Tomato Powder

What is Tomato Powder?

• We can answer the question of what tomato powder is as follows:
  It is a product obtained by drying fresh paste tomatoes, which has concentrated nutritional values and a long shelf life. 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. After the production of dried tomato, it is ground using special systems to be turned into tomato powder form.

• 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 in the product, approximately 1 kg of tomato powder is obtained from approximately 15 kg of fresh tomato.
  5. During the drying of 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.

Tomato Powder Varieties

1. Tomato powder0-1 mm
2. tomato powder Fine Granules1-3 mm
3. tomato powder Medium Size3-5 mm
4. tomato powder Large Size5-10 mm
5. tomato powder Half Cut

Price Comparison: Fresh Tomato vs. Tomato Powder per kg

Advantages of Using Tomato Powder

• Using one crate of 15 kg of tomatoes yields approximately 1 kg of tomato powder, which fits into a small jar.

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

• It has become an easy-to-transport product due to volume and weight reduction. A 20-ton truckload of fresh tomatoes can fit into approximately 2 pallets in tomato powder form.

• It does not require cold storage. A cool, dry, dark place is sufficient for tomato powder 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%, reducing water activity and limiting bacterial growth in the dried tomato. Limiting bacterial growth ensures a much longer shelf life.

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

• Tomato juice powder production.

Nutritional Value Comparison: Fresh Tomato vs. Tomato Powder

Where is Tomato Powder Used?

What is its role in industrial production?

1. Convenience Food Manufacturers

• Sauces, Soups, and Ready Meals:
  Tomato powder is used as a base ingredient in food factories for sauces, soups, and ready meals.
  • What it does: Being a practical, long-lasting, and concentrated product simplifies production processes.
  • Benefits: Its slightly acidic nature provides a natural flavor balance and reduces the need for chemical additives.

2. Snack Manufacturers

• Chip and Cracker Seasonings:
  Its powder form is preferred as a flavor and color enhancer in products like chips, crackers, and nuts.
  • Function: It mixes easily and adheres to surfaces homogeneously.
  • Benefits: Since it contains natural acids and sugars, it reduces the need for synthetic flavorings.

3. Natural Food Color Alternative

• Bakery and Beverages:
  Tomato powder is used as a natural colorant for red and orange tones.
  • Function: Due to its heat-resistant and stable color structure, it provides effective results in baked and boiled products.
  • Benefits: Offers a natural alternative to synthetic dyes.

4. Animal Feed

• Vitamin and Mineral Source:
  It is added to animal feed production as a nutritional enhancer and natural pigment source.
  • Function: It supports animal immunity and ensures brighter egg yolks with its natural color pigments.
  • Benefits: Provides a natural supplement instead of chemical additives.

Home Use & Applications

5. Homemade Meals and Recipes

• Sauces and Soups:
  It can be used in homemade meals, especially as a substitute for tomato paste.

  • Function: Its concentrated structure provides an intense flavor even in small amounts.
  • Benefits: Offers a practical alternative when fresh tomatoes are unavailable.

• Breakfast Mixes:
  It can be used in menemen and other breakfast dishes.

  • Function: Its slightly acidic nature creates a natural flavor balance.
  • Benefits: Can be used quickly by mixing directly with water.

6. Snacks and Spice Blends

• Homemade Chips or Crackers:
  Tomato powder is ideal for flavoring homemade chips and crackers.

  • Function: Its homogeneous mixture allows for easy surface coating.
  • Benefit: Offers an additive-free and natural taste.

• Nut and Popcorn Seasoning:
  Tomato powder is used as a flavor enhancer in seasoning blends.

  • Function: Improves flavor balance as it contains natural sugars and acids.
  • Benefit: Adds a slightly tangy taste and rich aroma.

7. Functional Nutrition and Diet

• Smoothie and Soup-Based Drinks:
  Tomato powder can be used in plant-based drinks.

  • Function: Contains antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting the immune system.
  • Benefit: Provides functional benefits in small amounts and is low in calories.

• Homemade Protein Bars:
  Its fibrous structure makes it a great addition to homemade protein bars.

  • Function: Keeps you full and supports digestion.
  • Benefit: Its natural content makes it diet-friendly.

8. Personal Care Products

• Face Masks and Peeling Products:
  Tomato powder can be used in homemade care products.
  • Function: Its antioxidant richness revitalizes the skin and protects against environmental damage.
  • Benefit: Easy to prepare at home and offers a natural skincare alternative.

If You Would Like Information About Dried Food Production

General Information:

Your comments and feedback after using tomato powder are very valuable for our improvement. Please consult with relevant professionals before consuming the product. Information on our site regarding nutritional values, benefits, risks, purposes, or side effects has been compiled from scientific sources during the site's development. The positive or negative comments, benefits, and risks mentioned in examples regarding the product may vary from person to person. Photos, approximate waste rates, usage instructions, consumption methods, purposes, and technical details such as production methods are provided to introduce dried tomato varieties and their general characteristics. The tomato powder you purchase may vary due to factors such as the tomato variety, drying technique, raw material producer, or supply region. Wholesale quantities, prices, package weights, sales locations, and usage areas are subject to change.