Yep - that's why it is important to get things packaged up pretty quickly. I'm sure other things won't be as susceptible because I know folks weigh trays, etc., but it didn't take long for these to start turning. Humidity levels matter, too.
I freeze dry cherry tomatoes and bell peppers and use them for dipping in hummus for a snack. So yummy. I actually have two trays of bell peppers, a tray of tomatoes and a tray of basil in my freeze dryer right now.
Two weeks ago I bought my sister a dehydrator at a resale shop. She started drying tomato slices leathery with Italian seasoning. WOW! She loved it so much she ordered herself a new one 10 days later! She tells EVERYONE about how fantastic dried cantaloupe is as well as taking things to work to share . She loves making her own snacks and controlling ingredients. Share the love!!!
I dehydrated tomato slices with Italian seasoning. Now, when I want sun-dried tomatoes, I just put the slices in a jar with olive oil and let them rehydrate in the fridge.
Tomato jam is the best thing there is: tomatos, sugar, lemon peel and cinnamon stick. NOTHING else! For years (20 to be exact) I hated tomatoes but always loved Portuguese tomato jam!
Darcy, I just recently started dehydrating foods. I find that once you start dehydrating , then the mind wanders thinking of other things to dehydrate!! You make it soooo easy bc once a new item come to mind to dehydratate, I can log on and check your recommendations, and sure enough, you’ve made a instructional video on that very thing!! Thanks so much! Glad your family is feeling better!!
I started with dehydrating and watching your channel. I then added a freeze dryer. I will use the dehydrator at very low setting after freeze drying items like tomatoes, herbs and vegetables from my garden. It changes the texture slightly but it seems to ensure that freeze dried products do not go soft so quickly.
I am dehydrating my entire tomato crop this year. Most of my tomatoes are paste, and I don’t need any sauce or tomato paste. I find the dehydrated tomatoes to be a great way for me to store them and use them without all the fuss of canning them. Besides, I had shoulder surgery three weeks ago and it’s just easier for me. 😊
I have never seen anyone show how quickly humidity can cause freeze dried foods to reconstitute. That’s one more thing to add to the pro con list when considering taking a leap from dehydrating into freeze drying too.
It will be different for different kinds of foods, but yes - that's one thing that is a problem if you don't manage it well- otherwise it's no big deal. Just process it in a timely fashion.
So envious of your tomato harvest! Mine are just beginning to fruit. The garden is finally bouncing back from the 6 weeks of rain and chilly weather at the beginning of the summer. I’m looking forward to trying tomato chips - as long as my daughter doesn’t sneak out and eat all the tomatoes as they ripen!
Unfortunately, our tomatoes stopped producing a few weeks ago when the triple digits hit...we are only getting cherry tomatoes and I didn't even have enough saved up for this - those are storebought.
Thank you for this video!! We have tons of tomatoes 🍅. At least it seems like it. I have a new project to do now. Sorry y'all were sick. Glad y'all are feeling better.
I love this content comparing freeze drying and dehydrating. When I got my freeze dryer I thought I would stop using the dehydrator but not at all! I use both constantly. It doubles the amount of food I can preserve from the garden and gives me more options with the way I use them in cooking.
I also don’t like the taste of fresh tomatoes and prefer them cooked or dried. My dad thinks I’m insane! I pick my tomatoes and into the dehydrator they go. I’m going to try seasoning them next time. Thanks!
I puree my tomatoes, skins AND seeds then dehydrate and then powder it up for tomato powder. I LOVE that method and the rehydrated powder is very flavorful, much more that tomato juice or paste! I wish I had the money and room to get a freeze dryer, but at my age I would never do enough freeze drying to pay for the freeze dryer. But my dehydrator has paid for itself over and over again.
