How to Sun Dry TomatoesHow to sun dry tomatoes. Sun drying tomatoes safely. When to forgo the sun drying of tomatoes and make oven dried tomatoes instead. Best tomato varieties for home drying.
Photographic Print In a humid climate the risk of mold growing on or in the tomatoes increases. Even if you live in an arid place, this is still not the easiest way to dry tomatoes. Using a dehydrator or making
oven dried tomatoes
is quicker, easier, and safer. Tomato Varieties for Sun Drying
The best tomatoes for sun drying are
Roma
and
San Marzano tomatoes.
Cherry tomatoes are also pretty easy to dry.
Sun Drying Tomatoes Safely
Buy a Hanging Food Dehydrator Here Wash, dry and remove the stem scar before cutting the fruit in half lengthwise. If you are drying cherry tomatoes, there is no need to remove the stem scar. Place the tomatoes, skin side down, on screens or wire racks. Whatever you place them on needs to be absolutely clean and elevated so that air can circulate under and through it. Set the racks in a protected area in full sun. Rig a cheesecloth tent over the racks so that the fabric is not touching the fruit. This will keep insects from landing on it and possibly introducing bacteria. Bring the fruit in at night and put it back out the next day once the morning dew has dried. When the tomatoes are completely dry and leathery but not brittle, they are ready to store. You can store them in glass jars with lids or pack them in olive oil to which you've added you favorite Italian herbs. It is safest to keep them in the refrigerator.
Canning Tomatoes
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