Dried Tomatoes
Dried tomatoes, often referred to as sun-dried tomatoes, are ripe tomatoes that have been dehydrated to preserve them and concentrate their flavor.
| Nutrient |
Amount per 100 g |
|---|---|
| Calories |
258 kcal |
| Protein |
14.1 g |
| Total Fat |
3.0 g |
| Saturated Fat |
0.4 g |
| Carbohydrates |
55.8 g |
| Sugars |
37.6 g |
| Fiber |
12.3 g |
| Sodium |
87 mg |
| Potassium |
3427 mg |
| Vitamin C |
39.2 mg (65% of the RDI) |
| Calcium |
110 mg (11% of the RDI) |
| Iron |
9.1 mg (51% of the RDI) |
| Magnesium |
194 mg |
Dried tomatoes, often referred to as sun-dried tomatoes, are ripe tomatoes that have been dehydrated to preserve them and concentrate their flavor. They are typically chewy, tangy, and sweet, with an intense tomato flavor. Here are some common uses and information about dried tomatoes:
Types:
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Dried naturally under the sun, usually with a sprinkle of salt.
- Oven-dried tomatoes: Dried in a low-temperature oven, often quicker but less traditional.
- Dehydrated tomatoes: Made using a food dehydrator for controlled drying.
Uses:
- Cooking: Great for pasta, salads, sauces, pizzas, and dips.
- Snacking: Can be eaten as-is or marinated in olive oil with herbs.
- Preserving: Often stored in jars with oil and spices to enhance their flavor.
Preparation Tips:
- Rehydration: Soak dried tomatoes in hot water, broth, or wine for 15-30 minutes to soften them.
- Oil-packed: Ready to use and require no rehydration, but the oil can add flavor to dishes.
Culinary Uses
- Powdered Form
- Tomato Powder: Ground into a powder to make seasoning blends, soups, sauces, or flavor-enhancing dust for snacks.
- Instant Soup Bases: Tomato powder can serve as a base for instant soups or stews.
- Rehydration
- Soups and Stews: Soaked in water to rehydrate and added to recipes for a chewy texture and rich flavor.
- Pasta and Risotto: Rehydrated and used to enhance Mediterranean dishes.
- Direct Use
- Snacks: Eaten as-is or coated with herbs for a healthy snack.
- Salads and Sandwiches: Chopped and mixed into salads, wraps, or sandwiches for tangy flavor.
- Pizza Toppings: Used as a topping for pizzas or flatbreads.
- Oil-Based Products
- Infused Oils: Steeped in olive oil with herbs to create flavored oils.
- Pesto and Spreads: Blended with herbs, nuts, and oils for spreads or dips.
- Preserves
- Marinated Dried Tomatoes: Stored in jars with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for long-term use.
- Flavoring Agents
- Stocks and Broths: Added to enhance the flavor profile.
- Bakery Items: Incorporated into bread, crackers, or pastries for a savory twist.
Non-Culinary Uses
- Cosmetic Products
- Tomato extracts from dried tomatoes are used in skincare for their antioxidant and lycopene-rich properties.
- Nutritional Supplements
- Ground into powders for use in dietary supplements due to high levels of vitamins A, C, and antioxidants.
- Animal Feed
- Processed as a nutritious additive for livestock feed.
- Natural Dyes
- Used for natural red coloring in textiles or food products.
- Dried tomatoes are a sustainable ingredient with minimal waste, making them valuable in various industries.
