Don’t let your tomatoes go to waste: Make delicious tomato powder!
Tomatoes are a kitchen staple, but an oversupply can sometimes pose a challenge for farmers and consumers. The surplus often leads to significant post-harvest losses, creating a dilemma for farmers and depriving consumers of their favorite tomato-based dishes. However, there is a solution that can win both parties: transforming surplus tomatoes into versatile tomato powder. In this article, we explore why making tomato powder is a sustainable solution and how you can creatively use this ingredient in your culinary endeavors.
The problem: tomato surpluses and post-harvest losses
Farmers often struggle with an oversupply of tomatoes, leading to significant post-harvest losses. This surplus means that a significant portion of the fruit is wasted in the fields or markets. The root of the problem lies in limited knowledge about preserving and enhancing the value of tomatoes.
The consequences are clear: Farmers are losing more than half of their total tomato production, which is affecting their livelihoods and disrupting the global food supply chain. Addressing this issue is crucial for the sustainable and efficient use of resources.
The solution: process tomatoes into powder
An innovative solution to this problem is processing surplus tomatoes into tomato powder. This process not only helps prevent waste but also increases the value of the products. Here’s how to make tomato powder:
Step 1: Select the best tomatoes
Start with high-quality, ripe tomatoes. While you can use any variety, Roma tomatoes are often preferred due to their fleshiness and low water content.
Step 2: Wash and slice tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly, remove the stems, and cut them into thin, even pieces. This will help speed up the drying process.
Step 3: Dry the discs
You can use a dehydrator, an oven, or even the sun to dry the tomato slices. The key is to remove as much moisture as possible. The lower the humidity, the longer the powder will last.
Step 4: Grind into powder
Once the tomato slices are completely dehydrated, use a grinder or blender to grind them into a fine powder. You now have your homemade tomato powder.
