Ingredient: Sun-dried tomatoes

Just as the name suggests, sun dried tomatoes are tomatoes that have been naturally dried. In ancient times, the only available method to conserve tomatoes was to salt them then sun dry them during hot summer days. Consequently, this process allowed moisture to be evaporated from the tomatoes, which in return helps delaying decay. The end product is much deeper in color, richer in flavor, and more potent in vitamins and minerals.
This naturally preserved ingredient is flavorsome and nutritious, it adds a whole new dimension to a dish. When searching for its origins, it appears ambiguous, but Italy is particularly known to sun dry tomatoes on ceramic roof tops. Additionally, the production of sun dried tomatoes has been exponentially grown all over the world.
In UK, France, and Ireland however, tomatoes are usually oven dried which contributes to radical change in taste. Indeed, oven-dried tomatoes have two different flavors; they are sweet in the beginning but sharply acidic in the end. Sun-dried tomatoes on the other hand are sweet all the time.
Benefits of sun dried tomatoes:
Researchers found that sun-dried tomatoes are very rich in “lycopene”- a substance containing cancer-fighting properties. Furthermore, these naturally preserved tomatoes contain a good amount of iron and calcium; a good source to keep your teeth and bones strong. Let’s not forget to mentions Vitamins A and C to boost your health and give a glow to your skin.
Usage:
This ingredient is versatile; it can be used in a variety of ways. First, you can add it to pasta sauce to impart that sweet-soury taste. Second, you can use it to liven up omelets or bruschettas or any other dishes. It can also be used as a dip with crackers or bread or as a spread on fish.