What a great video Darcy! Amazingly useful! One question… you said the FD tomato slices after being freezed-dried must be put right away in a jar or bag and be sealed. So I guess if you take out a FD tomato slice on a plate, it will rehydrate by itself or you need to add water? I love too these seasoned DH tomato slices too! 😍. If my goal is to make tomato sauces and paste, would DH tomato powdered be the best option? I want to be ready when tomatoes are ready at the farm where I buy them (in Canada… we are still eating strawberries and blueberries! 😍). Thank you so much again!
You saw what it looks like when I left it out. It won't fully rehydrate, it just gets soft and mushy. If you want sauce and paste, it's best to start with sauce and paste to dry. FD like I did it is raw, so while the powder is great to add flavor, it isn't automatically sauce when you mix it with water.
You are so amazing. Thanks for all the information that you offer. I especially like that you explain the how and why, that makes it easier to understand and also for this old brain to retain the information. Thanks a bunch.
Do you find yourself using more of the 6 trays or the 10 trays? I'm new at this and trying to decide which one to get. Thank you. Just found your channel last night and love it!
I use both a lot. It depends on how much I'm processing at the moment. If it's just 1 or 2 of you and you're doing small batches, the C6 is fine - but if you are preserving from garden harvests, doing it for a large family or trying to do a lot for extended storage - you might need the larger.
When conditioning jars of dehydrated tomatoes, will you be able to see if any of the slices are sticking to one another? Also, as a canner, my concern is with botulism. What are the risk factors when dehyrating or does this only come in to play when storing in an oxygen free environment?
You don't really have to worry about it with dehydrating the way you do with canning. Dry it fully - and you're good. You 'll know as you move the chips around in the jar - flipping the jar over every day - they'll move around some(use a larger jar than you may typically use for storage if you can or put it into jars before moving it to final storage).
Use it or not ;) Up to you - but it can concentrate in flavor, so you'll want to go easy on it or your chips can be really salty in the dried form. I don't bother because it's going to give up all that water anyway if the only reason to use it is to help remove that water early. If you want it for seasoning - go for it.
I do have a question about tomatoes. Last I dehydrated my tomatoes. They were dried perfectly. I conditioned them for about 2 weeks. Stored them in vacuum bags. Today when I opened the bags to make tomato powder, they were sticky. What happened and what can I do? There is no mold and they do not smell bad. Any suggestions? Thank you all!
Sounds like your bag failed. If there is no mold, and they have not changed color and there is no odor change, put them back into the dehydrator to dry again.
It means they likely weren't fully dry when you put them in if it's been sealed all this time. You can stick them in a dehydrator and move them up on the list to eat more quickly - but personally - if it's been sealed the whole time, I wouldn't eat them (just personal preference) because it means they weren't done to begin with. Unless you let them sit out for a while before getting into your jars, etc. If there's no visible mold, and you just vacuum sealed, they're likely fine.
Until they are dry. I don't give times because it varies so much between machines, your tomatoes, your home's humidity, etc. Just dry them until they are dry. If I tell you they should be done in 8-12 hours, it may take you 16.
I always link in the description box. Vacuum sealer: amzn.to/47sYIV4 Lids are just whomever is next in my stockpile. I prefer Forjars for canning, but use whatever else for dry storage. forjars.co?sca_ref=1912723.5vNLp0drZl
Not if you properly dry it and store it. But if you live in a very humid environment and are in and out of the jar a lot, they can help control that introduced moisture.
I don't know since I can't see them. If it wipes off easily, it may be mold - if your dehydrator doesn't have enough airflow and the temp is low, it could be.
@@ThePurposefulPantry thank you. I watched several more of your videos and think I got my answers. Yes, i think it was air flow. And being left over night. I am trying Mix veg today. Thank you again.
There are white spots that can form from the middle that are inherent to tomatoes - so make sure you're not throwing out assuming it's mold. Try the test ;)
Thank you for the extra tip. The tomato slice's turned out ok, just didn't store them properly over night. It was my paste that turned. Beginner mistakes I guess. The garlic and onion has done well. Thank you again for the tips and videos.
