Dehydrating Tomatoes in a food dehydrator

When dehydrating tomatoes, it is best to use a meaty style tomato. I use Roma tomatoes both for canning and dehydrating. Choose firm, ripe fruit. You don’t want the tomatoes to be overripe.

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This Page Includes:

• How to Dehydrate Tomatoes: Extended, Step-By-Step Directions
• Recipe Card
• {FAQ} How to Make Tomato Powder
• {FAQ} How to Use Dehydrated Tomato Powder

How to Dehydrate Tomatoes: Extended, Step-By-Step Directions

Start by washing and slicing the tomatoes. This little vintage slicer works really well for slicing tomatoes. It makes the slices even and will do a whole tomato.

The more evenly you make your slices, the more evenly it will dehydrate. If you don’t have a slicer like this, simply use a very sharp knife and make your slices as even as possible.

Lay the slices out on a dehydrator tray. Be sure air can flow freely between pieces.

Dehydrate at 145 degrees until crispy, which takes 6 to 12 hours. This is a wide range; actual time will vary with the juiciness (is that a word?) of the tomato and your dehydrator. Check your trays every couple of hours and rotate if it seems one area is drying much faster.

Store in an airtight container. I usually use a recycled mayonnaise or similar type jar or a regular canning jar. Re-hydrate or add to soups and stews. They can even be snacked on just like they are.

Recipe Card

Dehydrating Tomatoes

When dehydrating tomatoes, it is best to use a meaty style tomato like a Roma, for example. Learn the step-by-step process for drying tomatoes here.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:30 minutes mins

Dehydrating Time:12 hours hrs

Total Time:12 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Equipment

• Dehydrator
• Sharp Knife  or tomato slicer
• Airtight Container

Ingredients

• Tomatoes

Instructions

• Wash and evenly slice tomatoes.
• Lay slices on a dehydrator tray, allowing space between pieces.
• Dehydrate at 145 degrees F until crispy (6-12 hours), rotating trays if needed.
• Store in an airtight container.

Notes

 

Last Updated: 

Author: Sharon Peterson

Dehydrating Tomatoes Tips & FAQs

How to Make Tomato Powder

Dehydrated tomatoes can be ground in a blender and made into tomato powder. This can then be re-hydrated and made into tomato paste or sauce. Or use it to thicken up tomato-based soups or stew. It will add a lively tomato flavor.

Just place dried tomatoes in a blender and blend until it is a powder. You may have to stop occasionally and scrape the sides, but I’ve not had a problem with getting it all blended.

For storage, place it in an airtight jar. Turn the jar upside down and leave it on the counter for a day or two. Watch for any moisture in the jar. If you notice moisture, your tomatoes were not dry enough. Store this in the freezer. If no moisture shows up, it is good to go on the shelf.

I did this with some yellow pear tomatoes as well as the Roma tomatoes. I have yet to use it, but I expect it to be good!

How to Use Dehydrated Tomato Powder

To make tomato paste, mix water and powder in a ratio of 2:1.

To make a tomato sauce, mix in a ratio of 4:1, adding seasonings if you like.

Or simply add to soups, stews, etc. as a thickener.

Use tomato powder to make a tomato sauce and then add garlic and seasonings to make a pizza sauce.

Related Pages

Dehydrating Food

Learn everything you need to know about dehydrating food at SimplyCanning.com.

Dehydrating Vegetables

Learn how to dry veggies, peppers, tomatoes, and more.

Dehydrating Zucchini Chips

Learn how to dry zucchini, both in chips and dices.

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Page last updated: 6/9/2021