The dried tomato is a normal ripe tomato, but it has been subjected to a sun-drying process, according to the traditional method. This results in a perfect ingredient for many dishes. And not only is it tasty, but it is nutritious for our body. But be careful, if we have kidney failure, it is not a good idea to eat tomato because of its high concentration of potassium and water.
Surely we have seen dried tomato in many dishes, especially pasta, pizza, and even salads, scrambled eggs and rice dishes. Today we are going to explain all the benefits of dried tomato, as well as its negative part and even how we can use it in our daily lives in different recipes.
Nutritional values
The best thing about dried tomatoes is their nutritional values, although they have many more calories than fresh tomatoes. For example, dehydrated tomatoes have about 200 kilocalories per 100 grams of product , while fresh tomatoes do not reach 20 calories per 100 grams of product.
Another positive thing is that, being dry, their nutritional values are concentrated, which directly affects vitamins and minerals, so here we have another reason to choose dehydrated tomatoes from time to time.
With 100 grams it has 2.97 grams of fat, of which saturated are 0.43 grams; 55.77 grams of carbohydrates, of which 37.60 grams are sugars; 14 grams of vegetable proteins; 12 grams of fiber and almost 15% is water.
We have various vitamins and minerals. On the one hand, vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, C, D and E. And on the other hand, the minerals are calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium and sodium.
How to use dried tomato
This ingredient is suitable for celiacs, allergic to nuts, lactose, fish and shellfish, for diabetics, pregnant women, children, vegans and vegetarians. A very complete food that brings many benefits to our body, but before knowing them, let’s see in what dishes we can use dried tomato without regret.
We can use this ingredient in almost all meals, especially without fresh vegetables and pasta and rice. The fresh tomato fits perfectly with the cheeses, especially if they are strong in flavour. Also with meat dishes such as meatballs, empanadas, dumplings, Bolognese pasta, lasagna , stuffed aubergines, etc. And also with fish, either in the sauce or as a vegetable garnish or as a decoration.
The dried tomato will give our sauces and creams a very special touch. It is very common to use it in chickpea hummus, to give it greater nutritional power and more flavor distinction, especially if we are going to use it as a dip or to spread on bread and accompany it with other ingredients. There are those who add it to guacamole, and the truth is that it fits well, but everyone has their tastes.
Profits
The main benefits of dried tomatoes are almost the same as fresh tomatoes, and it is an essential ingredient in our Mediterranean diet, although it also has its drawbacks and disadvantages, especially due to excess consumption.
prevents anemia
This food has iron, a fundamental mineral for the body and its scarcity causes the so-called iron deficiency anemia and reaching serious cases, a body without enough iron begins to weaken, we will have very pale skin, we will feel dazed, extreme fatigue, headache , rapid heartbeat, lack of oxygen, etc.
It is important to always maintain good levels of iron in the body, since it is responsible for manufacturing hemoglobin, that is, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen to the lungs and to all corners of the body. As well as myoglobin, which is responsible for supplying oxygen to the muscles.
Reduces heart disease
Taking this food protects us against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular problems , since it reduces blood pressure, prevents arrhythmias and reduces bad cholesterol. It is clear that this food must be accompanied by a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle habits where there is no alcohol, no tobacco, no saturated fats, no sugars and where there are plenty of vegetables and physical exercise.
These benefits are achieved in the conjunction between the lycopenes in tomatoes and the healthy fats that they include, apart from the combination of high-quality oils such as olive oil. But the most key thing is to have a varied and healthy diet and an exercise routine.
prevents aging
The consumption of this dried vegetable can improve the health of our skin and this is thanks to the lycopenes that, according to a scientific study, eating 40 grams of dried tomatoes provides 16 grams of lycopene and can help us prevent cell damage after 8 weeks of sun exposure and ultraviolet rays.
With this effect, skin aging is prevented, always showing smooth skin, without spots and with a healthy appearance. It is clear that the extra help of quality creams and serums will be needed, but food is key to the health of our skin.
Strengthens bones and the immune system
Dried tomatoes have calcium and phosphorus and this helps our bone system to be in perfect condition. In addition, let us remember that it also provides vitamin D and is essential for the absorption of calcium in our body. Without vitamin D, calcium would accumulate in the body, leading to health problems such as kidney stones, weakening bones, heart problems, etc.
With regard to the immune system, scientific evidence proves that the lycopenes in tomatoes favor communication between cells and favor metabolic processes, as well as the reinforcement of the immune system.
How to make dried tomatoes at home
There are different ways to make homemade dried tomatoes, but we opted for the one we always use, due to its speed and effectiveness. We will need an oven, parchment paper and utensils to empty the tomatoes.
The tomatoes have to be at their exact ripening point and we have to wash and dry them very well. We cut each tomato into segments and leave only the most superficial meat and the skin , so that we remove the inner meat and the seeds.
We place the segments on the baking tray with a separation of 1 or 2 fingers and put it in the oven at 65 degrees for 2 hours. If we want to dry the whole tomatoes, the process slows down to up to 6 hours of baking. We must bear in mind that these segments will only be kept in the fridge for 2 or 3 days, although we can also put them in oil to slow down their putrefaction process.
Who can’t eat them?
It is a tomato, even if it is dry, so the drawbacks of this vegetable (which, according to botany, is actually a fruit) also continue. With this we refer to the acidity that can cause us in the stomach, as well as the intolerance allergies that some people sometimes present when they consume tomato.
These types of products cannot be consumed by those who have some type of kidney problem , since sodium and water create an overexertion in the kidneys, which can worsen the disease and cause a lot of pain.
If we suffer from hypertension , we have to be careful with tomatoes, especially if they are dry and have been seasoned with spices and salt. That is, almost all packaged dried tomatoes are prohibited.
An abuse of tomato, in general, can cause diarrhea , urinary problems, body aches, increase uric acid levels, worsen arthritis pain, can trigger migraines, etc. A series of adverse effects from consuming this intense red fruit that is so common in our Mediterranean diet.
