Dehydrating tomatoes question

[Randolyn]

Dehydrating cherry tomatoes I left them whole, was I suppose to cut them? They have been in there for 4 hours 105 degrees, they don't look any different yet? I know they are going to take some time but I just don't want to wait for how ever long it takes and then have them just be rotten or something? I would like to catch my error early LOL.

[VeganVixen]

I think they need to stay in a bit more -probably for 5-7 hours more-until done ,cutting them in half would probably help-remember regular store bought "sundried" (a VERY over-used term) are sometimes burnt-ish and filled with fake colors ,others are just VERY dark tomatoes.....so dont always expect them to look like the store bought variety ,good luck:)

[rawpriestess]

I hope I'm not too late here,

for tomaotes, and all other fruits and veggies, you must somehow pierce the outer skin, so the dry air can get to the wet inner part of othe fruit or veggie,

Usually with fruit, this isn't a big challenge, as we usually remove the core or stone of the fruit, but with tomatoes, you need to at least cut the cherry ones in hal, then place on a mesh sheet with the little cups holding the juice, otherwise you will loose all your tomatoy flavor as they seep down the inside of your dehydrator.

So, like this "u" they sit on the mesh tray.

Or of you want sun dried tomatoes, you marinate your cut tomatoes in olive oil and garlic with a little basil, oregano, thyme etc, and then place them on a teflex sheet "u" until they are chewy, yummmmmmy.

[Randolyn]

Thanks VV and RP hmmm well they have been in there whole for 7 hrs hee hee. I am going to go and cut them in 1/2 now. :o I hope I didn't rot them already :eek: I will marinate them next time, thanks for the tip! Ah well, either way I learned something new and that is always good! :D

Thanks again you two,

Vikki

All cut in half, we'll see if I totally ruined them tomorrow :rolleyes: