[How to make dried tomatoes] You can make it at home

What is the difference between fresh tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes?

Even though they're both tomatoes, they're so different! Juicy freshness and rich, concentrated umami. When you hear "tomato," you probably think of its shiny, firm red color and fresh, tangy acidity, and many people are likely fans.

Many people enjoy washing them and adding them directly to salads, or putting them in sandwiches.
Even at izakayas, cold tomatoes are a popular choice, aren't they? They're also delicious with just salt and olive oil.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Concentrated umami

These tomatoes offer a different way to enjoy them by drying them. Have you ever heard of sun-dried tomatoes?

The peak season for tomatoes is summer. Of course, they are available in supermarkets all year round, but during their peak season, they are cheaper and more nutritious. Sun-dried tomatoes are ripe tomatoes from their peak season with their umami tightly sealed in.

In Japan, when it comes to dried vegetables, popular choices like kiriboshi daikon (dried daikon radish) and dried shiitake mushrooms are typically rehydrated before use. However, sun-dried tomatoes can be eaten as they are, like dried fruit, or used in a variety of dishes.

Semi-dried tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes, which are incredibly rich when eaten as is or used in cooking, vary in texture and flavor depending on how they are dried and the type of tomato used. OYAOYA sells sun-dried tomatoes, and we also offer dried mini tomatoes for a limited time.

How to make sun-dried tomatoes

Some people dry leftover tomatoes at home. At OYAOYA, we slice them, which takes a bit of effort to do at home, and dry them thinly to achieve a moist texture.

If you're making them in your home oven, it's recommended to cut them into cubes or larger pieces, as slicing them into rounds might cause them to burn. If you're using mini tomatoes, try cutting them in half and drying them for a richer flavor.

How to make semi-dried tomatoes

Semi-dried tomatoes, a classic for home preparation, are dried at a low temperature to give them a rich tomato flavor while still maintaining a texture similar to fresh tomatoes. They are delicious when marinated in oil or simply eaten on their own, offering a fresh taste.

OYAOYA offers dried mini tomatoes for a limited time, which are semi-dried. Both the sun-dried tomatoes, where moisture has been removed from large tomatoes, and the semi-dried tomatoes, which use mini tomatoes for a more moist finish, fill your mouth with the delightful happiness of tomatoes with every bite.

How to enjoy sun-dried tomatoes

Now, let's compare the taste of concentrated sun-dried tomatoes and fresh tomatoes.

Enjoying them as is

Fresh tomatoes have a juicy acidity and a refreshing sweetness. Fresh mini tomatoes, with their firm skin, are also characterized by a crisp texture.

Medium to large tomatoes have a high water content, filling your mouth with juiciness. While some, like fruit tomatoes, have a high sugar content, they generally offer an excellent balance of gentle sweetness and refreshing acidity.

Sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated sweetness and umami that you can feel more and more as you chew. By drying them, the moisture is removed, and the sweetness and umami are condensed.

When eaten as is, their texture is sticky like dried fruit, and the skin has a good chewiness. They also feel moderately heavier than fresh tomatoes, making them a healthy and recommended snack when you're feeling a little hungry.