How to Dry or Dehydrate Tomatoes

Dried tomatoes are a wonderful addition to soups, salads, sauces, or simply eaten alone. Follow the steps below to dry, or dehydrate, tomatoes for later use.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

 

 

 

Things You'll Need:

• Tomatoes

1. Step 1
   Wash the tomatoes. Set aside in a strainer or on a towel.
   
2. Step 2
   Remove the skins from the tomatoes by dipping each tomato in boiling water for 30 seconds, then placing it in ice water. The skin should slide off the tomato easily.
   
3. Step 3
   Cut tomatoes into slices 1/4 inch thick and remove the seeds.
   
4. Step 4
   The ideal temperature for dehydrating, or drying, tomatoes is 145 degrees. This can best be accomplished through use of an oven, or a food dehydrator. However, it is possible to set tomatoes in a sunny window on very hot days and allow them to dry naturally in the sun.
   
5. Step 5
   After the tomatoes are completely dry and there is no moisture present, label them with the date and store in a tightly sealed container.
   

Tips & Warnings

• Reconstitute tomatoes in warm water for 30 minutes, or reconstitute in oil for 24 hours in the refrigerator.
• Dry tomatoes may be added to soups, stews, or casseroles, while cooking.
• Dry tomatoes may be eaten dried as a nutritious snack.
• Dry tomatoes may be powdered in a coffee grinder for enriching the flavor of soups and sauces.