How to Make Homemade Sun Dried Tomatoes

Tomatoes are undoubtedly one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. They can be used in salads, soups, pasta dishes, and even sandwiches. While canned or fresh tomatoes are readily available from markets, there is something special about sun-dried tomatoes that elevate any dish’s flavor. Homemade sun-dried tomatoes are simple to make and require minimal effort, making them a cost-effective alternative to store-bought versions. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make sun-dried tomatoes, step by step.

To get started, you’ll need some fresh tomatoes, a baking sheet, a knife, and some olive oil. You can use any variety of tomatoes you like, although Roma tomatoes are a popular choice. The first step is to slice the tomatoes in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and pulp with a spoon. Once you’ve scooped out the interior, slice the tomatoes into strips or wedges. Then, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle them with olive oil. Bake the tomatoes in the oven at a low temperature for several hours until they are somewhat dehydrated. Once done, you can store your sun-dried tomatoes in an airtight container and use them to add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes.

10 Simple Steps to Making Delicious Sun Dried Tomatoes at Home

If you love the taste of sun dried tomatoes and want to try making them at home, you’ll be happy to learn that it’s quite simple. All you need are some fresh tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and a few basic kitchen tools. Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to make sun dried tomatoes at home:

Step 1: Choose the Right Tomatoes

When making sun dried tomatoes, it’s essential to select the right variety of fresh tomatoes. Roma tomatoes are the most commonly used because they have a meaty texture, fewer seeds, and less moisture than other tomato types. However, you can also use cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or any other type that you prefer.

Step 2: Prep the Tomatoes

Wash the tomatoes under running water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut off the stem end of the tomato and slice it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard them.

Step 3: Salt the Tomatoes

Sprinkle the cut-side of the tomatoes with salt, which helps to draw out the excess moisture. Arrange the tomatoes, cut-side up, on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.

Step 4: Dry the Tomatoes

Place the baking sheet in a warm, dry spot with good air circulation. If you live in a humid climate, you can place the baking sheet in a low oven (no more than 200°F) for a few hours.

Step 5: Prep the Olive Oil

While the tomatoes are drying, heat up some olive oil in a small saucepan. Add herbs such as thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

Step 6: Soak the Tomatoes

Once the tomatoes have dried for a couple of hours, brush them with the heated olive oil mixture. Leave the tomatoes to soak up the oil for another hour.

Step 7: Dry Them Out More

If the tomatoes still have a lot of moisture, put them back onto the wire rack and place them in the oven for another hour or two until they are almost completely dried out.

Step 8: Finish Drying in the Sun

Once the tomatoes have reached the desired texture, bring them outside and put them in the sun to dry completely. You can place them on a clean cloth or a wire rack to ensure they don’t stick.

Step 9: Store the Tomatoes

Once the sun dried tomatoes have cooled and are completely dry, place them in an airtight container or a jar filled with olive oil. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for longer shelf life.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Now that you’ve made your own sun dried tomatoes, you can add them to pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches or use them as a snack. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavor that you created yourself!

Choosing Tomatoes for Sun Drying

Sun drying tomatoes is an excellent way to preserve your harvest and add a delicious flavor to your dishes. However, not all tomatoes are suitable for sun drying. You need to choose the right tomatoes that have the right sweetness, flavor, and texture.

1. Choose Ripe Tomatoes

When it comes to sun drying tomatoes, you need to choose fully ripe tomatoes that are free from blemishes, cuts, and bruises. Ripe tomatoes have a higher sugar content that enhances the natural flavor of the tomato when it’s dried. The sugar also acts as a natural preservative, which helps prolong the shelf life of your sun-dried tomatoes.

2. Choose Meaty Tomatoes

The best tomatoes for sun drying are the meaty ones. Meaty tomatoes are those with a dense flesh that has few seeds and very little juice. Meaty tomatoes are easy to slice, and they maintain their shape and texture when they are dried in the sun.

3. Choose Flavorful Tomatoes

You don’t want to sun dry bland tomatoes. You need flavorful tomatoes that will give your dishes that extra kick of tomato goodness. When choosing tomatoes for sun drying, go for the ones that are known for their rich, tangy, and sweet flavor, like San Marzano, Roma, and Amish Paste.

4. Choose Uniform-sized Tomatoes

To ensure that your sun-dried tomatoes dry evenly, you need to choose tomatoes that are of uniform size. Uniform-sized tomatoes will dry at the same rate, and you’ll end up with evenly dried sun-dried tomatoes.

5. Up Your Gardening Game

If you’re serious about sun drying tomatoes, you might want to consider growing tomato plants that are specifically bred for sun drying, like the “Solar Flare” variety. These tomatoes have been expertly bred to have all the qualities needed for sun drying, including being meaty, flavorful, and uniform in size.

The Drying Process

Once you’ve selected your tomatoes, you’ll need to begin the drying process:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes

Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and pulp from the center of each half, using a small spoon or your fingers. If your tomatoes are particularly large, cut them into quarters instead of halves.

2. Season the Tomatoes

Before drying, season your tomatoes with salt and herbs of your choice. Oregano and thyme are popular seasonings for sun-dried tomatoes. Once seasoned, place the tomato halves on a wire rack (or another drying surface) with the skin side down.

3. Dry the Tomatoes

*Drying times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your tomatoes, as well as the environmental conditions where you’re drying them.

If you’re drying your tomatoes in the sun, you’ll need to place them in direct sunlight. Cover them with cheesecloth to protect them from insects. Turn the tomatoes periodically to ensure even drying. On average, sun-drying takes about 4-10 days, depending on the weather and humidity levels. If the tomatoes are not completely dried, they can spoil easily, so it’s important to be patient and wait until they are fully dried.

If you’re drying your tomatoes in the oven, preheat your oven to 140°F, or as low as it will go. Place the seasoned tomatoes on a baking sheet and put them in the oven. Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. You’ll need to turn the tomatoes occasionally, and it can take anywhere from 4-10 hours for them to dry fully.

If you’re using a dehydrator, set it to 135°F and arrange the seasoned tomatoes on the drying racks. The drying time for a dehydrator is typically 8-12 hours, again depending on the size and thickness of the tomatoes.

4. Store the Tomatoes

Make sure your sun-dried tomatoes are fully dry before storing them. Once dried, you can store your sun-dried tomatoes in an airtight container with a little bit of oil. Olive oil is a popular choice. Store your sun-dried tomatoes in a cool, dry place, and they’ll last for several months.

5. Use Your Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes. Here are a few ideas:

• Add them to pasta dishes
• Use them in salads
• Toss them with roasted vegetables
• Add them to omelets or frittatas
• Use them as a pizza topping

Once you’ve made your own sun-dried tomatoes, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought variety!

Enjoy Your Delicious Homemade Sun Dried Tomatoes!

Congratulations! You have successfully made your own sun dried tomatoes. We hope you enjoyed following this guide and learned some new tips along the way. Remember, these tomatoes are perfect for adding a little extra flavor to your salads, pasta dishes, pizzas, or even just eaten on its own as a snack. Thank you for reading this article and we hope to see you again soon for more exciting recipes! Happy cooking!