Sun dried tomatoes have a unique sweet taste and can last far longer than fresh tomatoes. Knowing how to sun dry tomatoes will help you preserve your summer harvest and enjoy the fruit well into winter. Drying tomatoes doesn’t change any of the nutritional benefits of the fruit with the exception of the loss of some Vitamin C. The added flavor and ease of storing dried tomatoes are benefits of the preservative process.Sun drying of tomatoes adds an added nuance to their flavor, but it isn’t a recommended preservation technique unless you are in a high heat, low humidity area. If the tomatoes take too long to dry, they will mold and the exposure outside will increase the chance of bacteria. To sun dry tomatoes, blanch them and remove the skin. Cut them in half and squeeze out the pulp and seeds, then place the tomatoes in a single layer on a rack in full sun. Make sure there are a couple of inches of air flow under the rack. Turn the tomatoes every day and bring the rack indoors at night. The process can take up to 12 days.
