All About Sun-Dried Tomatoes

A Sweet Discovery

Who knew that allowing juicy ripe tomatoes to dry in the heat of sunlight would turn them into such a stunning antipasto and ingredient? The Southern Italians did— that’s who! Before the many modern methods of food preservation like canning and freezing, Italians found a unique way to enjoy the beloved tomato long after harvest. Italians arranged slices of garden-fresh tomatoes on their rooftops, leaving them to dehydrate in the summertime rays. From this simple discovery, they learned how to capture that desired tomato flavor, but moreover, the sun-dried tomatoes, or pomodori secchi, were even more flavorful than they anticipated with an intensified sweetness.

What You Need to Know

Traditionally, sun-dried tomatoes were made with red-ripe plum tomatoes, but they can be found in varieties ranging from red to yellow. Due to the evaporated moisture, sun-dried tomatoes become darker and pleasantly chewy, often packed in oil to preserve their bite. But the oil serves another purpose: it can be used to add more flavor to dishes that call for olive oil. Simply substitute the amount of olive oil in a recipe with sun-dried tomato oil.

Super Flavor Pairings

Pine nuts
Artichokes
Chili peppers
Basil and other Italian herbs
Lemon
Capers
Avocados
Goat cheese
Ricotta
Shrimp
Roasted chicken

Powerful Pantry Staple

You should always have a jar on-hand to amp up your creations. DeLallo Sun-Dried Tomatoes are packed in olive oil and delicately seasoned with select herbs and spices, making them a vibrant kitchen condiment ready to add instant gourmet flavor to numerous dishes. Introduce them to your favorite recipes whole, sliced, diced, chopped, pureed or julienned. Like most pantry staples, sun-dried tomatoes have a super long shelf life, making them an easy addition to your meals. Just remember, once opened, be sure to refrigerate.