@@ThePurposefulPantry thanks for the speedy reply. I would be curious to know, when and if you find out. Our electric costs have doubled here in NH. So I’m always aware of the costs. I don’t even run my clothes dryer any more.
Not sure you will see this, but have question you may can help with. Have cosori, and used dozen or so times. After watching you. Just put herbs in, but now it won't come on. Have any ideas? Support closed on Saturday. Lol. Oh, and I don't do Facebook.
You'll have to call them when they are open. There's a small troubleshooting section in the manual (download it if you didn't keep it) - or call them when they open on Monday their time (California)
I wish I could afford a freeze drier. I've done bigger chip slices with tomatoes with seasoning for chips, but thinner or chopped to store for plain tomato use.
Darcy, I am just as "weird" as you. I can't eat a fresh tomato to save my life! Neither could my mom. My dad loved just eating tomatoes, and mom tried, she really tried-- but the gag reflex kicked in!
Ive done a lot of dehydrating tomatoes but shortly after I remove them from the dehydrator they become soft and chewy... what am i doing wrong. BTW,I Love watching ur videos
That was amazing how fast the freeze dried tomato slice started changing in only 10 minutes out of the dryer.
Yep - that's why it is important to get things packaged up pretty quickly. I'm sure other things won't be as susceptible because I know folks weigh trays, etc., but it didn't take long for these to start turning. Humidity levels matter, too.
You had great information. I think I would like both FD and dehydrated tomatoes.
What are the settings? I have never done tomatoes and have not been able to find a video with settings. Would you be able to share please. 😊
I freeze dry cherry tomatoes and bell peppers and use them for dipping in hummus for a snack. So yummy. I actually have two trays of bell peppers, a tray of tomatoes and a tray of basil in my freeze dryer right now.
Great recommendation! Thanks! 🥰😊
Two weeks ago I bought my sister a dehydrator at a resale shop. She started drying tomato slices leathery with Italian seasoning. WOW! She loved it so much she ordered herself a new one 10 days later! She tells EVERYONE about how fantastic dried cantaloupe is as well as taking things to work to share . She loves making her own snacks and controlling ingredients. Share the love!!!
I do that too. I put basil, oregano and dry parmesan cheese on mine. My family loves them and I can't make enought to satisfy them.
I dehydrated tomato slices with Italian seasoning. Now, when I want sun-dried tomatoes, I just put the slices in a jar with olive oil and let them rehydrate in the fridge.
Tomato jam is the best thing there is: tomatos, sugar, lemon peel and cinnamon stick. NOTHING else! For years (20 to be exact) I hated tomatoes but always loved Portuguese tomato jam!
Darcy, I just recently started dehydrating foods. I find that once you start dehydrating , then the mind wanders thinking of other things to dehydrate!!
You make it soooo easy bc once a new item come to mind to dehydratate, I can log on and check your recommendations, and sure enough, you’ve made a instructional video on that very thing!!
Thanks so much!
Glad your family is feeling better!!
Thanks!
@@ThePurposefulPantry 💖
I started with dehydrating and watching your channel. I then added a freeze dryer. I will use the dehydrator at very low setting after freeze drying items like tomatoes, herbs and vegetables from my garden. It changes the texture slightly but it seems to ensure that freeze dried products do not go soft so quickly.
I am dehydrating my entire tomato crop this year. Most of my tomatoes are paste, and I don’t need any sauce or tomato paste. I find the dehydrated tomatoes to be a great way for me to store them and use them without all the fuss of canning them. Besides, I had shoulder surgery three weeks ago and it’s just easier for me. 😊
Hope you heal quickly!
Never had success storing tomato sli es in jars. Will try again after this video. Thank you. ❤🇦🇺
I’m glad you guys are feeling better 💞
Thanks!
I have never seen anyone show how quickly humidity can cause freeze dried foods to reconstitute. That’s one more thing to add to the pro con list when considering taking a leap from dehydrating into freeze drying too.
