Dried Tomato

Comparison of Fresh Tomato and Dried Tomato Price per Kg

Advantages of Using Dried Tomato

• Using 15 kg of fresh tomatoes, you get approximately 1 kg of dried tomato that fits into a small jar.

• Due to volume reduction, the space required for storage is significantly reduced. Tomato powder is reduced to approximately 1/15th of the volume compared to fresh tomatoes.

• Due to the reduction in volume and weight, it has become an easy-to-transport product. A 20-ton truck of fresh tomatoes can fit into approximately 2 pallets in powder form.

• It does not need to be kept in cold storage. Keeping it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight is sufficient for dried tomato storage conditions.

• The growth rate of bacteria is proportional to the water content in dried tomato. During the drying process, the water content of fresh tomatoes drops from 94-95% to 10%, which lowers water activity and limits bacterial growth in dried tomato. Limiting bacterial growth ensures a much longer shelf life.

• As Kurucum Food, we continue to develop technologies related to dried tomato production in partnership with our sister company, Eksis Industrial Drying Systems, a manufacturer of drying technologies. Our projects related to dried tomato:

• Tomato juice powder production.

Comparison of Nutritional Values of Fresh Tomato and Dried Tomato

References:

1. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - FoodData Central.
2. NutritionData
3. Diabetes.org - Glycemic Index Resources.

What is Dried Tomato?

• We can answer the question of what dried tomato is as follows:
  It is a product with concentrated nutritional values and a long shelf life, obtained by drying fresh paste tomatoes. The water inside the fresh tomato is evaporated, leaving the essence of the product. The resulting concentrated product, with reduced water activity and bacterial growth potential, is called dried tomato.

• What changes when fresh tomato is dried? Let's look at the ratios…

  1. Before the drying process, fresh tomato contains approximately 94-95% water.
  2. This water ratio is an environment suitable for rapid bacterial growth and is a moisture level at which fresh tomato cannot last for a long time.
  3. As a result of drying, the water in the fresh tomato is removed and the essence of the tomato remains.
  4. With the removal of water from the product, approximately 1 kg of dried tomato is obtained from approximately 15 kg of fresh tomato.
  5. During the drying of the tomato, salt or sulfur dioxide may be added to prevent loss of quality and color.
  6. The nutritional values of dried tomato, such as aroma, carbohydrates, and protein, are concentrated compared to its fresh form.

Dried Tomato Varieties

1. Dried Tomato Powder0-1 mm
2. Dried Tomato Fine Granules1-3 mm
3. Dried Tomato Medium Cut3-5 mm
4. Dried Tomato Coarse Cut5-10 mm
5. Dried Tomato Halves

Dried Tomato Package Sizes:

It is shipped in packages ranging from 5-25 kg.

What are the Uses of Dried Tomato?

What is it used for in industrial production?

1. Food Manufacturers

   • Where it is used: Due to its intense aroma, it is used in premium sauce and tomato paste production.
   • What it does: A more intense tomato taste is achieved with a smaller amount.
   • Usage benefit: Provides a cost advantage thanks to its concentrated flavor.

2. Snack Manufacturers

   • Uses: Preferred in nut mixes blended with spices and dried vegetables.
   • Function: Complements snacks with its slightly salty and tangy taste.
   • Benefit: Enriches products to create delicious blends.

3. Delicatessen and Meat Products

   • Uses: Used as a natural flavor and color enhancer in deli products.
   • Function: Dried tomato adds a unique aroma and reddish tones to meat products.
   • Benefit: Provides flavor and visual appeal without needing fresh vegetables.

4. Herbal Supplements

   • Uses: Used in herbal snacks and detox products.
   • Function: Tomato is a natural ingredient enriched with antioxidants like lycopene.
   • Benefit: Offers ingredients suitable for functional nutrition trends.

Home Use and Applications

1. Homemade Meals and Recipes

   • Uses: Preferred as a flavoring in salads or sandwiches.
   • Function: The slightly tangy taste of dried tomato blends perfectly with other ingredients.
   • Benefit: A practical alternative that requires no extra preparation.

2. Snacks and Appetizers

   • Uses: Added to spicy snack platters to enhance color and taste.
   • Function: Dried tomato makes a difference in both appearance and flavor.
   • Benefit: Offers an alternative that appeals to consumers of all ages.

3. Bakery and Pastries

   • Uses: Preferred as an ingredient in homemade pizzas and savory tarts.
   • Function: Tomato is an essential part of Italian cuisine.
   • Benefit: Offers a more concentrated flavor compared to fresh tomatoes.

4. Functional Drinks and Smoothies

   • Uses: Used in vegetable-based smoothies and soups.
   • Benefits: Dried tomato is a healthy source of flavor and antioxidants.
   • Usage: Easy to transport and store, suitable for quick recipes.