Dehydrating Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Learn how to easily dehydrate fresh cherry tomatoes to create a wonderful snack or ingredient that enhances your dishes with concentrated tomato flavor. This simple process preserves the tomatoes, giving them a leathery, slightly pliable texture perfect for long-term storage and culinary use.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 hours
- Total Time: 12 hours 15 minutes to 14 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (amount depends on moisture loss, roughly 1/4 to 1/3 cup dried tomatoes) 1x
- Category: Preserving
- Method: Dehydrating
- Cuisine: General
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh cherry tomatoes
- Prepare Cherry Tomatoes: Remove any stems or leaves and thoroughly wash the cherry tomatoes under cool running water to remove dirt and debris. Discard any over-ripe tomatoes and set aside any that are not fully ripe to ripen further before dehydration.
- Slice Tomatoes: Cut each cherry tomato in half, then place them on the dehydrator tray in a single layer with the skin side down. This orientation reduces drying time significantly.
- Dehydrate the Tomatoes: Place the trays into the dehydrator and set the temperature to 135°F (57°C). Dry the tomatoes for approximately 12 to 14 hours, though drying time can vary based on factors like tomato size, variety, humidity, and airflow.
- Check for Doneness: Near the end of drying, check every hour or so for doneness. The tomatoes are ready when they are leathery, slightly pliable, and somewhat sticky but without any visible moisture or glossiness. If dampness remains, continue drying.
- Cool and Store: Once dried, allow the trays to cool inside the dehydrator for 30-45 minutes. This helps dissipate heat and prevents condensation when transferring to storage containers.
- Condition the Tomatoes: Loosely fill an airtight jar with the dried tomatoes and shake it once daily for about a week. Monitor for any condensation or moisture. If moisture appears, return them to the dehydrator for additional drying and repeat the conditioning process.
- Long-Term Storage: After successfully conditioning, store the dried cherry tomatoes in airtight containers in a cool, dark place for extended shelf life.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm cherry tomatoes for best results.
- Drying times can vary significantly depending on humidity and tomato size.
- Proper conditioning is crucial to prevent mold during storage.
- Store dried tomatoes in airtight containers away from sunlight and heat.
- Dehydrated tomatoes can be rehydrated in water or oil before use if desired.
Keywords: dehydrating cherry tomatoes, dried cherry tomatoes, how to dry tomatoes, preserving tomatoes, dried tomato recipe