Dried Tomato Flakes for Sauces, Soups, and More

NOTE: Water to tomato flake ratio will all be dependent on what you are making and how thick you want your sauce. I do not work in exacts when using such things so I cannot tell you what you need so here is what I suggest. Start with a ratio of 1:1 and add more water as needed. If you are making a sauce, it is usually cooked for a time anyway and this will cause it to thicken. You can always add more water or more flakes to get the desired consistency.
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[@RainCountryHomestead]

NOTE: Water to tomato flake ratio will all be dependent on what you are making and how thick you want your sauce. I do not work in exacts when using such things so I cannot tell you what you need so here is what I suggest. Start with a ratio of 1:1 and add more water as needed. If you are making a sauce, it is usually cooked for a time anyway and this will cause it to thicken. You can always add more water or more flakes to get the desired consistency.

[@trulylynn9941]

I got those silicone mats for my Excalibur dehydrator from your earlier video!

[@Frankie_902]

Good morning everyone!! For years I've used tomato skins, dehydrated and powdered, for making tomato paste. I haven't bought tomato paste in years. All I have to do is put approximately 5-6 tablespoons of powder to just enough water to make it wet, thick and pliable( ONLY add 1 tablespoon water at a time and stir very well after each addition) like regular tomato paste. You want it thick with NO powdery bits. Enjoy!!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Same idea applies using the whole dried tomato like I have shown here. Just add enough water to get the thickness you desire. Since a paste is usually added to a sauce to thicken, this saves a step by not needing the paste to begin with

[@catt8247]

Good to know you guy's thanks.

[@employme2]

Use the flakes with basil, a touch of butter for instant Tomato soup, its awesome.

[@anitawitt84]

I dehydrate much more because of listening to you-so thank you! I look forward to “an excess of tomatoes”. Hopefully, next year.

[@trulylynn9941]

You have ESPN extra sensory perception now. I was looking forward to this video. This is by far my favorite place for amazing information for everything homesteading! Thank you my sister💖😘

[@RainCountryHomestead]

🥰

[@susanschneider-baker49]

You are Truly a Blessing to many. Thank you, Heidi, we appreciate you 🙏

[@kellycarter2497]

Making this today. I ordered my dehydrator sheets a few weeks ago specifically so I could make these flakes. My cousin gifted me with 2 buckets of tomatoes. I'm going to be busy today! Love your videos!

[@carolschedler3832]

I am loving my roasted tomatoes. Throw the quartered tomatoes in a roasting pan and leave in a 400° oven for several hours to cook them down till very thick. For freezing they take about one quarter of the space. Now I might try dehydrating them ! Thanks for the great idea!

[@ceciliafuentes3299]

I missed the part to blend before dehydrate lol. Now I got it. Thank you.

[@mamasuki]

Commenting to support your wonderful channel … binging your fab dehydrating vids as my new Cosori arrived today. Thank you!!

[@annagray1928]

I used to freeze my tomatoes but it takes up so much space so I started making the tomato flakes. Love how easy it is an how little space it takes. I use mine to make enchilada sauce, spaghetti and chili. Thank you so much for all your videos. God bless.

[@reibersue4845]

I just started to get tomatoes. I started mine from seed packets and found my Romas are pint size, like no bigger than a grape tomato. I have oodles and today I blended them up, skin and all and then cooked them down to about 1/2 the original volume and will freeze dry it after I get enough to fill all the trays. I'm so glad to see someone else do skin and seeds as well.

[@susankarnes2100]

I love both my vacuum sealers Patrick made. The qt and especially the 1/2 gal one. ❤🎉

[@JVsNorthwoodsHomestead]

Thanks for the off brand dehydrator sheets, I only had 3 and needed 9! Next year I'll try your method of dehydrated tomatoes as I've just been cutting thin slices. I like to use the silicone sheets when I'm making low sugar jelly, it dehydrates to make the kids some fruit roll-ups!

