How to Make Sun Dried Tomatoes

While fresh tomatoes are plump, firm and juicy, sun dried tomatoes are shriveled, chewy, and darker than the fresh version. They also pack an incredibly intense tomato flavor that makes a wonderful addition to many dishes, whether used as is or rehydrated.

Any type of tomato can be used to make (sun) dried tomatoes, but typically plum (Roma) tomatoes are used due to their high flesh-to-juice ratio.The drying process may be lengthy but you can learn how to sun dry tomatoes in your backyard or oven. It is a great way to preserve tomatoes if you have an overabundance of them.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Preparing Tomatoes for Drying

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If you are using cherry tomatoes, cut them in half. For other larger tomatoes, cut them into quarters.

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This is not necessary but removing the seeds will speed up the drying process.
Fresh herbs are a popular choice. Basil is often used to flavor sun dried tomatoes. Toss the tomatoes so they are well coated with the herbs.

Part 2

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Drying Option 1: Sun Drying

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Sun drying usually takes place during the summer months when days are sunny, hot, and long.

Choose a really hot day. For optimal results, the temperature should be over 90 °F (32 °C) with humidity less than 60 percent.
You can use a screen made for drying purposes or an old window or door screen that has been scrubbed clean. Set the screen up on a table, and raise the screen by placing small boards or bricks at the corners. This will allow air to circulate around the drying tomatoes.
Arrange them so there is space between the tomatoes; you do not want them touching. Proper drying requires adequate air flow for each individual piece of tomato.
Place boards or bricks around the screen, then place the cheesecloth over this. The cheesecloth should cover the tomatoes but not touch them. Hold the cheesecloth in place by placing more bricks on top of the bottom bricks.The cheesecloth will help keep bugs off and birds out, as well as falling debris from trees.
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Check on the tomatoes every so often. They can take anywhere from 1 day of full sun to 2 weeks to properly dry. Make sure to take them in at night. After the sun goes down, humidity levels tend to rise and you do not want your tomatoes to absorb any moisture (which would basically undo any drying that has already occurred).
- The tomatoes are completely sun dried when they have a leathery texture and are not sticky. They should feel dry but not cold to the touch. Do not over dry them so they become brittle. The finished product will be much darker than the original.

Part 3

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Drying Option 2: Oven Drying

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Drying tomatoes in the oven requires the lowest setting on your oven. If it is above 150 degrees, leave the oven door open slightly to reduce the heat.
They will have to be turned and tossed periodically through the drying process since there is no air circulation with a baking sheet.
This may take 6 to 12 hours.

Part 4

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Storing Dried Tomatoes

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Store the dried tomatoes in a plastic bag or glass jar. Pack them loosely and rid the container of as much air as possible. Keep the dried tomatoes in a cool, dark, dry place.
- If you have put your dried tomatoes in an air-tight container, you can also store them in the refrigerator or freezer.

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When properly dried, how long of a shelf life can I expect? And is Tupperware okay for storing it?

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When properly dried, the food should last from 6-8 months, but don't put it in Tupperware, as it is easy for bacteria to form inside. Instead, try a Ziploc bag.

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In the pictures you show the cut side down, but the directions say to put skin side down. Which is right?

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Skin side down is correct. I don't know why the person who took the photos wouldn't follow the directions.

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Tips

You can sun dry tomatoes in a car during a hot, sunny day since the inside reaches temperatures appropriate for drying fruit.

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If you accidentally over dry the tomatoes, they can be made into a tomato powder or tomato flakes for flavoring dishes.

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Make sun dried tomatoes using a food dehydrator.

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Warnings

Leaving the oven door open may introduce deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas into your home. Use proper ventilation and ensure that you have working CO detectors properly installed in your home.

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Do not remove more than just the seeds or you may lose flavor.

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Tomatoes should be dried in hot, dry weather, since humidity will prolong and even inhibit the drying process.

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