It will be different for different kinds of foods, but yes - that's one thing that is a problem if you don't manage it well- otherwise it's no big deal. Just process it in a timely fashion.
So envious of your tomato harvest! Mine are just beginning to fruit. The garden is finally bouncing back from the 6 weeks of rain and chilly weather at the beginning of the summer. I’m looking forward to trying tomato chips - as long as my daughter doesn’t sneak out and eat all the tomatoes as they ripen!
Unfortunately, our tomatoes stopped producing a few weeks ago when the triple digits hit...we are only getting cherry tomatoes and I didn't even have enough saved up for this - those are storebought.
@@ThePurposefulPantryGoodness, triple digits!! That’s why I live where I do - over 80° and I’m a sweaty, whining mess 🤣
Wow, I’m out of the loop! Congrats on your freeze dryer!
Thank you!
So glad you all are on the mend. I use my dehydrator extensively, but I would love to be able to afford a freeze dryer.
Thank you for this video!! We have tons of tomatoes 🍅. At least it seems like it. I have a new project to do now.
Sorry y'all were sick. Glad y'all are feeling better.
Thanks!
My family and I have been so blessed with tomatoes this year. We have canned over 150 quarts of tomatoes so far and we are not done yet.
That's awesome!
I love this content comparing freeze drying and dehydrating. When I got my freeze dryer I thought I would stop using the dehydrator but not at all! I use both constantly. It doubles the amount of food I can preserve from the garden and gives me more options with the way I use them in cooking.
That’s crazy how fast the freeze dried tomatoes go soft!
I also don’t like the taste of fresh tomatoes and prefer them cooked or dried. My dad thinks I’m insane! I pick my tomatoes and into the dehydrator they go. I’m going to try seasoning them next time. Thanks!
I puree my tomatoes, skins AND seeds then dehydrate and then powder it up for tomato powder. I LOVE that method and the rehydrated powder is very flavorful, much more that tomato juice or paste! I wish I had the money and room to get a freeze dryer, but at my age I would never do enough freeze drying to pay for the freeze dryer. But my dehydrator has paid for itself over and over again.
Another excellent and informative video. Thank you!!
Glad it was helpful!
Great demo Darcy, thanks!
Thank you!
Darcy , I’am with you , not a fan of fresh tomatoes but I eat them cooked or dried
What a great video Darcy! Amazingly useful! One question… you said the FD tomato slices after being freezed-dried must be put right away in a jar or bag and be sealed. So I guess if you take out a FD tomato slice on a plate, it will rehydrate by itself or you need to add water? I love too these seasoned DH tomato slices too! 😍.
If my goal is to make tomato sauces and paste, would DH tomato powdered be the best option? I want to be ready when tomatoes are ready at the farm where I buy them (in Canada… we are still eating strawberries and blueberries! 😍). Thank you so much again!
You saw what it looks like when I left it out. It won't fully rehydrate, it just gets soft and mushy. If you want sauce and paste, it's best to start with sauce and paste to dry. FD like I did it is raw, so while the powder is great to add flavor, it isn't automatically sauce when you mix it with water.
You are so amazing. Thanks for all the information that you offer. I especially like that you explain the how and why, that makes it easier to understand and also for this old brain to retain the information. Thanks a bunch.
You are so welcome!
Thank you for this video Darcy. Thank you for sharing ❤ Have a great weekend ❤ Ingrid 🇳🇴
Thank you! You too!
Love watching you. Have you ever made tomato powder with dehydrated tomatoes
ua-cam.com/video/Ej-diYf1DtA/v-deo.html
Great video, glad you are feeling better.
Thank you!
Outstanding video
Great comparison. Thanks for sharing. :)
Now I know why I have not had success dehy tomatoes. I didn't let them go long enough in the machine. Thanks so much dear one.
That's usually the biggest error from most folks - not giving enough time.