[@alanstewart100]

Many thanks for your ideas and experience. This site is SO Helpful and encouraging. Carolyn

[@marybethham4967]

I love the tomato flakes. We even left a few bigger size and called them tomato chips. Daughter even takes them to work with her for lunch. Also added some seasoning to the liquid tomatoes and made seasoned tomato flakes/chips. So happy with your video that taught me this. Room saving for sure. Thanks

[@marygrott8095]

I'm going to try this with some of my cherry tomatoes. I usually dehydrate my tomatoes in slices, but it seens like they wouod dehydrate quicker this way. Thanks, Heidi!

[@shangrilahomestead9930]

Thank you for sharing this information with us. It’s so appreciated all of the helpful information on vacuum sealing foods. Love the vacuum chamber I got from you all a few months ago.

[@forrestgump9576]

Thank you so much for this video and the information! I grew and canned ALOT of tomatoes this year, and am running out of room to store them. This makes so much more sense for two reasons. One, the space used for storage and two, these tomatoes will have even more flavor than canned ones because the juice lost when freezing and thawing them precanning, is still there!

[@villiehaizlip7626]

I will try your way bc it looked great for winter soups but, I dehydrated tomatoes with the Casori the only difference was I did thin slices & added Italian spice and call them my pizza tomato jar.😊

[@tracipapp8698]

Thank you, Heidi! I made tomato flakes this year per your video! I LOVE them! I add to eggs, soups & MANY other things!! They make any dish look more appetizing. I also have your canister sealer & it works awesome on non-canning jars. NOTE to newbies: when using the hand pump; after jar is sealed, release pressure in pump before trying to remove the topper (or lid from canister).

[@clementinaepelle7048]

Thanks so much for sharing. What yummy tomatoes!

[@Famcke]

Love these videos 💐🙏🇺🇲

[@COWELLGIRL]

Love this

[@lynettetucker544]

Good morning Heidi thanks for the ideas on the dehydrating tomatoes and the lids for the mason jars .

[@SherlockOhms119]

I don't have a garden these days and I use canned crushed tomatoes. I like to do 4 of the 29 oz of the really thick H's brand just for dehydrating. I do use stick blender in my pot but I think after watching you I'll use a regular blender.. Thank you for your fun to watch video.

[@laurarader9034]

Thank you!! That was great. I’ve been dehydrating mine but didn’t think of blending them first.

[@catt8247]

Thanks for the video I will certainly try this as soon as my green tomatoes turn red.

[@JaniceCrowell]

I use the food saver small battery pump almost daily because it takes so little space on my counter. Because it is so convenient- I am more diligent to vacuum seal things.

[@blessedbloominghomestead9134]

I ordered a set of the square silicone mats after one of your videos. I really need to buy a couple more because I love them! I did make tomato crumbles after your last video and use them for so many things including soups, omelets and brown gravy. It’s also really good for a low sodium diet for rice. I add pepper vinegar and tomato flakes instead of salt to the water. It’s really tasty. Thanks for the update! Many Blessings!

[@ana2722]

Dehydrating delicious tomatoes yay, I have never done the flakes who knew I didn't, thank you my dear 🍅 😃👍

[@grammym1643]

SUPER HELPFUL Thank you!

[@grsartofworship4352]

Very cool

[@trishthehomesteader9873]

Thank you Heidi.🙂 I'm pretty crazy about the green silicone mats! They really make dehydrating liquids a breeze. 👏👍 Love and blessings!💜

[@saia2205ify]

I saw your video on making this a bit ago. I live alone and I love using this to make my own pizza sauce. Thank you!

