Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Posted by Rachel February 04, 2026

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

January’s rescue boxes were overflowing with Cherry, Grape, and Roma tomatoes, and I couldn’t resist turning them into something that would last well beyond the week. Drying them is one of my favorite ways to stretch a good haul—simple, hands‑off, and the kind of slow kitchen project that makes the whole house smell like herbs and sunshine. If you are not familiar with this method, it makes them have a jammy texture, and it intensifies the flavor. This makes them awesome in breads, in pestos, with pasta, in dips, in compound butters, savory biscotti, or one of my favorites: stuffing zucchini or yellow squash with them and fresh ricotta cheese. You can also reconstitute them by soaking them in water for 30 minutes and using them as you would normally use tomatoes.

Some people will store them in olive oil. Which gives the oil a distinct tomato flavor. That oil can then be used in recipes, too. The oil also gives them a shorter shelf life. If you choose to add oil, I've heard that storing it in the fridge can extend its life. Storage time can vary depending on how dry your tomatoes are and how you choose to store them, so use whatever method you’re most comfortable with. I usually keep mine in an airtight jar and use them as needed. However you choose to keep them, these little jars of concentrated sunshine are one of my favorite ways to stretch rescued produce a little further and bring that slow, cozy kitchen aroma back anytime I open one.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

3 cups of tomatoes (cut the grapes or cherry in half, slice the romas)

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp pink salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 tsp Italian seasoning

First off, the recipe can be doubled, tripled, or, as shown below, quadrupled. First, I turn on my dehydrator to start warming it up to 140 degrees. Next, mix the ingredients above in a large bowl. Arrange them on your trays. If you have perferrated silicone sheets, I highly recommend using them to keep the tomatoes from sticking to your trays. It takes 6-12 hours to dry the tomatoes, depending on how humid your house is. flip them after 5 hours. Store them in jars and use them as you like.