How to Store Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Store sun dried tomatoes properly to keep them from getting moldy.

Sun-dried tomatoes can offer a vibrant burst of flavor to foods ranging from bagels (spread a layer of them over cream cheese) to pizzas (bake them on the pizza with other toppings of your choice) to pasta. They also offer an easy, tasty way to preserve an overabundance of tomatoes from your garden. Without proper care, however, your precious stock of sun-dried tomatoes can turn into a jar of mold instead. If you do store sun-dried tomatoes properly, however, you can keep them for up to a year or more.

Things You'll Need

• Resealable plastic bags or other airtight containers

Instructions

1. Put the sun-dried tomatoes into your resealable plastic bags or other airtight containers. If you are using plastic bags, fill each bag just over halfway full. If you are using rigid containers, fill each container completely and pack the tomatoes in firmly.

2. Seal the containers tightly. If you are using plastic bags, remove as much air as possible by using a vacuum sealer or closing the bag most of the way, inserting a straw into the remaining small opening, sucking out most of the air then quickly closing the bag. The container you use must be completely sealed to prevent any air and moisture from getting in.

3. Store the sealed containers of dried tomatoes in a cool, dark place such as a cellar, a rarely used cupboard or your refrigerator. They will stay good for up to a year when stored in this way.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your tomatoes are leathery and dry before storing them. If they are any wetter than that, they will mold within days or weeks.

References

• PickYourOwn.org: How to Make Your Own Sun-Dried Tomatoes From Your Garden
• Seasonal Chef: Dehydrating Tomatoes at Home

Resources

• Sunset: 27 Great Recipes for Fresh, Juicy Tomatoes