Tomatoes were first brought to Italy on horseback from Spain in the 16th century. The journey to Italy ended in the city of Naples where tomatoes were then cultivated in the rich soil surrounding Mount Vesuvius. Eventually tomatoes were turned into sauce and naturally the concept grew exponentially throughout all parts of Italy. Today the world's finest San Marzano variety tomatoes are still produced in the hills and valleys between Naples and Salerno. These commerce tomatoes are protected by stringent European designation of protected origin mandates which account for the various geographical traits that conspire to help grow these little red miracles.