How to Make Your Own Sun-Dried Tomatoes This Summer

Sun-dried tomatoes can add a punch of flavor, tang and brightness to everything from pasta and casseroles to quiches, veggie dishes and salads. While you can easily pick up a jar at the grocery store, this pantry staple is also fun and easy to make, especially if you have a summer garden overflowing with ripe, juicy tomatoes. Here are three tried-and-true methods for making your own sun-dried tomatoes at home.

See more: Complete Guide to Tomato Varieties and How to Use Them

Key Considerations

Tomatoes can lose anywhere from 80% to 90% of their weight during dehydration. With this in mind, you want to choose a variety with few seeds and plenty of flesh to get the most bang for your buck. Romas are a classic choice, but cherry tomatoes work well too.

No matter which method you use to dry your tomatoes, aim to use tomatoes that are as uniform in size as possible so they dry at the same rate. While not crucial, this makes the process easier and more enjoyable.

How to Make Sun-Dried Tomatoes Three Ways

1. Drying Tomatoes in the Oven

If you’re fond of accurate, efficient and quick results, oven drying may be the route for you. First, set your oven to a low temperature, as close to 150 degrees as possible. Gather your tomatoes, a cutting board, a sharp knife and a high-quality sea salt. Cut your tomatoes in half, place them on a baking sheet and sprinkle them with salt. Dry the tomatoes for several hours in the oven, checking their progress periodically throughout the day until they reach your desired dryness.

2. Drying Tomatoes in a Dehydrator

Using a food dehydrator is the simplest and most hands-off method for making sun-dried tomatoes. You may not want to invest in a new kitchen gadget exclusively to dehydrate tomatoes, but if you already have one on hand or know someone who could let you borrow one, this frees up oven space and means you won’t be heating up your house in the peak of summer.

Slice and salt your tomatoes before placing them in the dehydrator and keep an eye on them throughout the day as the dehydrator works its magic.

.3 Drying Tomatoes in the Sun

People have been drying tomatoes in the sun for centuries. If you want to follow suit, simply cut your tomatoes in half, sprinkle them with salt and place them in a location that receives hot sun. Drape a cheesecloth over the top to protect your tomatoes from insects and be sure to bring them inside each night before putting them back in the sun the following day. Mother Nature is in charge of the timeline here, so it could take anywhere from a few days to multiple weeks to achieve the right end result.

This is an easy, albeit slow, method that works well if you live in a hot and dry climate with predictable weather. If you’re in a humid environment, opt out of this method and use an oven or dehydrator instead.

How to Know When Tomatoes Are Dry

You’ll know the tomatoes are ready once they are dry to the touch but still pliable. If you detect any moisture or liquid, let them keep going but check them more regularly. You don’t want to crisp them to the point where they develop a leather-like texture. But if you take them out too soon, they won’t keep well or taste right.

See more: How to Make Strawberry “Sun” Jam

How to Store Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Once the tomatoes are done, allow them to cool completely. From there, store them in an airtight jar or zip-close bag in the fridge. When you make sun-dried tomatoes at home, their expiration depends on how much moisture remains in the tomatoes. Since this varies each time based on a number of factors, it’s best to label the container with the date and check the tomatoes often to make sure they are still good.

You can also choose to pack your sun-dried tomatoes in oil. Soak the dried tomatoes in warm water for half an hour and pat them dry. Dip them in wine vinegar or bottled lemon juice before transferring them into a glass jar. Pour olive oil into the jar, filling it as much as possible to prevent unnecessary air pockets, and allow them to sit for at least 24 hours before using. Store the tomatoes in the fridge to extend their shelf life and be sure to use them within 3 months.

How to Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Tomatoes are extremely versatile, and their sun-dried counterparts even more so. You can use these flavorful tomatoes to add a burst of brightness to salads, soups, stews, pastas, casseroles, quiches, sandwiches, marinades, flavored butters, dips, dressings and more. They also make a rich and decadent addition to weekend cheese and charcuterie boards.