How to Sun Dry Tomatoes

Sun-dry tomatoes from your garden.

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a vital antioxidant that combats the formation of cancerous cell formations and flushes out free radicals in the body. It is proven to fight cancers such as prostate cancer, cervical cancer and colon cancer as well as help lower cholesterol. Sun-dry this red fruit (contrary to popular belief, it is not a vegetable) for a healthy and tasty salad or pasta topping.

Things You'll Need

• Pot of boiling water
• Bowl of ice water

Instructions

1. Choose any quantity of ripe, firm tomatoes. Roma tomatoes will produce approximately 2 cups of dried tomatoes for each 5 lbs. of fresh tomatoes that you sun-dry.

2. Peel the skin from the tomatoes, which is optional depending on your preference. To remove the skin, submerge the tomatoes in a large pot of boiling water for 30 to 45 seconds. Remove the tomatoes and submerge them in a large bowl of ice water. The skin should peel easily.

3. Cut away any bruised areas.

4. Slice each tomato in half lengthwise. It is not necessary to cut the tomatoes any smaller. They will shrink to 1/4 their original size.

5. Lay the tomato slices on a shallow tray and season with spices such as basil, thyme and/or oregano.

6. Wrap the tray in cheesecloth, but do not pull it snug. The cheesecloth will prevent anything from getting onto the tomatoes.

7. Park your car in an area with direct sunlight. Place the tray on the dashboard of your vehicle. Roll up all the windows so the vehicle can heat enough to act as a food dryer. Start in the morning and expect the process to take 2 days. Remove the tray at night and bring indoors. Store at room temperature at this time.

8. Check that the tomatoes are flexible, not brittle, before ending the drying process. The tomatoes will appear leathery when they are done.

9. Eat or refrigerate when done. Pack in olive oil if you prefer.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick ripe tomatoes from your garden or purchase a bushel of tomatoes from your local farmer's market.

• Store extra sun-dried tomatoes in a plastic zipper bag.

• Use a shallow tray. A cookie sheet will work.

References

• PickYourOwn: How to Make Your Own Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• HealthFoodGuide: Benefits of Tomatoes