You must purchase a dehydrator (but you can use for year after year)
Using a dehydrator can take up to 8-12 hours per batch of tomatoes
How to dehydrate tomatoes
Use tomatoes of uniform size for most even results.
Set the dehydrator temperature at 135º-140ºF. (If your dehydrator doesn’t have a thermostat, set a cooking thermometer in the bottom tray.)
Wash and dry tomatoes.
Remove skins (optional). With a knife, cut an X on the bottom of the tomato, just deep enough to penetrate the skin. Drop tomato into boiling water. Blanch for 20-30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove tomato from boiling water. Immerse tomato in ice water. Use knife to remove tomato core. Skin will slip off.
Core tomatoes (whether skinned or not). Remove tomato ends.
Cut tomatoes.
Roma tomatoes: cut in halves or quarters Cherry tomatoes: cut in half Slicing tomatoes: cut into ¼” slices
Seed tomatoes (optional). With a spoon or your finger, scoop seeds from tomato, leaving pulp. Blot extra juice on tomatoes with a paper towel.
Spray dehydrator trays with a very light coating of vegetable spray or rub them with just a touch of olive oil to prevent tomatoes from sticking.
Place tomatoes cut-side up on dehydrator trays, about ½” apart. Do not allow tomatoes to touch. Sprinkle tomatoes with salt, garlic powder, or fresh herbs (as desired).
Allow 1-2” between each dehydrator rack for good air circulation.
Dry tomatoes. Check them regularly. If necessary, rotate racks to allow tomatoes to dry evenly. Remove pieces that dry before others to prevent them from scorching. Average dry time in a dehydrator is 8-12 hours.
Dried tomatoes will be reduced in size, shriveled and leathery, but not tacky. Remove tomatoes from the dehydrator and allow them to cool thoroughly.
Pack tightly in freezer bags, vacuum sealed bags, plastic containers, or jars.
Special tip
It may be tempting to place cherry tomatoes whole in your dehydrator. But if you take the time to slice them in half, you will be able to monitor how well they dry. Otherwise, you’ll have to guess if their interiors are still moist or if they are ready to be removed from the dehydrator.
