WHAT IS A DRIED TOMATO?

The art of removing water from a tomato dates back to the dawn of time.  Lowering the moisture content of foods is a great way to extend their shelf life.  While cherry tomatoes are the most popular, any varietal can be used.  In general they are either sold in slices at room temperature or floating in a glass jar of oil.   These fruits have more flavor per weight then a normal tomato since they have less water.  If they’re a bit too tough, you can always hydrate slices with a bit of water or stock for a given recipe (including salads).

WHY ARE DRIED TOMATOES GOOD FOR YOU?

All of the health benefits you get from a juicy tomato are now much more concentrated in a dried tomato.  Richer in fiber and nutrients, they are also however higher in calories per unit of weight (about 6 times as much).

WHEN ARE DRIED TOMATOES IN SEASON?

Whenever you want!  They are dried so will last throughout any given harvest season.

HOW SHOULD DRIED TOMATOES BE STORED?

Out sunlight in a dark, cool place is ideal.  Moisture is the enemy here so don’t store them anywhere humid.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUN-DRIED, DRIED AND SEMI-DRIED?

Most dried tomatoes are sold today as “sun-dried.”  The reality is that the majority were dried in a large, industrial oven somewhere far away.  While less romantic, in terms of quality this is a much more reliable method.  Sun drying means laying tomato slices outside under a hot sun.  Birds can fly overhead pooping, bugs can have sex on your future ingredient and other variables can impact the quality of your food.  While fresh tomatoes have a water content of around 90%, dried tomatoes are down under 10%.  Semi-dried are in between the two.  This gives them a great combination of more flavor and more juiciness at the same time.  You can easily create your own semi-dried tomatoes at home by just hydrating your dried tomatoes with a bit of liquid.