DRIED TOMATOES

The production of dried tomatoes for industrial purposes is a specialized segment of the global tomato market, focusing primarily on high-quality varieties suited for drying. Here’s an overview:

Key Producers
1. Italy: A leading producer. Italian sun-dried tomatoes are renowned for their rich flavor and are often processed for use in Mediterranean cuisine.
Regions like Puglia, Sicily, and Calabria are particularly renowned for producing dried tomatoes due to their sunny climate and long growing season. Key Varieties: San Marzano and Roma tomatoes are commonly used because of their firm texture and low moisture content, which makes them ideal for drying.
Tomatoes are typically harvested in the summer when they are fully ripe to ensure optimal sweetness and flavor.
Sliced tomatoes are spread out on wooden trays or sheets, sprinkled with sea salt, and left to dry under the sun.This process can take several days and requires careful monitoring to prevent spoilage.
Once dried, tomatoes are often packed in vacuum-sealed bags or jars filled with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for added flavor and preservation.
Italy is home to several renowned producers of dried tomatoes, many of which focus on traditional and high-quality methods to create flavorful products. Here are some of the top producers:
Agriblea (Sicily): Known for their "Ciappa" sun-dried tomatoes, Agriblea specializes in organic production using traditional Sicilian techniques. Their tomatoes are GMO-free and packaged sustainably, emphasizing a farm-to-table ethos.
Fiordelisi (Apulia): This family-run business is a leader in dried tomato production. They offer a variety of products, including organic and semi-dried tomatoes, catering to global markets while maintaining traditional drying practices.
Favella Farm (Calabria): Located in southern Italy, Favella grows and processes tomatoes on-site. Their products, including sun-dried tomatoes in extra virgin olive oil, are known for their sweetness and robust flavor, enhanced with local herbs and spices.
La Truscia (Sicily): This producer emphasizes handcrafted sun-dried tomatoes, dried naturally under the Sicilian sun. Their products are highly sought after for their authentic taste.

2. Turkey: Another major producer, offering large-scale production at competitive prices. Turkish dried tomatoes are widely exported, particularly to Europe and the United States.

3. China: Increasingly significant due to its cost-effective production, with a focus on bulk exports for industrial uses.
Dried tomato production in Turkey is concentrated in regions with hot, sunny climates that are ideal for sun-drying:
Aegean Region: The provinces of İzmir, Manisa, and Aydın are the largest producers. The Aegean region’s long sunny days and dry conditions make it perfect for natural drying.
Mediterranean Region: Provinces like Antalya and Mersin also contribute significantly, benefiting from similar climatic conditions.
Turkey predominantly uses Roma and other low-water-content tomato varieties that are well-suited for drying.

4. United States: California is the primary region for dried tomato production, supported by the state's robust tomato processing industry.

5. Spain: Particularly in southern regions like Murcia, Spain produces high-quality dried tomatoes for Mediterranean-style dishes.
Dried tomato production in Spain is a small but growing segment of the agricultural industry, benefiting from the country’s ideal climate for tomato cultivation and drying.
Regions:
Andalusia: The southern region, with its hot and dry climate, is particularly suited for tomato drying. Provinces like Almería and Granada are notable contributors. Murcia: Known as the “vegetable garden of Europe,” Murcia also plays a significant role in tomato production and processing. Extremadura: This region is emerging as a hub for dried tomato production, given its sunny weather and agricultural focus.
Dried tomatoes are gaining popularity in Spain for their use in Mediterranean dishes, salads, and tapas. Spain exports dried tomatoes primarily to European countries, including Italy, Germany, and France. The demand for organic and high-quality dried tomatoes is rising globally.

6.Egypt: emerged as a notable player in the production of dried tomatoes for industrial purposes, leveraging its favorable climate, agricultural resources, and proximity to major export markets.

Egypt's arid and sunny climate, particularly in Upper Egypt and regions like Luxor, Aswan, and Fayoum, is well-suited for sun-drying tomatoes. This method is cost-effective and produces high-quality dried tomatoes.
Predominantly Roma and other plum tomato varieties are cultivated for drying. These varieties have high flesh content and low water levels, making them ideal for dehydration.