I’m going to try this …. A healthy snack
I have mine in the dehydrator right now. :)
So glad to see you are through covid!❤
Thanks! We are on the mend!
Do you find yourself using more of the 6 trays or the 10 trays? I'm new at this and trying to decide which one to get. Thank you. Just found your channel last night and love it!
I use both a lot. It depends on how much I'm processing at the moment. If it's just 1 or 2 of you and you're doing small batches, the C6 is fine - but if you are preserving from garden harvests, doing it for a large family or trying to do a lot for extended storage - you might need the larger.
@@ThePurposefulPantry we're a family of 4. I have a small garden. How much beef jerky can you make with the c4? My husband loves beef jerky.
I don't do jerky - but a C6 can do quite a bit . And you finish one batch and start another :D
Love your channel
Where can I get a magnetic dehydration temperature/timer cheat sheet?
The link is always in the description box ;) shop.thepurposefulpantry.com/products/dehydrator-temperature-guide-refrigerator-magnet
Hiii🤍 We're doing research on tomato chips, and I'm wondering what the ideal hours are to dehydrate the tomato slice.
Until they are dry.
When conditioning jars of dehydrated tomatoes, will you be able to see if any of the slices are sticking to one another?
Also, as a canner, my concern is with botulism. What are the risk factors when dehyrating or does this only come in to play when storing in an oxygen free environment?
You don't really have to worry about it with dehydrating the way you do with canning. Dry it fully - and you're good. You 'll know as you move the chips around in the jar - flipping the jar over every day - they'll move around some(use a larger jar than you may typically use for storage if you can or put it into jars before moving it to final storage).
@@ThePurposefulPantry thank you! Will do!
How do you do the sundried tomatoes? I have a lot of the mini pear shaped roma tomatoes
ua-cam.com/video/QxsvpuXuVmw/v-deo.htmlsi=VWQHte3rA_dBZQAa
Because salt causes the tomatoes to give up their water do you recommend to avoid using salt or just go for it?
Use it or not ;) Up to you - but it can concentrate in flavor, so you'll want to go easy on it or your chips can be really salty in the dried form. I don't bother because it's going to give up all that water anyway if the only reason to use it is to help remove that water early. If you want it for seasoning - go for it.
Awesome video
Thanks!
Do I need an O2 absorbers, or moisture desiccant, to jars?
Can you Vacuum Seal before the conditioning process are does it matter?
Yes, it matters, don't vacuum seal.
Thank you much. @@ThePurposefulPantry
I do have a question about tomatoes. Last I dehydrated my tomatoes. They were dried perfectly. I conditioned them for about 2 weeks. Stored them in vacuum bags. Today when I opened the bags to make tomato powder, they were sticky. What happened and what can I do? There is no mold and they do not smell bad. Any suggestions? Thank you all!
Sounds like your bag failed. If there is no mold, and they have not changed color and there is no odor change, put them back into the dehydrator to dry again.
My freeze dried tomatoes are flexible after months in a jar,seal is still good. Are they safe to eat?
It means they likely weren't fully dry when you put them in if it's been sealed all this time. You can stick them in a dehydrator and move them up on the list to eat more quickly - but personally - if it's been sealed the whole time, I wouldn't eat them (just personal preference) because it means they weren't done to begin with. Unless you let them sit out for a while before getting into your jars, etc. If there's no visible mold, and you just vacuum sealed, they're likely fine.
I have alot of dried tomato slices. How can I use them in place of canned tomatoes
You rehydrate them. Simple as that ;) You can break them up if you need smaller pieces. Just soak them in some water.
I dryer some tomatoes and they turn black was my temperature too high in my dehydrator please give me an answer
Did they turn black in the dehydrator? Then yes. Did they turn black in storage - toss.
Can I dehydrate green tomatoes?
Yep
What is "condition"?
How long do you dehydrate the tomatoes?
Until they are dry. I don't give times because it varies so much between machines, your tomatoes, your home's humidity, etc. Just dry them until they are dry. If I tell you they should be done in 8-12 hours, it may take you 16.
