Name: Tomato Powder Recipe
Prep time: 16 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 496 min
Ingredients: Fresh Tomatoes

Do you have an overflow of tomatoes in the garden? Learn how to enjoy them all year by preserving them. I am going to show you how to make this tomato powder recipe as well as how to store and use it.

To make tomato powder, you will need ripe tomatoes and a dehydrator or an oven. Below you will find simple directions to make tomato powder:

If you are looking for other tomato tips and ideas, here are a few other posts to check out.

How To Make Tomato Powder With A Dehydrator:

Wash the fresh tomatoes thoroughly. I like to use a mix of cold water and vinegar. When done use a clean towel to pat them dry.
Cut the tomatoes into thin slices, approximately ¼ inch thick. Try to make the slices as uniform as possible for even drying.
Arrange the tomato slices in a single layer on a dehydrator tray. Make sure there is enough space between the slices for air circulation.
Place the trays in the food dehydrator. I use the Hamilton Beach Digital Food Dehydrator.
The dehydrator should be set to 125F for a minimum of 8 hours.
Let the tomatoes dry for several hours or until they become brittle and crisp. The drying time can vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the humidity levels. It can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours or longer.
When the tomato slices have finished the drying process and are totally dry, remove them from the dehydrator and allow the dehydrated tomatoes to cool.
Using a coffee grinder or spice grinder, grind the dried tomato slices into a fine powder. Process small batches at a time to achieve a finer powder.
If desired, you can sift the tomato powder through a fine-mesh sieve. This will help to remove any larger clumps and ensure a smoother texture.
Store the tomato powder with a silica gel pack in an airtight container or jar in a cool, dry place.

How To Make Homemade Tomato Powder With Oven:

Wash the whole tomatoes thoroughly. I like to use a mix of water and vinegar. When done use a clean towel to dry tomatoes.
Cut the tomatoes into thin slices, approximately ¼ inch thick. Try to make the slices as uniform as possible for even drying. The thinner the slice the less time it will take to dry.
Arrange the tomato slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Make sure there is enough space between the slices for air circulation.
Place the trays in the conventional oven.
Turn the oven to its lowest temperature (normally 200F)
Let the tomatoes dry for several hours or until they become brittle and crisp. The drying time can vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the humidity levels. It can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours or longer.
When the tomato slices are totally dry, remove the dried tomatoes from the oven and allow them to cool.
Using a coffee grinder or spice grinder, grind the dried tomato slices into a fine powder. Process small batches at a time to achieve a finer powder.
If desired, you can sift the tomato powder through a fine-mesh sieve. This will help to remove any larger clumps and ensure a smoother texture of tomato powder.
Store the tomato powder with a silica gel pack in an airtight container or jar in a cool, dry place.

Long Term Storage Tips:

To ensure the freshness and longevity of tomato powder, it’s essential to store it properly. Here’s the best way to store tomato powder:

Airtight Container: Transfer the tomato powder to an airtight container or airtight jar with a secure lid. The container should be clean and dry before adding the powder. Choose a container that is appropriately sized to minimize air space.

Cool and Dry Place: Store the tomato powder in a cool, dry, and dark place. Avoid exposure to heat, moisture, direct sunlight, and strong odors, as they can affect the quality and flavor of the powder. Ideally, store it in a pantry or cupboard away from the stove or any other heat source.

Avoid Temperature Fluctuations: Fluctuations in temperature can lead to condensation inside the container, which can spoil the powder. So, choose a storage location with a consistent temperature.

Minimal Air Exposure: Tomato powder can be prone to absorbing moisture from the air, which can cause it to clump or lose its flavor. Therefore, minimize air exposure by sealing the container tightly after each use. Consider using a vacuum sealer to further preserve the powder’s freshness.

Use Food Safe Silica Gel Packets: I find a great way to help keep down the moister is to place a silica gel packet inside the container with the powder. Just be sure it is a food-grade packet.

Date And Label: Don’t forget to put a label on the container with the date. That way if you have a few jars of powder, you will know which ones to use up first.

Shelf Life: Properly stored tomato powder can retain its quality for several months, typically up to a year. However, it’s best to use it within six months for optimal flavor.

By following these storage guidelines, you can keep your tomato powder fresh and flavorful for an extended period, allowing you to enjoy its delicious taste in your recipes for months to come.

How To Use Tomatoes In Powdered Form:

Tomato powder is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes. You can add it to soups, stews, barbecue sauces, salad dressings, dry rubs, and marinades.

It can also be used as a seasoning for roasted vegetables, popcorn, or homemade spice blends. You can even use it to make spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce.

Soups and Stews: Tomato powder adds a concentrated tomato flavor to soups and stews. Simply stir in a tablespoon or two of tomato powder while cooking to enhance the taste.

Barbecue Sauces and Marinades: Tomato powder can be used to make flavorful barbecue sauces and marinades. Mix it with other spices, herbs, and ingredients like vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and oil to create a delicious sauce or marinade for grilled meats and vegetables.

Salad Dressings: Add a teaspoon or two of tomato powder to your homemade salad dressings for a tangy tomato twist. It works well in vinaigrettes, creamy dressings, and even dips.

Dry Rubs: Create a savory dry rub by combining tomato powder with herbs, spices, salt, and sugar. Rub it onto meats, poultry, or vegetables before grilling, roasting, or baking to infuse them with a rich tomato flavor.

Seasoning for Roasted Vegetables: Sprinkle tomato powder over roasted vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts to give them a vibrant and tasty coating.

Spaghetti Sauce and Pizza Sauce: Mix a few tablespoons of tomato powder with water, spices, and sugar to create a quick and flavorful spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce. Adjust the amount of powder to achieve the desired thickness and taste. You can also add in things like parmesan cheese.

Homemade Spice Blends: Tomato powder can be a fantastic addition to homemade spice blends like chili powder, taco seasoning, or curry powder. Experiment with different combinations to suit your taste preferences.

Flavoring for Popcorn: Sprinkle tomato powder over freshly popped popcorn for a unique and savory snack. It adds a burst of flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the corn.

Start with a small amount of tomato powder and adjust as needed, as it is a concentrated ingredient. Enjoy exploring the various ways to use tomato powder and have fun experimenting in the kitchen!

Frequently Asked Tomato Powder Recipe Questions:

Q. Does it matter what type of tomato you use?

A. No! You can use any such as roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, plum tomatoes, or whatever tomato you have on hand. You will however need several pounds of tomatoes to make powder.

Q. Do you need to remove the tomato peels aka skins?

A. No they will grind just fine right into the powder.

Q. If you don’t have a grinder can you use a food processor?

A. Yes! While I find the grinders work best, you can use a processor it may just take a little longer to get that powder texture.

Q. Could you blend tomatoes into tomato juice before drying?

A. Yes and no. While you technically could, it makes for much more of a mess to do it that way and takes much longer to dry into a powder. If you really want to avoid all the slicing you can dice, crush or make a tomato pulp before drying. It works a little better that way than the juice. But really the best way is the directions we have above.