Practical recommendations on how to store sun-dried tomatoes at home and for how long

Sun-dried tomatoes are a Mediterranean invention. This is one of the popular and practical ways to preserve vegetables for future use.

The dried product enhances the taste of various dishes and saves time during preparation.

But in order for sun-dried tomatoes to be stored for a long time, they must not only be prepared correctly, but also stored in suitable conditions.

Shelf life of dried tomatoes

How long do sun-dried tomatoes last? The duration of keeping dried tomatoes depends on how the product is kept and what recipe was used.

Which is correct?

The easiest option for preparing sun-dried tomatoes for future use is drying. As a result of loss of moisture, tomatoes acquire the ability to be stored for a long time..

Temperature

The temperature where the dried product is stored should not be too low. An acceptable option is up to +22°C, but it is better that the value is in the range of 8-16°C.

Humidity

Air humidity should be low. A suitable value is up to 70%, the minimum is 15%. This limitation is due to the fact that the product is initially dry, so in a humid environment it can easily deteriorate - become damp and even moldy.

Lighting

For long-term storage of the workpiece, you should choose dark places, protected from direct sunlight and artificial light. These can be utility rooms and basements, as well as lockable drawers, cabinets with doors, etc.

Pest protection

Sun-dried tomatoes are a food product that can be susceptible to pest damage. To avoid this, For storage, it is recommended to choose reliable sealed packaging.

Tomatoes should be stored dry (without oil) only after they are completely dry. You can check this by breaking pieces. If juice is released, the vegetable is not dried enough.

Adding dried garlic to tomatoes prepared for storage can prevent damage from mold and pests.

Methods for long-term maintenance of dry stock for the winter

Sun-dried tomatoes can be preserved in various ways. Most often they are prepared dry or with the addition of vegetable oil..

In oil

Cooking in oil is a delicious delicacy product. Additionally, it can be flavored with herbs, garlic, and spices.

What to pour over sun-dried tomatoes? It is recommended to choose unrefined, cold-pressed oil for cooking. – olive, sunflower or other. Jars for preparation must first be sterilized.Then add the tomatoes and spices and pour in warm oil.

Cooking sun-dried tomatoes in oil for long-term storage - on video:

Vacuum packed

Dried tomatoes are stored quite well in suitable conditions. They can be kept in a glass container with a lid, in plastic containers, etc. But it’s best to seal it in vacuum packaging.

This can be done at home if you use a portable household appliance. For this preparation, dried tomatoes are divided into separate portions and packaged separately.

Where to keep it?

You should choose a place to store sun-dried tomatoes very carefully so that the product can be stored for a long time.

Is it possible in the cellar?

If the storage location for sun-dried tomatoes is a cellar, the conditions there must be suitable. The basement is usually dark, but often also damp.. In this case, care should be taken to reduce the percentage of relative humidity - adjust ventilation, treat the walls with lime, etc.

In a refrigerator

The refrigerator ensures that the workpiece is kept cool and dark. High humidity may pose a danger if the device is not No Frost. In such a place, increased attention is paid to the tightness of the packaging.

If tomatoes are stored without oil, then pour a little salt into the bottom of the jar, and only then add the tomato pieces. This technique will prevent the appearance of moisture, since salt absorbs water well, and the vegetables will not spoil.

When the container is completely filled, salt is also sprinkled on top of its contents. The jar should be rolled up.After the container is opened and the contents begin to be used, a nylon lid is taken. It is recommended to use an opened jar within 7-10 days.

In the apartment

Store sun-dried tomatoes in an apartment possible in cabinets with closing doors, in the pantry or on a loggia equipped for conservation storage.

Whatever location is chosen, it should not be hot. You should also control the humidity level in it and make sure that light does not fall on the product.

Which container is better?

For long-term storage of sun-dried tomatoes, it is recommended to select a container that will not react with the contents. It is convenient to use small glass jars for these purposes.. In this case, the contents will be used quickly enough and will not have time to deteriorate.

What happens if the rules are broken?

Violation of the rules for storing sun-dried tomatoes can lead to spoilage of the product, loss of its beneficial qualities, aroma and original taste.

The most common mistakes in organizing storage:

• keeping in the light;
• air temperature is too high;
• increased air humidity;
• the tomatoes are not dried well enough or water gets into the preparation;
• storage for too long a time.

If during storage the lid of the jar begins to swell, mold appears, or the color or consistency changes, you should not use such a product.

Dehydrator recipe

Dense varieties, such as cream, work well for use in a dehydrator. Ripe fruits are selected for preparation.

Procedure:

1. Cut each fruit in half.
2. The center and seeds can be removed to make the finished dish more tender. But you can leave it.
3. Place the halves on a dehydrator tray.
4. Lightly add salt.
5. Set the temperature to +60°C.
6. Leave the tomatoes to dry for 14 hours (+/- 2 hours). Taking into account the juiciness and size of the fruit, the processing time can be adjusted.
7. Chop the garlic.
8. Prepare basil and other herbs (you can use dried ones).
9. Sterilize jars and lids.
10. Place slightly underdried tomatoes in jars.
11. Add garlic and spices.
12. Alternate layers of tomatoes and spices until the jar is completely filled.
13. Pour in vegetable oil (can be heated).
14. Close with a vacuum lid or roll up.

This video will show you how to cook sun-dried tomatoes in a dehydrator:

An alternative option for preparing dried tomatoes (in the form of plates) using a dehydrator is in the video:

Conclusion

Using sun-dried tomatoes can be a highlight in preparing everyday and holiday dishes. If you follow Italian traditions, it is recommended not to dry the tomatoes a little, and use cold-pressed olive oil.

Sun-dried tomatoes can be used independently as a cold snack, to enrich the taste of pizza and add Mediterranean flavor to even ordinary sandwiches.