Solar-Dehydrated Tomato Paste Leather — FarmPal

Dehydrating recipe yielding About 6 oz dried leather (equivalent to 12+ cans of paste). Stores for 12-24 months in airtight container.

Method
dehydrating
Yield
About 6 oz dried leather (equivalent to 12+ cans of paste)
Storage
12-24 months in airtight container
Difficulty
intermediate

Ingredients

  • •10 lbs paste tomatoes (Roma, San Marzano)
  • •2 teaspoons salt
  • •1 tablespoon olive oil
  • •Fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Core and quarter tomatoes, cook down in heavy pot until very soft
  2. 2Press through food mill to remove skins and seeds
  3. 3Return puree to pot, simmer until reduced by two-thirds (thick paste consistency)
  4. 4Spread paste 1/8 inch thick on parchment-lined dehydrator trays or solar dryer screens
  5. 5Dry at 135°F for 8-14 hours until leathery and pliable (no wet spots)
  6. 6For solar drying: spread on food-safe screens, cover with cheesecloth to keep insects off
  7. 7Solar method takes 2-3 days in hot, dry climate (bring indoors at night)
  8. 8Roll dried leather into logs, wrap in parchment paper
  9. 9Cut portions and dissolve in hot water for instant tomato paste
  10. 10Solar drying uses zero electricity most energy-efficient preservation method
  11. 11Each 1×3 inch piece reconstitutes to about 2 tablespoons paste