How to Dry Tomatoes

How to Dry Tomatoes How to Dry Tomatoes Tomatoes are the vegetables that add delectable flavor to any dish to which they are added. Dried form of tomato is very popular as it is extensively used in the preparation of various items like pizzas, soups, salads and other lip-smacking snacks. It has a distinct flavor because of acid concentration. To enjoy its unique is quite expensive. The method is easy and simple. Following are the required steps:

First wash the tomatoes properly and remove the stem and skin. You can place them in boiling water for 30 seconds and then keep them in ice water. This process will actually help you to remove the skin easily as it will slide off smoothly.
Cut them into fine slices and preferably it should be 1/4 inch thick. Now remove the seeds.
The essential tool required for the drying process is a dehydrator or oven, whichever is available to you. It is important that you pre-heat the oven to the lowest temperature, ranging from 200 to 225 degrees F. If you have a dehydrator, then warm it up to the required temperature.
Before placing the tomatoes in the oven or the dehydrator, you should apply some non- stick oven spray to the rack or trays, as the case may be. It actually facilitates cleaning up process. Now place the tomatoes on the drying rack or dehydrator trays and be sure to leave at least 1/2 inch space between each tomato.
It is always preferable to cook for 24 hours. However, if they are still soft, just leave them for another 6 hours. Keep checking often to ensure they are not over-dried. Once they flatten out and become dark, it means they are dry. So, now cool them and keep them in a tightly sealed container to ensure no air or moisture enters it, as it can affect the flavor.
Now you can store them in a cool dark cub bard or freezer.

Apart from following the above mentioned method, you can also go for another effective drying process that is sun drying. The sun dried tomatoes can be used for months if stored properly.

TIPS

If you don’t plan to use them immediately, then it is always advisable to store in the freezer
It is always suitable to select smaller-sized tomatoes like Plum or Roma. Bigger ones, do not dehydrate properly because the moisture content is very high
Cut the tomatoes slices evenly, for even drying
While drying tomatoes in a gas oven, you need to layer the tomatoes on foil covered racks and dry it for 12 to 24 hours with the heat from the pilot light.
To dry tomatoes in an electric oven, you should heat the oven to warm. It’s always better to check often. This prevents overheating.
You can re-hydrate them by soaking in warm water

Watch a video instruction on how to dry tomatoes