Sun-drying tomatoes is a simple technique that allows you to preserve them without using chemicals or heat. The method involves exposing the tomatoes to sunlight until they dry out completely. This preserves their natural flavor and nutrients.
This recipe uses only three ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. In addition, it requires no electricity, so you don’t have to worry about power cuts.
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What are Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Sundried tomatoes are dried tomatoes left out in the sun. They are often treated with sulfurous gas or salt. They are often sold canned.
Health Benefits of Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-drying tomatoes is a simple process that preserves the natural flavors of the tomato while keeping it safe for consumption. This method of food preservation dates back thousands of years and is still used today.
Tomatoes contain many health benefits including vitamins A, B6, K, C, E, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese, zinc, selenium, and vitamin D. These antioxidants help protect against heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and even aging.
History of Sun drying Tomatoes
Sun-drying tomatoes dates back to ancient times. Ancient Egyptians used sun-dried tomatoes as food preservatives. They dried tomatoes under the hot sun and stored them in jars. This method was later adopted by Romans and Greeks. The word “sun-dried” came from the Latin word “sol.”
In the early 20th century they were made in California. During World War II, the United States government encouraged farmers to grow tomatoes because it needed a large amount of tomato paste. By the 1950s, sun-dried tomatoes were being sold in grocery stores across America.
Today, sun-dried tomato products are still widely available. There are many different varieties of sun-dried tomatoes including oil-packed, water-packed, and dehydrated. Some people like to eat them straight out of the jar while others prefer to add them to salads, soups, pasta dishes, pizza toppings, dips, sauces, spreads, and even desserts.
Air Fried Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This recipe uses an air fry oven called an air fryer. Air fryers are great because they use less oil than traditional deep-frying methods. They work by circulating hot air around a pan filled with food. Food absorbs heat and cooks faster than normal cooking methods.
The bigger the tomato, the longer it takes to cook. Make sure you cut them into four pieces so they’re easy to handle.
Use a silicone spatula to move the tomatoes into a glass bowl. Let them cool completely before storing them in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
- 5 ounces red grape tomatoes, halved
- ¼ teaspoon olive oil
- salt to taste
Directions
- Preheat an air fryer to 240 degrees F (115 degrees C).
- Place tomatoes in a small bowl. Add olive oil and salt. Stir until evenly combined. Transfer tomato halves to the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
- Smash tomatoes and cook them in oil for 45 minutes. Then, using a spatula, smash them again and cook them for another 30 minutes.
- Put the tomato slices on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and let them sit at room temp for one hour. Then repeat with any leftover tomato slices.
Nutrition Fact
One serving of these air-fried tomatoes contains about 80 calories, 2 grams of fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 5 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of protein, and 10 milligrams of sodium.
How To Store Sun-Dried Tomatoes
While I may not be able to remember which one I bought at the grocery store, I’ll always remember the ones I’ve had before. If you want to store them for longer than a few days, put them in an airtight jar and fill the jar with olive or vegetable oils. Keep the sun-dried tomato slices submerged in the oils so they don’t dry out. They will last for about a week in the fridge.
How To Freeze Sun-Dried Tomatoes
If you’re going to make a huge batch of ice cream during the summer, then freezing is a good option. Prepare them according to the recipe instructions, then freeze them. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store them in the refrigerator or the back of the cupboard. They will last up to three weeks in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Sun-dried tomatoes are delicious when eaten fresh but also have many other applications. You can enjoy them as part of a salad, on top of your favorite sandwich, or in a sauce.
Meet our air fryer recipe expert, Jenny J. Brown. Jenny is a culinary enthusiast with a passion for creating healthy, delicious meals using the latest kitchen appliances. As an experienced home cook and food blogger, Jenny has spent years experimenting with air fryer recipes and perfecting her techniques to create meals that are both nutritious and satisfying.
