about what it’s like to work with Del Monte. They spoke very highly of the company and the ways that it respects and values their farmers, and also how they offer some of the most fair wages in the business. It was affirming to hear, and yet again confirmed why Del Monte has been a leader in this industry for so many years.

Overall, it was an amazing trip. And it was certainly made all the more amazing with a great group of blogging friends, some great farmers, and all of the great folks from Del Monte. Many thanks to the Del Monte and BlogHer crew for inviting me along, and to all of you readers for following along on this adventure!

Be sure to check out the other bloggers’ great roundup posts about the harvest tour here. And now to the extra “peachy” ending to this post…a $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway!

$100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

Giveaway Prize:

One winner will be shipped a $100 Visa Gift Card.

How To Enter:

Answer the question in the comment below — What are your favorite peach or tomato recipe?

Rules
No duplicate comments.
You may submit a total of two (2) entries using any of the following entry methods:
  1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
  2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
  3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
  4. For those with who do not have Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You will have 72 hours to get back to me; otherwise, a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 9/9/13-10/9/13.

Be sure to visit the Del Monte Brand Page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and discover more chances to win!

 

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393 comments on “Del Monte Harvest Tour + $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway”

  1. Peach cobbler has to be my all time summer favorite. I remember my dad bringing home peaches, we all pitched in to help peel them. Then my mom would can peaches, make peach jam and jelly …. and a huge peach cobbler. There is nothing like a fresh cobbler made with fresh peaches!

  2. I tweeted about your tour and giveaway! Here is the tweet link: https://twitter.com/mailovesorange/status/377146657491529729

  3. Mmmmmmmm I would have to say peach mango fish tacos followed up with peach ice cream

  4. Tomato’s I love canning some fresh tomato soup to use in the winter time; just add some cream and flour and it is like summertime in a cup.

  5. sliced peaches—peach crumb pie, tomatoes–when i make from my spaghetti sauce—–

  6. I love making fresh sauce with tomatoes!!

  7. My favorite peach recipe is baked peach oatmeal.

  8. So many beautiful photos! Looks like you ladies had a blast!

  9. Fresh tomatoes cooked with sautéed butter and diced onions add salt and pepper then tear up 4-5 slices of white bread toast stir to combine then serve…old family recipe my mom made for all of us. The taste is outstanding.

  10. That’s a difficult question because my favorite way to enjoy a peach is just plain, no recipe, just cut it up and eat it :) Second favorite is probably a peach crisp…with vanilla ice cream of course.

  11. Fresh Tomatoes = Fresh Bruschetta

  12. I really just love peaches and tomatoes as is (as are??) Grilled peaches, peach cobbler, peach cake…can’t go wrong.

    As for tomatoes I guess my favorite is a salad make by marinating tomatoes with cucumbers and red onion in a mayo based vinaigrette then top romaine with that. Or gazpacho

  13. Besides just eating a fresh juicy peach I love peach pie and peach cobbler.

  14. Any variation of caprese salad is tops, but my favorite way is simply tomato, a fresh slice of mozzarella and drizzled balsamic vinaigrette on top!

  15. I love a good homemade, slow cooked pasta sauce!

  16. I love to cut up a peach, toss it with some cinnamon and microwave it for about 45 seconds. I top it with some greek yogurt and almonds! It’s a great snack! For tomatoes, my favorite way is tossing them with some olive oil, salt and pepper and then roasting them.

  17. Peach crumb bars with cream cheese!!

    katherinedibello (at) gmail (dot) com

  18. tweeted
    https://twitter.com/KayDay3/status/377157439923044352

    katherinedibello (at) gmail (dot) com

  19. What a fun media trip! I always love learning more about where my food comes from! I love making peach salsa!

  20. I adore a good peach crisp and love to make and can tomato salsa.

  21. I love homemade peach pie!

  22. tweet
    https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/377161430195122176

  23. Grilled peaches are fantastic!

  24. Fresh Peach Pie (uncooked; similar to Fresh Strawberry Pie)!

  25. Mango peach salsa and tomato mozzarella panini!

  26. I love tomato soup with fresh tomatoes!

  27. Slow roasted tomatoes. Especially end of the summer when you have so many and don’t know what to do with them anymore. I roasted and the freeze them. When winter comes I make a tomato pesto / sauce out of it which is a piece of summer.
    Peach butter is what I usually make. It’s so good and very addicting! :)

  28. I love to eat fresh peaches raw when they are in season, but in winter, I use my own canned peaches to make bourbon peach cobbler.

