How Long Do Sun-Dried Tomatoes Last

Sun-dried tomatoes have an impressive shelf-life, allowing us to savor their unique taste throughout the year.

However, the shelf life of these tomatoes is all about a balance of preservation techniques and storage methods.

In this comprehensive guide, we will demystify the secrets of sun-dried tomatoes and the best storage practices to increase their shelf life.

So, let us now understand the intricacies of sun-dried tomato storage and learn how to preserve the sun-kissed wonders.

Shelf-Life Of Homemade Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Table of Contents

Here is a detailed breakdown of the lifespan of sun-dried tomatoes:

Dry-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes

An unopened package of sun-dried tomatoes can last up to one year if stored in a calm and dark place. If they are refrigerated, their shelf life extends beyond one year.

An opened package of sun-dried tomatoes can last six months if kept in airtight containers, and if refrigerated, it can last 6-9 months in an airtight or sealed container.

Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes

An unopened jar of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year, whereas an opened jar can be refrigerated for 2-3 weeks.

If stored in a freezer, they will last up to 3 months inside a freezer-safe container.

How To Make Sun-Dried Tomatoes In The Oven?

The easiest way to make sun-dried tomatoes is at home by using the oven method, and below is a concise overview of making sun-dried tomatoes:

Also, read: How To Long Roast Cherry Tomatoes At 350 Degrees?

Ingredients:

Ripe and firm cherry tomatoes
Salt
Olive Oil (optional)

Instructions:

The first thing that needs to be done is slicing the tomatoes into halves, or they can also be left whole.

If they are halved, they should be arranged on the baking sheet with the cut-side up on parchment paper.

Preheat the oven.
Next, sprinkle some salt on top of it and bake the tomatoes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-10 hours.
Bake until the tomatoes are shriveled and dry.
Press down on the tomatoes occasionally with a spatula to release the juices.
Continue the baking process until the tomatoes are dried but still pliable.

After they have dried completely, remove the tomatoes from the oven and let them cool.
Finally, transfer the tomatoes to a clean jar, cover them with olive oil, and add your desired herb or garlic for extra flavor.
Seal the mouth of the jar and refrigerate it for up to 4 weeks.

Signs That Sun-Dried Tomatoes Have Gone Bad

It is essential to inspect the back side of sun-dried tomatoes very carefully before consuming them, and below are the main signs that say your sun-dried tomatoes have gone wrong:

Mold growth or a slimy film on the surface of the tomatoes
The unpleasant or sharp odor
Discoloration
Change in texture, such as rigid, mushy, or sticky
Sign of yeast or bacterial growth

What Are Some Of The Best Ways To Store Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

Proper storage practices ensure that the sun-dried tomatoes are perfect and can be enjoyed throughout the year.

To get a detailed idea about storing cut tomatoes, read through this guide.

Below are some of the best methods for storing both dry-packed and oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes:

1. Refrigeration

The dry-packed and oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes can easily be refrigerated, as this slows down the degradation process and extends their shelf life while maintaining their freshness.

The dry-packed tomatoes can last almost up to a month, whereas the oil-packed tomatoes, once opened, should be immediately consumed within 2-3 weeks of refrigeration.

2. Airtight Containers

Unopened, dry-packed, sun-dried tomatoes should be stored in a cool, dark place, but once they are opened, they should immediately be transferred to airtight containers to minimize their exposure to air and moisture.

Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are specifically stored in jars with tight lids to limit air exposure.

3. Olive Oil Infusion

Adding olive oil to sun-dried tomatoes enhances their flavor. Here, all you need to do is place the tomatoes in a sterilized jar, cover them completely with olive oil, and store the jar in a refrigerator.

This is an excellent method of keeping the tomatoes fresh for a few weeks.

4. Freezing

Freezing is an excellent and most convenient option for long-term storage. To do so, arrange dry-packed tomatoes in a single layer on top of a baking sheet and freeze them until they become solid.

The next step will be to transfer them to an airtight container to remove the excess air. Doing this will extend their shelf-life to almost one year.

The process for freezing the oil-packed tomatoes is to completely submerge them in oil and then freeze them by leaving someplace in the container for expansion.

5. Vacuum Sealing

Vacuum sealing is another method of preserving sun-dried tomatoes. In this case, you need to remove the air from the storage bag or container, as doing this significantly reduces oxidation and spoilage. Ensure you have dried the tomatoes completely before vacuum-sealing them to prevent moisture from affecting the seal.