Sun-dried tomatoes are dehydrated ripe tomatoes known for their intense flavor and chewy texture, often used in Mediterranean dishes, pastas, and antipasti, in contrast to the fresh, juicy taste of raw tomatoes.
Sun-dried tomatoes are ripe tomatoes that have lost most of their water content after spending a majority of their drying time under the sun. Their intense flavor and chewy texture make them a unique ingredient in various dishes.
Tomatoes are a juicy, red fruit commonly mistaken for a vegetable. With a balance of sweetness and acidity, they are a staple ingredient in many cuisines and can be eaten raw, cooked, or processed into sauces and pastes.
Sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated flavor and a chewy texture compared to the fresh, juicy, and slightly acidic taste of raw tomatoes. Sun-dried tomatoes also have a longer shelf life and are typically used in smaller quantities due to their intense flavor.
Ideal for Mediterranean pasta dishes, antipasti platters, and pizzas. They add a rich, savory depth to recipes like Penne alla Puttanesca or Mediterranean salads. Expect a burst of flavor in every bite and use them sparingly to balance other ingredients. Fresh tomatoes are perfect for Greek salads, pasta with tomato sauce, or bruschetta. They provide moisture and a refreshing taste. Use ripe tomatoes for sweetness and acidity that complements olive oil and fresh herbs in these dishes.
Sun-dried tomatoes add a chewy texture and intense tomato flavor to sandwiches and wraps, especially when paired with Italian meats or cheeses. They work well in paninis or gourmet wraps with pesto or goat cheese. Fresh tomatoes offer a juicy, crisp component to sandwiches and wraps. They're ideal for a classic BLT, club sandwiches, or veggie wraps. Slice them thinly to distribute flavor and prevent sogginess.
In pasta sauces, sun-dried tomatoes provide an umami-rich, concentrated flavor. They can be rehydrated and blended into sauces or soups for depth, or chopped finely for a textured addition. Fresh tomatoes are the base of many sauces and soups, contributing to the body and acidity. They can be pureed for a smooth marinara or chopped for a chunky vegetable soup. Cooking them down releases their natural sweetness.
Sun-dried tomatoes are richer in nutrients like lycopene due to the concentration process, while fresh tomatoes have a higher water content and fewer calories per serving.
| Nutrient | Tomatoes ( per 100g ) | Sun-dried Tomatoes ( per 100g ) |
|---|---|---|
| Fat | 0.2g | 2.97g |
| Fiber | 1.2g | 12.3g |
| Sodium | 5mg | 2095mg |
| Protein | 0.88g | 14.1g |
| Calories | 18 | 258 |
| Carbohydrates | 3.89g | 55.76g |
Yes, sun-dried tomatoes are regular tomatoes that have been dehydrated to remove most of their water content.
You can use fresh tomatoes as a substitute in some recipes, but the flavor will be less intense and the texture different. Adjust the quantity to suit the recipe.
Store sun-dried tomatoes in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. If they are oil-packed, they can be refrigerated to extend their shelf life.
Sun-dried tomatoes have a higher concentration of nutrients like lycopene due to the reduced water content, but they also have more calories and sodium.
Yes, you can rehydrate sun-dried tomatoes by soaking them in warm water or another liquid like broth or wine for about 30 minutes until they are plump and tender.