  29. Pancakes topped with caramelised peaches and honey. Yum!

  30. My favorite Recipe for Peach and tomato is
    Peach and Tomato Gazpacho:

    yield
    Makes 4 first-course servings

    active time
    20 min
    total time
    20 min

    use ice in this recipe because it gives the gazpacho just the right chill without the soup having to be refrigerated for any length of time. If you don’t have pre crushed ice, crush about 1/4 cup ice in a blender.

    ingredients
    1 1/2 lb tomatoes, chopped (4 cups)
    1 lb peaches, pitted and chopped (2 cups)
    1/4 cup crushed ice
    2 tablespoons chopped shallot (1 medium)
    2 tablespoons olive oil
    1 1/2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
    1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
    1 teaspoon salt
    1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    1/4 to 1/2 cup water

    preparation
    Purée two thirds of tomatoes and half of peaches with ice, shallot, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 2 teaspoons tarragon, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a blender until very smooth, about 1 minute. Force through a medium-mesh sieve into a large glass measure, discarding solids. Stir in water to desired consistency.
    Toss together remaining tomatoes and peaches with remaining tablespoon oil, remaining 1/2 tablespoon vinegar, remaining teaspoon tarragon, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a bowl. 3 Serve soup in bowls topped with tomato peach salsa.

  31. Peach Cobbler

  32. My Twitter entry: https://twitter.com/A25983/status/377170079965646848

  33. How awesome, I appreciate Del Monte so much more now! I’ve always put their peaches with cottage cheese as a snack anytime or breakfast.

  34. I like to make an easy peach roll up

    Ingredients:

    1 can of sliced peaches or a few fresh peaches sliced
    1 tube of crescent rolls
    1/3 cup of sugar
    1/4 cup of butter
    1 tsp. vanilla
    1/2 cup of Mountain Dew
    Directions:

    Separate your crescent rolls and place a peach in the wide end of each one and roll up.
    Place the rolled up peach crescents in a pie dish (spray with non-stick cooking spray first) and make sure they are barely touching. They are going to expand quite a bit so you want to give them room.
    In a small microwave safe melt the butter and then stir in the sugar and vanilla. Spoon this mixture over the crescents.
    Pour the soda over the top and then bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until golden.

  35. i love making indian spiced tomato and onion chutney and peach cobbler..:)

  36. Peach Cobbler Muffins!!!

  37. Tweeted https://twitter.com/lindsaylee51/status/377176508625719296

  38. I really love this goat cheese & heirloom tomato tart that I make for my husband and me every summer :)

  39. My current favorite peach recipe is Peach and Ginger pie: https://betterwithlemons.wordpress.com/2013/08/10/peach-and-ginger-pie/

    It’s sweet and spicy and I even put crystallized ginger in the crust :)

  40. I tweeted :) https://twitter.com/y_von/status/377182076211953664

  41. Tomato and feta salad with basil.

  42. Peach pie with vanilla ice cream…yum!

  43. tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/377182532569006080

  44. My favorite peach recipe is Peach Crumb Bars and my favorite tomato recipes are homemade spaghetti sauce, marinara, and salsa!!

  45. For canned tomatoes, I like to make shakshouka. Fresh tomatoes I like to just eat, or maybe put in guacamole!

  46. I love peach sangria and making bruschetta with tomatoes!

  47. I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/Jennaync79/status/377184818162716672

  48. This year I have made bourbon peaches which I will let sit until Christmas and then give them away for gifts, I always use del monte tomatoes for my fresh salsa as well as in my chili and pasta sauces. I find the quality of their product to be top notch.

  49. This sounds so fun; what a great trip! :) I’m a softy, but I love the tomato and garlic bruschetta that my boyfriend makes; it’s just so simple and good on yummy french bread! :)

  50. An oldie but goodie- I love fresh tomatoes in marinara sauce for spaghetti, lasagna, you name it!