[@chrismaryb.7409]

Thanks Heidi! 😊

[@MommyMartinez9]

I ended up doing this because of one of your earlier previous videos 😀 I only got one quart jar but it's good enough for me

[@kimberlyjennings1970]

Awesomeness! Thank you!! Now I gotta invest in a dehydrator! 🤔 😊

[@jenniewolford1631]

I have 7 trays in my Magic Mill, i got the 6 brown ones

[@scarletpeate]

Fantastic idea about processing first .. I recently uploaded my how to save powdered tomato on my channel...but after watching this... your way is much better thankyou .. much love sent from our self-sufficient family to you and your family xx

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I was just thinking of you yesterday and wondering how you were doing. Good do see you are still putting videos out too :)

[@MichaelR58]

Good video , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@rosehavenfarm2969]

I just happen to be processing tomatoes today (it's my once-a-week canning day today). Also making beef bone broth, chicken BB. I have a 5 gallon bucket of green tomatoes left, and lo! and behold, some had ripened to red. I planned to can them all, but decided to make flakes out of the red ones. Mmmmmm.... Then, I decided to make some GREEN flakes, too, since I had three trays left on the cosori. So I did. The pulp smelled delicious. DH really enjoys the canned green tomatoes in different dishes I make him. It will be interesting to see what the green flakes do to a dish.

[@rosehavenfarm2969]

Update, 10 hours later: I tasted some of the green tomato flakes. Oh, my! They have a wonderful flavor. Almost lemony. They will be a very good addition to foods, or used even as a condiment. I canned 14 pints more of green tomatoes today. But since I have 2.5 gallons left to process -- those all will become dried flakes.

[@gkcollard2]

I just used some of my dehydrated tomatoes in homemade taco soup. Worked perfectly!

[@ediemurray1692]

Ty

[@kimmieb2u]

I'm doing this with mushrooms as well. You can grind them into powder or leave them in little chunks. Good umami flavor!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

If you are referring to the mushrooms, yes, you can powder them if you want. I prefer to leave mine in slices when I dry them and seal them up in jars like that. Powdering would save space but I like have the pieces when using in sauces or on top of homemade pizza

[@carolhamilton5164]

I use my end of the season tomatoes (many times ripened in the house) to make tomato flakes. I generally use them to thicken sauce etc. I have considered using them to make tomato paste, but haven't yet.

[@heatherlavender8236]

I just did that with a tomato branch and my tomato got ripened, I just sat it in water and even if the leaves died the tomato still ripened, it's amazing and it works, yeah! Thanks for sharing this and take care!

[@jeanwoodall1523]

I'll probably put tomato flakes in a homemade sinigang soup seasoning blend. Once I find a good source for the tamarind powder. Salt, onion powder, and garlic powder are much easier to find.

[@anntaft7808]

Tomatoes processed this way, taste fantastic!

[@kennethbrooks1134]

Gave me an idea what to do with my excess beets

[@mariaallevato6121]

The tomatoes are beautiful! I didn't have a great crop this year, so not enough to do this with. Can you show us, or do you already have a video showing how you use the flakes? Hopefully, next year I'll have too many tomatoes to use fresh. Thanks, Heidi!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I do not recall, I think most of my sauce and BBQ videos I already have out show me using my canned tomatoes. I am still working through the canned ones but currently use the flakes for thickening. Once I finally use up my canned tomatoes, I will use only the flakes and water to make my sauces, I have added them to soup though from time to time

[@fruitsofmylabors7879]

I dry the peals and seeds leftover from making sauce and then blend that up. Trying to never waste anything. I love how you powder up just about everything

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I just use it all in my sauces, I have never peeled or seeded my tomatoes (except for the seeds I save to grow the next year)

[@jimfrench1746]

Thanks for the update video Heidi! I LOVE the idea of not canning. Can you please tell us the amount of tomato flakes/water to use to equal a 28 oz can of tomatoes

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Please see pinned comment above

[@guythomas2994]

I always save the tomato peel when we can and then dry them to make flakes with.

[@traceyjohnston7897]

I dehydrated my tomatoes this year, but I sliced them instead. I'll powder them when I'm ready to use them as I understood that most things last longer when you do it that way. I know it takes up more room, but my small garden didn't produce many tomatoes this year...

[@RainCountryHomestead]

The lasting longer thing is very general. There would be very little difference between a powder, a flake and a whole product and if vacuum sealed, they will last just as long as each other.

[@traceyjohnston7897]

@@RainCountryHomestead This is why I love your channel! I do re-vacuum seal everything since I've been following your channel.

