How to Dehydrate Cherry Tomatoes

Name: How to Dehydrate Cherry Tomatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 540 min
Total time: 550 min
Ingredients: Cherry Tomatoes

9 hours 10 minutes

tomato

Posted:5/14/21

Updated:4/27/22

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This easy method will show you exactly How To Dehydrate Cherry Tomatoes using a dehydrator. Use dried cherry tomatoes in pasta salads, sandwiches, or even eat them as a snack! It’s the perfect way to use up an abundance of juicy, summer tomatoes.

Dried cherry tomatoes

With all types of tomatoes and vegetables being abundant in the summer, it’s a shame if any had to go to waste! That’s why I love using my dehydrator. I get on dehydrating kicks and all of a sudden my house is filled with dried cantaloupe chips, dried edamame, and more!

Cherry tomatoes are especially useful when they’re dried because they add tons of flavor to pasta salads, fresh green salads, and sandwiches, and they make for a simple healthy snack. That’s why I want to show you How To Dehydrate Cherry Tomatoes step by step.

For this recipe, you’ll need a food dehydrator which is basically a ventilated box that circulates dry heat in order to take the moisture out of whatever is inside the trays. The investment is so worth it as it can save you money and lower your food waste. Whether you have loads of cherry tomatoes or any other type of tomato, your dehydrator will come in handy so you aren’t letting them rot in the garden or go to waste.

The process is very simple and you barely have to lift a finger. I had a good feeling dried cherry tomatoes would taste great but I had no idea how extra delicious they would be! Plus, they filled the house with that fresh and earthy tomato garden smell while they were dehydrating. What could be better?

dehyrated cherry tomatoes on food dehydrator sheet.

The best tomatoes for dehydrating

While you can dehydrate almost any tomato you desire, there are some that are better than others. It all depends on HOW you’re going to use them.

Bigger tomatoes such as beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes contain a high water content. This means they’ll take a longer time to dehydrate and the flavor won’t be as concentrated. They’re best enjoyed when mixed with other flavors, like in a burger or sandwich.

The best tomatoes for dehydrating are ones that are small and sweet. This is why I think cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes are best suited for this method. They have a fairly small water content and are much sweeter tasting, which intensifies when the moisture is removed. As you can see my daughter loves snacking on them straight from the garden. 🙂

bowl of cherry tomatoes with hand going into it.

Add the dried cherry or grape tomatoes to salads, pizza, focaccia, pasta, tomato sauce, chili, meat dishes, and more!

How to dry cherry tomatoes with a dehydrator

The process of dehydrating cherry tomatoes is no sweat at all! You just slice them up and let them dry out for a perfectly sweet and tangy snack:

Wash your cherry tomatoes and cut them in half lengthwise.

Place them on the dehydrating trays in a single layer.

cherry tomatoes cut in half on dehydrator sheet.

Dehydrate for 9 to 10 hours or until they’re completely dried out.

What to do with dehydrated tomatoes

My favorite way to eat dehydrated tomatoes is the most simple: as a snack! They pair nicely with Mini Blueberry Muffins, added to Cornbread or Baked Spinach Chips when I’m feeling extra healthy.

You can also use them in a cold Tri-Color Italian Pasta Salad during summer or toss them in this Easy Pesto Pasta or Pea Shoots Pasta for something more comforting. When all else fails, use the dried cherry tomatoes on your favorite sandwiches, pizza and flatbread, add some on top of Chicken Parmigiana, or mix them into salads.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best temperature when dehydrating tomatoes? The best temperature range for dehydrating tomatoes is between 125ºF-135ºF. The timing depends on how thick your tomatoes are and how well your dehydrator holds the heat.
How to store dried cherry tomatoes? Store dried cherry tomatoes in an airtight container or jar with a lid. They can be used for up to 6 months at room temperature or for up to 1 year in the freezer.
Can I dehydrate tomatoes without a dehydrator? It takes a bit more work, but you can dehydrate tomatoes in the oven at 225ºF. Make sure to press out as much juice as possible beforehand and flip the tomatoes regularly until the desired consistency is reached.
Why are dried tomatoes so expensive? Dried cherry tomatoes are expensive because of the labor it takes to dry them out and package them. The best way to combat this is to make them yourself when tomatoes are in season.

More fun things you can do with tomatoes

Make Homemade Tomato Paste
Can Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Grind some up for Tomato Powder
Prepare a batch of Tomato Salsa
Freeze Tomatoes for year-round use
Make your own Diced Tomatoes and Fresh Tomato Soup

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This easy method will show you exactly How To Dehydrate Cherry Tomatoes using a dehydrator. Use dried cherry tomatoes in pasta salads, sandwiches, or even eat them as a snack! It’s the perfect way to use up an abundance of juicy, summer tomatoes.

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