Sun-dried Tomatoes

Looking for something else to do with your plethora of tomatoes from your garden? Homemade sun dried tomatoes! In the dehydrator, oven, or out in the sun.

Ideas taken from here and here.

INGREDIENTS:

• Firm, meaty tomatoes (Romas are a good choice--the mushier they are, the longer they take to dry)

• salt (optional)

• basil (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS (Dehydrator method):

1. Wash tomatoes well.

2. Cut the tops off

3. Slice 1/4 inch thick

4. Put on dehydrator trays

5. Sprinkle with salt and basil, if desired

6. Dehydrate at 125 degrees approx 8 hrs, or until leathery.

INSTRUCTIONS (Oven method):

1. Wash tomatoes well.

2. Cut the tops off

3. Slice 1/4 inch thick

4. Put on non-stick cookie sheet (glass or porcelain dishes okay). Do not use aluminum foil or aluminum baking sheets as the acid from the tomato will react with the metal

5. Sprinkle with salt and basil, if desired

6. Bake 170 degrees for about 3 hours.

7. Leave the oven door propped open about 3 inches to allow moisture to escape.

8. After 3 hours, turn tomatoes over and continue to dry until leathery.

INSTRUCTIONS (SUN-DRYING):  

1. Wash tomatoes well.

2. Cut the tops off

3. Slice 1/4 inch thick

4. Place tomatoes in shallow wood-framed trays with nylon netting for the bottom of the trays.

5. Sprinkle with salt and basil, if desired

6. Cover trays with protective netting or cheesecloth.

7. Place in direct sun, raised from the ground (on blocks or anything that allows air to circulate under the trays).

8. Turn tomatoes over after about 1 1/2 days.

9. Place the trays in a sheltered spot after sundown, or if the weather turns bad.

10. Takes approx 3 days to dry.

MAKES:as many tomatoes as you use