[@maria_w311]

Hi Heidi 👋

[@tbone9194]

I have to try it. I still have green tomatoes 😏.

[@kmiller6002]

I'm going to be ordering the Nesco style trays today or tomorrow, using your link 🥰 so I'll be able to start doing this. My future son in law asked me if we could dehydrate juice for making flavored water... What do you think Mrs Heidi?? 🙏🙏 Kendra

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I am sure you can give it a try, seems like an interesting idea

[@PrayerOpensDoor]

Love this method . Will try it once I purchase the silicone trays. How many ch water to reconstitute Heidi. Thank you. Peace & Grace. ♥️🇨🇦

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I cannot give you an exact ratio and it will depend on what you are making. Just start your water ratio small and add more as needed

[@sharondaugherty389]

What brand dehydrator do you use or recommend? I just came across your video and love it. I never thought of dehydrating tomatoes. I want to go ahead and order one. Thank you.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I just had a short come out here: kzbin.infoELvAJJejeQs And here is the link to the dehydrator: amzn.to/3K0TrKv

[@growagarden54]

What a great idea! I have frozen tomatoes right now, do you think I can do the same with thawed, frozen tomatoes? Thank you so much!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yep!

[@growagarden54]

Such great video. Do you think it would it work with defrosted tomatoes from the garden?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes. If you notice the various photos I put in the video, including the thumbnail, you will see I use all kinds of tomatoes and mix them together

[@JF-ej7sm]

Thank you, very informative. Can you please tell us how is the flavour?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Taste like tomato and when cooked into a sauce, it taste better than any store bought sauce, in my opinion anyway but I have not bought store bought sauce in over thirty years

[@anntaft7808]

Fantastic flavor!

[@madmecyr]

Have you found a good conversion measure? How much flake to water to equal a quart of tomatoes for example?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Nothing specific, I just add water until I get the right consistency. The key is to start small with the water but if it gets too watery, add more flakes.

[@jesusismysavior717]

Hello new here and just watched your video. I have a ton of frozen tomatoes from this last year could I do this with those as well if I thaw them first? I would love to have that free space in KY freezer

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yep, they should dry up great

[@opalezell2166]

I wanted to order nesco dehydrate. Where did you get your?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

One from an auction, one from Amazon, two from garage sales

[@deborahphelps1624]

How do i find the link to purchase silicon insertsfor my dehydrator?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Click on the description box just below the video to open it up and see all that is there. If you are on a smart device, you may have to click on a little arrow to the far right under the screen

[@fadeddenims501]

How about canned tomatoes? Years ago, I got the impression (and I don't know where) that it is possible to open up canned tomatoes and other canned vegetables, especially those in the x-large size cans, in order to dehydrate them and save on space. In someone else's video she said she wouldn't bother to dehydrate canned tomatoes or other canned vegetables because they will end up tasting like the can! I am now stuck in neutral.... what is your opinion on this? Have you had experience in this area?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, you can dehydrate anything that has been previously canned. I once dehydrated a can of fruit cocktail because I happen to be in the pantry when I heard it lose its seal, which was fortunate, so I dehydrated it and it made a tasty snack

[@feliciabrasuell1997]

Thanks for sharing!!!!! I have a question???? Where do you store your jars of dehydrated Food? Do the need to be stored in a dark place??? THANKS

[@RainCountryHomestead]

It is best to keep them away from too much light as the light can fade the color and damage the nutrients so I keep most of them in our back pantry unless they are jars I am working through, those are in our kitchen cupboards

[@feliciabrasuell1997]

@@RainCountryHomestead THANK YOU so much for your quick response and for helping me. I appreciate it. I love watching your videos. They are always so informative, and you have taught me a lot......

[@jeanettedavis1969]

How long are they shelf stable?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

If kept sealed, I would say indefinitely, just like any dried food

[@DebbieLynToomey]

Would this be good for green tomatoes also?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have not tried it but one could do that if they were the type to make sauces and such from green tomatoes

[@MommaNanaKay]

I dehydrated blueberries. I thought the jars were vacuum sealed but they aren’t. The powder seems like a brick. Is it safe to use if I can break it up or should I pitch it?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

O yes, it is safe to use, just a pain! haha

[@MommaNanaKay]

Thanks! I won’t make that mistake again. 🫤

[@frednahall4617]

@@MommaNanaKay put a couple of teaspoons of food grade diatomaceous earth in your powder. It will keep it from getting hard.