Processing Techniques:
Sun-drying: Widely practiced due to the natural availability of sunlight, which helps reduce production costs.
Industrial Dehydration: Emerging facilities are adopting mechanized drying methods to meet international quality standards and ensure consistency.

Industrial Use
Dried tomatoes from Egypt are utilized for:
Exports: Egypt is increasingly exporting dried tomatoes to Europe (Italy, Germany, and Spain), the United States, and the Middle East.
Processing into Ingredients: For use in sauces, soups, seasonings, and snacks.
Packaged Goods: Semi-dried and dried tomatoes in oil cater to premium markets.

Egypt competes with established producers like Turkey and Italy, which have strong branding and market presence.
Egypt's dried tomato industry is on a growth trajectory, supported by its natural advantages and increasing integration into global supply chains.

Varieties Used
The most common varieties for drying are those with high flesh content and low water content, such as: - Roma or plum tomatoes: Favored for their density and sweetness.
- Specialized heirloom varieties: Used for premium products. Production Process 1. Sun-drying: Predominantly used in Mediterranean countries where climatic conditions are ideal.
2. Industrial drying: Using dehydration machines to ensure consistency and faster processing.
3. Semi-dried tomatoes: A variant that retains more moisture, often preserved in oil, catering to gourmet markets.

Applications
Dried tomatoes are processed into various forms for industrial use:
- Whole or chopped: For inclusion in sauces, soups, and salads.
- Powdered: As a flavoring ingredient in snacks or seasonings.
- In oil: For premium packaged goods.

Market Dynamics
Export-driven: Leading producers like Turkey and Italy rely heavily on exports, especially to North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
Growing demand: Dried tomatoes are increasingly popular in health-conscious and gourmet food segments.
Challenges: The market faces issues like climate change, water scarcity, and competition from cheaper producers.

Benefits of dried tomatoes
It is an extremely versatile ingredient in the kitchen. In addition to adding a Mediterranean touch to each dish, they have many beneficial properties for our health.
In fact, they are rich in lycopene, a natural substance with antioxidant properties, useful in fighting aging, cardiovascular diseases and some forms of cancer. They are also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber.

Useful Links
Article about Sun-dried tomatoes give Egypt’s farmers a new lease of life on middleeastye.net.
Pure Harvest specializes in exporting premium Egyptian sun-dried tomatoes along with other agricultural goods. They focus on sustainable practices and cater to international markets, ensuring quality and freshness​.

Benefit for your health

Dried tomatoes, by concentrating the flavor and nutrients of fresh tomatoes, become a true nutritional treasure. Here’s why you should include them in your diet and the health benefits they offer:

- They’re a great antioxidant: Dried tomatoes are an exceptional source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that combats free radicals and helps prevent cellular damage associated with aging and various chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
- A good source of vitamins: Thanks to their content of B-complex vitamins, iron, and calcium, dried tomatoes help maintain adequate energy levels, promote the formation of red blood cells, and strengthen bones.
- A heart-friendly ally: The potassium in dried tomatoes helps regulate blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, their fiber content helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
- Improves vision and skin: Vitamins A and C in dried tomatoes are essential for good vision and healthy, glowing skin. Vitamin C also strengthens the immune system.
- Benefits digestion: The fiber in dried tomatoes promotes intestinal transit and contributes to a healthy gut flora, essential for good digestion and a strong immune system.

How to preserve dried tomatoes in oil?

For those who want to prepare jars of dried tomatoes in oil for an entire year and give the tomato a "stronger" flavor, just follow this procedure:
1) Take a jar with an airtight lid
2) Immerse the dried tomatoes in boiling water (93%) and white wine vinegar (7%) for about 1 minute to refine the flavor and prevent bacterial growth and the onset of mould.
3) Drain the dried tomatoes that you had previously immersed, dry them well with kitchen paper and place them in the jar.
4) Enrich the dried tomatoes with aromas of your choice: oregano, capers, garlic according to your tastes in order to flavor them.
5) Once the jar has been filled with dried tomatoes and herbs, cover with extra virgin olive oil up to the brim.
6) Store in a cool, dry place.
7) After the first 24 hours, check the oil level, add if necessary and place again in a cool, dry place.

Once you open the jar, always remember to check the oil level, and if necessary. add.
Source AGRIBLEA