There are various tomato preparations. Although these fruits from vines are typically consumed fresh, such as in salads, on pizza, or in sandwiches, they can also be consumed in a dehydrated form. Sun-dried tomatoes are a specialty of the Mediterranean. During the summer, Italians spread salt-seasoned tomato slices out on warm porcelain rooftops. To ensure their longevity throughout the quiet winter months, they are kept in olive oil.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes Defined
Tomatoes that have been dried out in the sun, a dehydrator, or an oven are known as sun-dried tomatoes. Tomatoes shrink as they are dried, losing 90% of their weight due to the loss of water. Sun-dried tomatoes are used as a chewy, acidic, and sweet garnish on salads and pasta.
How To Make Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes can be produced with Roma, San Marzano, or smaller grape or cherry tomatoes. Their flavour is heightened when their moisture is removed, enhancing the flavour of a meal.
Under the sun: Drying tomatoes in the sun is a traditional method. It takes at least a few days to dry out more slowly. There is less control over their environment; to get them just right, direct sunlight, intense heat, and low humidity are required. It's worth trying this original method by halving them, sprinkling salt over them, and covering them with cheesecloth if you have the time, place, and ideal circumstances. They must be brought inside for the night.
Dehydrator: Similar to a slow cooker, a food dehydrator dries tomatoes with little to no assistance. Just six hours remain till they are prepared. In comparison to sun drying tomatoes, a dehydrator set to 135 F takes far less time.
Oven: Depending on the consistency and texture you desire, tomatoes will dry out in the oven at a temperature of 250 F in 3 to 6 hours. They will get more leathery the longer they bake. The oven is a simple technique that uses a regulated device that most people have access to.
Sun-dried tomatoes in cooking
These tasty fruits give flavour and nutrients in a more compact shape while retaining all the health benefits of fresh tomatoes. They are a fantastic source of antioxidants, fibre, riboflavin, lycopene, vitamin C, and vitamin K.- Sun-dried tomatoes are used in a wide variety of dishes just like fresh tomatoes, giving a gluten-free addition to give food flavour and texture. Here are just a handful of the countless dishes that sun-dried tomatoes can be used in.
To Add Zing: Olive oil is frequently used to preserve sun-dried tomatoes together with spices like oregano. Although it's best to wash off extra oil before using, the tomatoes absorb part of the flavorful oil, giving any meal they're in greater flavour.
Salad Dressing: Small, thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes are frequently used with oil and balsamic vinaigrette and drizzled over a fresh salad.
Spread: Spreads frequently contain sun-dried tomatoes. They could be the key component. The tomatoes are pureed, combined with oil, herbs, and a spread that is then applied to toast or roasted vegetables. They may be used with other spreads.
Mains: Cold or hot, sun-dried tomatoes have a delicious flavour. They go nicely with roast chicken and can be baked into bread, added to a grilled sandwich, or even fried with eggs.