[@judydastrup3628]

Could you please send me the link to buy the vacuum chamber thingie‼️

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I do not have a link to send you, you need to email me at [e-mail]

[@sherylarea7460]

After dehydrated, what is the measurement for making sauce.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I do not know an exact ratio and the amount I use will depend on what kind of sauce I am making. Simply start with a ratio of 1:1 and then add more water as needed. Sauce typically gets cooked down anyway

[@anitalowe8879]

I just purchased the large COSORI and it came with one fruit roll up tray. It is a hard tray. Not silicon. How I wonder will I be able to get it out cause it’s not going to roll and break up. Any suggestions?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I tossed those hard plastic trays I got with mine as I will never use them, the silicone is purchased separately and not even made by the same company. I have the brown ones, the lesser expensive ones that I now also own and use, linked in the description box below the video screen. Make sure to click on "more" or "show more" depending on what shows up for you

[@anitalowe8879]

Thanks for the help. I will look into that link. @@RainCountryHomestead

[@anitalowe8879]

Heather, I went to your link, and found that all the silicone trays are sized to fit the smaller machines. My machine is a COSORI Premium Pro 10-Tray. I believe the model code is CFD P101-SUS. My plastic mesh tray that came with machine measures 15” X 15”. That’s why I sent the hard trays back because they were small. Couldn’t believe the direct manufacturer didn’t have correct size on their website. Then I saw this video and was glad I sent them back. But I can’t find a silicone sized to fit this one either. Pretty frustrating. I want to utilize full size of tray! If you come across a silicone tray with the lip, please send me a note. Would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Then you need to get the ones for the Excalibur, which I believe I also linked to

[@anitalowe8879]

Thanks, I was looking for anything larger, but must have just missed the Excalibur ones. They’re still a little smaller then the measurements of my mesh that came with machine, but they are a bit bigger. I’ll get these ordered soon, so I can do liquids. Thanks again.

[@lighthousefan5538]

Can you make meatless spaghetti sauce and dehydrate it? Traditionally I can several jars for 3 family members every year and would love to do this instead.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I am sure you can but I personally would not bother as easy as it is to toss in the desire herbs and spices when you got to mix it. Even for those like us who add meat, well, I dehydrate that too and I can throw that in as well

[@kathywind1584]

How much flakes equal a can of tomatoes. In ounces.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Please see pinned comment above

[@melanienicholson2834]

we grew so many tomatoes we ended up freezing a lot. Can they be thawed and then dehydrated?????

[@RainCountryHomestead]

O yes, for certain!

[@melanienicholson2834]

@@RainCountryHomestead thank you thank you

[@ccwriter2544]

I am having an issue getting my tomato puree past a 'fruit roll up' consistency, despite leaving it in for 24 hours @115, peeling it off and flipping it over after 18 hours. Anyone else have this issue and figured out a solution? Would love to hear how you solved it!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

You must be spreading it on pretty thick if that is the case.

[@witcherwoo8938]

Sorry this may be in the wrong place heidi but have you got a natural remedy for colic in babies..my poor little grandaughter is really suffering..only less than 3 weeks old

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Sorry, I do not currently have anything for that but I recommend checking out Wellnessmama.com , Katie has a lot of great recipes for babies and children so she may have some ideas.

[@witcherwoo8938]

@@RainCountryHomestead thank you so much for your quick reply. Really appreciated ❤

[@morriganfey6079]

"Then just email me..." .... 244 thousand subscribers. Bold move. 😂

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Not really, I have been doing this for over six years, I get emails all the time, yes, but this is a good community and they do not swamp me

[@katipohl2431]

Unhealthy solanin sits in the green parts of the tomatoes and it is stable in heat.