Sun-Dried Tomato History

Normally, the thought of dried food does not bring to mind a gourmet meal. However, a relatively small amount of sun-dried tomatoes gives a gourmet touch and a burst of flavor to a variety of recipes.

Sun-dried tomato history

Before modern canning methods were available, Italians dried tomatoes on their tile roofs for use in winter when fresh tomatoes were not an option. Nowadays, sun-dried tomatoes (pomodori secchi in Italian) are not as popular in Italy as they are in America, where they are mostly relegated to antipasto or as a flavor-booster for sauce. These dried, concentrated vessels of flavor have enjoyed a popularity boost in the United States in the past couple of decades, initially as a gourmet item but fast becoming a favorite of home cooks.

More About Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
• Homemade Sun-Dried Tomatoes Basic Recipe
• Should sun-dried tomatoes be seeded?
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes Cooking Tips and Hints
• Sun-Dried Tomato Selection and Storage
• Sun-Dried Tomato History
• Sun-Dried Tomato Recipes
_{Photo © 2006 Peggy Trowbridge, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Cookbooks

•	Sun-Dried Tomatoes
•	You Say Tomato : Peel, Chop, Roast, Dry, Freeze, Preserve, and Enjoy
•	The Tomato Cookbook
•	The Good Cook's Book of Tomatoes
•	More Cookbooks