Preserve the Harvest with Semi-Dried Tomatoes

#heirloomtomatoes #semidriedtomatoes #preservetheharvest

When I was in Australia visiting family and researching, I learned about this easy technique. It was one of the ways the locals preserved the abundance of tomatoes that came in the fall. This method works great with smaller tomatoes such as Cherry, Roma, or other small heirloom types. This year we grew pretty much only tomatoes and herbs, so when harvest time approaches, I gear up for processing my vegetables as they come into ripeness.

A batch at a time

The nice thing about this method is that you don't have to do a large amount if you are short on time or space, you can dry one pan at a time. I like to use them in salads, you can process them and use them as a sauce for pasta or pizza, or eat them as a spread chopped up with olives.

Oven drying tomatoes take a lot less time and space that drying them in the sun. You can roast these a little or a lot, depending on your preference. I like mine more on the wet side for pasta and pizza dishes.

Watch me on video make these here

Ingredients used in this dish:

Tomatoes - Cherry, Roma, or any small tomatoes work great. If you are using a larger tomato, cut out the core.

Olive oil- My standard go-to oil in my kitchen is EVOO, however, you could use a milder oil like a grapeseed or sunflower oil.

Garlic Salt- I use the grinder style garlic salt, but granulated and kosher work too.

Fresh Basil- right out the garden is best, but dry works in a pinch.

Equipment needed:

Half sheet pan- standard rimmed 10x16 pan

Parchment paper to fit- natural or white

Chef's Tips

If you cut them and place them face-up on your pan, you will get a drier product than if you place them cut side down. I switch it around and use the cut side down ones for sauces and the cut side up ones for eating and salads.