Have you ever freeze dried the dehydrated slices?
No
Do u remove seeds b4 dehydrating ?
I would have shown it in the video if it was necessary. No, I don't.
Where did u purchase the jar vacuum sealer? Thanks
The link is always in the description box, but here it is for your convenience: amzn.to/3s5qAhT
Do the tomato powders differ in flavor? (Freeze dried vs. dehydrated)
Yes - because they differ in flavor from the tomato process.
Thank you!!
Where do you get the jar sealer aand the wide mouth lids help
I always link in the description box.
Vacuum sealer: amzn.to/47sYIV4
Lids are just whomever is next in my stockpile. I prefer Forjars for canning, but use whatever else for dry storage.
forjars.co?sca_ref=1912723.5vNLp0drZl
Shouldn’t you add a silicone pack in it for longevity??
Not if you properly dry it and store it. But if you live in a very humid environment and are in and out of the jar a lot, they can help control that introduced moisture.
I am trying to dehydrate for first time, (home made solar dehydrator and home grown tomatoes). I have white spots forming is it mold?
I don't know since I can't see them. If it wipes off easily, it may be mold - if your dehydrator doesn't have enough airflow and the temp is low, it could be.
@@ThePurposefulPantry thank you. I watched several more of your videos and think I got my answers. Yes, i think it was air flow. And being left over night. I am trying Mix veg today. Thank you again.
There are white spots that can form from the middle that are inherent to tomatoes - so make sure you're not throwing out assuming it's mold. Try the test ;)
Thank you for the extra tip. The tomato slice's turned out ok, just didn't store them properly over night. It was my paste that turned. Beginner mistakes I guess. The garlic and onion has done well. Thank you again for the tips and videos.
Is it expensive to run the freeze dryer?
I'm not sure, yet. I'm sure it's more than a dehydrator, but we haven't tested it, yet, to know exactly how much.
@@ThePurposefulPantry thanks for the speedy reply. I would be curious to know, when and if you find out. Our electric costs have doubled here in NH. So I’m always aware of the costs. I don’t even run my clothes dryer any more.
So wish I could afford a freeze dryer 😢
What vacuum sealer are you using?
It's always linked in the description - but here it is: amzn.to/3DRlVTg
@@ThePurposefulPantry thank you!
@@ThePurposefulPantry how long have you had it?
Not sure you will see this, but have question you may can help with. Have cosori, and used dozen or so times. After watching you. Just put herbs in, but now it won't come on. Have any ideas? Support closed on Saturday. Lol. Oh, and I don't do Facebook.
You'll have to call them when they are open. There's a small troubleshooting section in the manual (download it if you didn't keep it) - or call them when they open on Monday their time (California)
Bless you for answering. But have a laugh like I did. Was trying to plug coffee maker instead of dehydrator. Lol. Working fine.
LOL
My dehydrated tomatoes never get crunchy. Tips please.
What is brand of the jar sealer
Dry them more. They don't break apart crunchy like the freeze dried ones did, but they should break easily. Dry them more.
I always link in the description box, but here it is for your convenience: amzn.to/47sYIV4 (amazon affiliate)
I wish I could afford a freeze drier. I've done bigger chip slices with tomatoes with seasoning for chips, but thinner or chopped to store for plain tomato use.
🤗
The freeze dried version looks like Styrofoam ....lol..thanks for the tips
Darcy, I am just as "weird" as you. I can't eat a fresh tomato to save my life! Neither could my mom. My dad loved just eating tomatoes, and mom tried, she really tried-- but the gag reflex kicked in!
Great video thanks
Glad you enjoyed it
Ive done a lot of dehydrating tomatoes but shortly after I remove them from the dehydrator they become soft and chewy... what am i doing wrong. BTW,I Love watching ur videos
You're not drying them long enough or you're leaving them out for way too long and they are reabsorbing moisture from your home.