Dehydrating Tomatoes
Turn your garden-fresh bounty into a pantry staple with this simple and foolproof recipe for dehydrating tomatoes. Perfect for Roma, cherry, or plum varieties, this method uses a dehydrator or oven to transform ripe tomatoes into intensely flavorful, sun-dried-like gems. With just a touch of salt to enhance their natural sweetness and an optional drizzle of olive oil for storage, these dehydrated tomatoes are ideal for preserving summer's harvest. Use them to elevate pastas, salads, and charcuterie boards, or enjoy them as a savory snack. Whether you're meal-prepping or creating gourmet pantry essentials, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook looking to maximize freshness and flavor.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ripe tomatoes (e.g., Roma, cherry, or plum tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (optional, for storage)
Instructions
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Remove the stems, then slice larger tomatoes (such as Roma or plum) into even 1/4-inch thick slices. For smaller tomatoes like cherry tomatoes, cut them in half lengthwise.
Using a spoon, gently scoop out the seeds if desired, especially for larger varieties, as this helps the tomatoes dehydrate more quickly.
Preheat your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C). If you don't have a dehydrator, preheat your oven to its lowest setting (usually around 170°F or 75°C) and prop the door slightly open to allow moisture to escape.
Arrange the tomato slices or halves in a single layer on the dehydrator trays or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if using the oven. Ensure there is some space between each piece for air circulation.
Lightly sprinkle the tomatoes with salt to help draw out the moisture and enhance their flavor.
Place the trays in the dehydrator or oven and dry for 6-8 hours, checking periodically. The tomatoes are ready when they are pliable but not sticky or overly moist. If using the oven, rotate the trays every 2 hours for even drying.
Let the dehydrated tomatoes cool completely before handling them.
For storage, transfer the dried tomatoes into an airtight container or jar. If desired, layer the tomatoes with olive oil and store them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life and add extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
401 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.8 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2405 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.4 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.9 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.6 g | ||
| Protein | 8.2 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 91 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 2150 mg | 46% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
