How to Make Tomato Powder & Dehydrated Tomatoes

Tomato powder in a wooden spoon in front of a jar of tomato powder surrounded by dried tomato slices.

How to Make Tomato Powder & Dehydrated Tomatoes

Packed with flavor, these dried tomatoes are a simple and space-saving way to preserve your summer harvest. You can enjoy them as chewy sun-dried slices or grind them into a fine powder that lasts for months.

Course Condiments, DIY Pantry Foods

Cuisine Global

Diet Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword sun-dried tomatoes, tomato powder

Special Diet Dairy free Recipes, Paleo

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 5

Total Time 5 20

Servings 1 Tbsp. servings

Calories 20kcal

Author Tracy Ariza, DDS

Ingredients

8 lbs. tomatoes (any variety — Roma or plum tomatoes dry fastest)

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Instructions

Prep the tomatoes

Rinse the tomatoes well and remove the stems.
Pat dry and slice thinly and evenly (about ⅛ inch / 3 mm thick).

Arrange for drying

Spread the slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays, baking sheets, or drying racks. Avoid overlapping for even airflow.

Dry the tomatoes

In the oven

Set to the lowest temperature (140–170°F / 60–75°C). Use the fan if available. Bake for 5–8 hours, flipping halfway through.

In a dehydrator

Set to 125–135°F (50–60°C) and dry for 6–10 hours until leathery or brittle.

Sun drying

Place on mesh screens in full sun. Cover with netting to keep insects away and bring indoors at night. Depending on the weather, this may take 2–4 days.

Check for doneness

For sun-dried tomatoes, they should be dry and flexible but not sticky or soft.
For tomato powder, continue drying until completely brittle.
Once the tomatoes are completely dry, store them.

Make tomato powder (optional)

Break the dried slices into smaller pieces. Grind them in a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder until fine.
Sift through a mesh sieve and regrind any larger flakes until all the powder is smooth.

Store

Dried Slices: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for longer storage.
Tomato Powder: Store in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dark pantry or the refrigerator. If well dried, it can last for a year or more.

Video

Notes

Yields

About 8 ounces of dried tomatoes (or roughly 32 tablespoons of powder).

Drying time

The exact drying time depends on:

The type of tomato (Roma or plum tomatoes dry faster)
The thickness of the slices
The drying method and appliance used

Storage – dried tomato slices

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
To extend their shelf life, refrigerate or freeze them.
If using plastic bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Discard any slices that show signs of mold.

Storage – in oil

Dried tomato slices can be kept in olive oil in the refrigerator.
For best results, slice them into strips before adding them to the oil.
Avoid adding fresh garlic or herbs unless you’ll use them quickly, since they shorten the shelf life.
To enhance the flavor, dip the slices in vinegar before submerging them in oil.

Storage – tomato powder

Store in a sealed jar or airtight container in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator.
If completely dehydrated, it can last for a year or longer.
Add a small silica packet or a few grains of rice to prevent clumping.

Using dried tomatoes

Blend into soups, sauces, or compound butter.
Slice and add to salads, pasta, sandwiches, or pizza.
Rehydrate by soaking in warm water for about 30 minutes before using.
Try them in my Citrus-Herb Basque Chicken for a rich, savory touch.

Using tomato powder

Add to soups, stews, sauces, or taco meat.
Sprinkle over homemade chips or roasted vegetables.
Mix with water (1:1 ratio) for instant tomato sauce or paste; add more water for a thinner sauce.
Combine with cream cheese or sour cream for a savory spread or dip.

Nutrition