What Are Dried Tomatoes and How Do I Make Them?

Tomatoes are great fresh, but dried…wow. Dried tomatoes are serious flavor bombs. A little dried tomato in a dish is a chef’s secret weapon. Most are shelf-stable.

The drying process can be sun-drying, oven drying, or even simple dehydrator tomatoes. The flavor concentrates in the most delightful way. Dried tomatoes brighten up any dish they are in, and can steal the show.

Yes! You can them at home. But skip those giant, juicy heirloom tomatoes and choose meaty roma or plum tomatoes.

Looking for dried tomato recipes? Check out or list of 30+ Sun-Dried Tomato and Dried Tomato Recipes.

What are Dried Tomatoes? Are They The Same Thing As Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

Dried tomatoes are tomatoes that have been dried so that most of the moisture in the tomato is removed. It concentrates the tart tomato flavor, creating an tart and sweet flavor profile. Traditionally, tomatoes were dried in the sun to preserve summer tomatoes. Tomatoes can still be dried in the sun and thus, sun-dried tomatoes. Though most tomatoes are no longer dried in the sun, many still refer to all dried tomatoes as “sun-dried.”

Generally, you can purchase (or make) two different kinds of dried tomatoes: shelf-stable dried tomatoes that come in packages and jarred in oil.

How are Tomatoes Dried?

There are several ways to dry tomatoes. Sun-dried tomatoes peaked in popularity in the 1990’s and were everywhere. (I was alive and kicking in the 90’s, I can attest to the obsession with sun-dried tomatoes). But tomatoes can be dried in a regular home dehydrator, or in the oven. Or, just purchase them.

If dried sufficiently, they are shelf stable. If they mostly dried but still contain some moisture, they won’t last as long, but can be stored in the refrigerator.

One-Pot Sun Dried Tomato Farro
From WanderingChickpea.com

Packed in Olive Oil or Not?

You will find two different kinds of dried tomatoes: dried and packed dry or dried and packed in olive oil. Dried tomatoes are chewy and leathery with a tart umami punch. Dried tomatoes in a jar packed in oil are the same tomatoes, just marinated in a herb-spiked oil. Buying jarred dried tomatoes is like a two-for-one, getting the tomatoes and flavorful oil. After opening, you must keep jarred tomatoes in the refrigerator. They are more expensive in the jar.

Olive oil packed dried tomatoes can be used straight out of the jar, as they are softened already. While, packaged sun-dried tomatoes are softened by soaking in warm water. Generally, when using dried tomatoes in a long cooked sauce, there is no need to pre-soak. If you are using dried tomatoes in say a bruscetta, then you will want to soak them first to soften. In this case, oil-packed tomatoes are more convenient.

Buyer Beware: Read the Label!

When buying olive-oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, read the labels! Look for olive oil on the label. Some brands include other cheaper oils, such as sunflower oil to pack the tomatoes. The olive-oil packed tomatoes will probably be more expensive.

*Oven dried tomatoes in olive oil (photo larderlove)*

Make Your Own in Olive Oil

If you want to keep the cost down, buy the packaged dried tomatoes and use your own olive oil to create a homemade jar of olive-oil packed sundried tomatoes. Follow this recipe to create your own olive oil packed sun-dried tomatoes. Remember, if you want to add fresh herbs or garlic the jar, your homemade olive oil packed sundried tomatoes must be consumed in a few days because botulism can thrive. Use dried spices and olive oil instead and your jar can last months in the refrigerator.

how to make dried tomatoes by the The Kitchn — *How to make dried tomatoes in the oven (The Kitchn*)

How to Dry Tomatoes At Home

Dehydrator

I prefer to use a dehydrator to dry tomatoes. A dehydrator is one of those single use machines that seem to last forever, so if you are thinking of buying a dehydrator, avoid the cheap bulky round machines. Splurge a little on a machine with a large interior and good temperature settings. It can take days to dehydrate, so you want to fit as much in as possible. Also, some dehydrators have a setting for bread to rise or even to make yogurt.

I acquired my dehydrator from a friend, who inherited it from his grandfather. It is at least 30 years old and still works like a champ. My mom bought a newer model that fits a bit more, and she has now been using it for over 10 years.

Dehydrators can be loud. I try to run it overnight, outdoors, or even in the garage (if you have one).

This is the brand I use and it looks exactly like this. It has just four trays, but it gets the job done.

This is the one my mom has. I love the transparent window, so you can see in. It is double the price, but fits twice as much.

Follow these instructions for drying tomatoes in a dehydrator.

dried tomatoes in the oven by the The Kitchn — *Dried tomatoes in the oven (The Kitchn*)

Dry Tomatoes in Your Oven

Chances are that you already have an oven, so no new equipment is needed to dry a batch of tomatoes. The term oven-dried tomatoes can be confusing. Some people create a lovely jammy tomato by “drying” them in a very low oven for a several (up to 10) hours. If the tomatoes are jammy, silky, and spreadable, they are not dried sufficiently. They are delicious, but they are not “Dried Tomatoes” and will not last longer than a few days.

How to Oven Dry Tomatoes

You will need an oven, a large tray, foil, and racks. It can take 10 hours to oven dry your tomatoes, so pick a day you will be home. Though the oven is on a very low setting, it will heat up your house, so you may want to avoid this recipe during a heat wave. After you’ve dried them, you’re ready to use them in some of our favorite recipes.

Slow-Baked Oven Dried Tomato Instructions by BrooklynFarmGirl.com

Sun Drying Instructions:

If you live in a warm and dry climate, drying tomatoes the old-fashioned way– under the sun is an option. Remove the skin first, and take measures to keep bugs away.