How to prepare and store sun-dried tomatoes for the winter without oil?

Sun-dried tomatoes are an original preparation of vegetables for future use, which can help out the housewife at any time.

The dried product prepared without oil retains a significant part of the beneficial substances found in the fresh vegetable.

To ensure that the product does not deteriorate before winter, it is important to strictly follow storage rules and use suitable packaging.

Is it possible and how to properly store sun-dried tomatoes without oil? We will tell you further.

Can dried tomatoes be preserved?

Historically, the inhabitants of the Mediterranean coast were the first to start drying tomatoes. Drying is carried out by evaporating the liquid from the vegetable.

At the same time, tomatoes retain a lot of useful substances:

• vitamins C and A,
• iron,
• calcium, etc.

And even after drying, the red pigment lycopene remains in the product, which is also beneficial for the body.

Cooked sun-dried tomatoes must be stored under all conditions so that they do not spoil.

How long are they stored?

The shelf life of dried tomatoes largely depends on the quality of drying., the initial state of the product, as well as the conditions in which the finished drying will lie.

The average shelf life of sun-dried tomatoes in a dry state without adding oil is up to 6 months.

If dried very strongly, they can be stored even longer, up to 8 months.

Storage methods

Dried tomatoes without oil for future use can be prepared in several ways - by freezing or simply dry. Each of them has its own characteristics.

Freezing

Freezing in the storage of vegetables is used to extend shelf life. This approach has its strengths and weaknesses. Dried tomatoes do not take up much space in the freezer, so storage can be very compact.

Even though the tomatoes are already dry, being in the freezer negatively affects their appearance. Freezing changes the structure, so after defrosting, the pieces may lose their appearance and change texture - they will soften and become more flexible.

Sun-dried tomatoes must be packaged into separate batches. Place each one in an individual bag, releasing as much air as possible from it. In this form, the tomatoes are sent to the freezer.

It is advisable to sign the packages in advance, indicating the name of the product and the date of placement in the freezer.

Vacuum

For ease of subsequent use and good storage, tomatoes can be vacuum packed. You can use both a unit designed for vacuuming cans and special bags.

Being in a vacuum extends the shelf life of the product and prevents spoilage. The entire volume of the dried product is divided into small portions and sealed separately. Tomatoes placed in vacuum bags can be frozen.

In the bank

The choice of packaging for sun-dried tomatoes determines the storage time. Unsealed plastic containers come in handy when the product must be stored for up to 15-20 days.

If it is necessary to extend the maintenance period, glass jars are chosen as containers.. Containers should be thoroughly washed, sterilized and dried. The lid must be airtight. The safety of the product will depend on this.

Where to keep the workpiece?

Non-hot rooms with low humidity and protection from light are suitable for storing sun-dried tomatoes. In a private house, storage rooms or basements can be adapted for this purpose, if they maintain suitable conditions.

Jars of sun-dried tomatoes in the apartment can be placed in closets, on loggias or in other places where it is dry and cool. In this case, you need to ensure that the cabinets are closed, preventing light from entering the place where the workpiece is kept.

Conditions

Sun-dried tomatoes are stored in a place that is not hot and always dry. This prevents the stock from becoming moldy and rotting. The next important point is protection from light. The temperature at the storage location should be +10-15°C, maximum – 20-22°C. Humidity should be low: from 15 to 70%.

Proper drying

Proper drying is one of the important components of successful storage. tomatoes. The purpose of drying is to remove excess moisture from the fruit.

It is best to dry at a temperature of +50-70°C. The whole process will take several hours, usually from 4 to 6. During this time, the pieces will dry evenly.

It is most convenient to use an electric dryer. On pallets, the slices should be spread evenly, in one layer. You can also dry tomatoes in the oven, monitoring the temperature.

Drying time depends on the size of the pieces and the desired state of dryness of the tomatoes.

Errors and their consequences

Storing dried tomatoes can be a very practical solution. Preserving the taste, aroma and beneficial properties of vegetables opens up wide possibilities for using such preparations. The main thing is to avoid the most common mistakes.

Incorrect temperature

Since for a dried product the best temperature conditions are at a temperature from +10 to +15°C, then any significant deviations may lead to damage.

High humidity

Sun-dried tomatoes are a dry product, so it is important to store them in a place with low relative humidity. You should also ensure that condensation does not form in the packaging itself.

Package

If it is important to maintain the shape of the tomato pieces, you need to make sure that they do not wrinkle and turn into one lump. It is also necessary that the packaging isolates the tomatoes from other products and prevents condensation and spoilage.

Exceeding deadlines

Even dried vegetables cannot be stored indefinitely. Not only can they begin to lose their taste, but they can also deteriorate.

Video on the topic of the article

The video will show you how to dry and store tomatoes without oil:

Conclusion

Storing sun-dried tomatoes without oil is quite possible to organize in an apartment or private house, if you strictly adhere to the rules and provide suitable conditions for this. If you have doubts about the possibility of such an organization, you can pay attention to recipes using oil.