A serving of sun-dried tomato halves in oil contains 45 calories, making it a healthy and flavorful addition to many dishes. Sun-dried tomatoes are created when ripe tomatoes are left in the sun for several days until they lose most of their moisture. This process concentrates their flavor and sweetness, making them a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine.

In addition to their distinctive taste, sun-dried tomatoes are also packed with nutrients. They are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and potassium. They also contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of sun-dried tomatoes, how to use them in cooking, their nutritional information, and more.

What are Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

As mentioned earlier, sun-dried tomatoes are created by removing moisture from ripe tomatoes through sun-drying. This concentrates their flavor, giving them a sweet, intense taste. While this process originated in the Mediterranean region, sun-dried tomatoes are now widely used in cooking around the world. There are different types of sun-dried tomatoes – some are packed in oil, some are sold dry, and some are even marinated with herbs and spices. The variety you choose largely depends on how you plan to use them. Sun-dried tomatoes can be found in most grocery stores in either the condiment or canned vegetable section.

Benefits of Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes are not only delicious, but they also offer several health benefits. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider adding them to your diet: 1. Good source of antioxidants: Sun-dried tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. 2. May lower the risk of certain diseases: Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in sun-dried tomatoes, has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, prostate cancer, and other types of cancer.

How to Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. Here are a few ideas: - Add them to pasta sauce for an extra burst of flavor. - Chop them up and add to salads or on top of pizza.

Nutritional Facts of Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Here are the nutritional facts for a 1 oz. (28 g) serving of sun-dried tomato halves in oil: - calories: 70 - Fat: 5 g

Difference between Sun-Dried and Fresh Tomatoes

While fresh and sun-dried tomatoes come from the same plant, they have some notable differences. Here are a few: - Moisture content: Sun-dried tomatoes have had most of their moisture removed, which gives them a concentrated flavor. - Texture: Sun-dried tomatoes are chewy and have a different texture than fresh tomatoes.

Are Sun-Dried Tomatoes Healthy?

Yes, sun-dried tomatoes are a healthy addition to any diet. They are low in calories and packed with nutrients, including antioxidants and vitamins C and K. Just be mindful of the type you choose – those packed in oil may contain added salt and calories.

Recipes Using Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Ready to start cooking with sun-dried tomatoes? Here are a few recipes to try: - Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Pesto: Blend sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil for a flavorful pesto that can be used as a spread or pasta sauce. - Grilled Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce: Grill chicken and top with a creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and parmesan cheese.

Storing Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil

If you purchase sun-dried tomatoes in oil, make sure to store them properly to prevent spoilage. - Keep the jar tightly sealed. - Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes as a Snack

Looking for a healthy snack option? Sun-dried tomatoes are a good choice! - Eat them as is for a quick snack. - Combine with nuts and seeds for a healthy trail mix.

Sun-Dried Tomato vs. Sundried Tomato

Sun-dried tomato and sundried tomato are the same thing. The difference in spelling is simply a matter of preference, with 'sun-dried' being the more common spelling in the US and 'sundried' being more common in the UK.