Even today, as per tradition, starting in June and throughout July and August in Sicily, sun-dried tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes are prepared, also known as salted tomatoes or in dialect ‘nciappati or ciappi.
It’s a summer ritual: taking advantage of consecutive sunny days to stock up for the winter.
Let me tell you how to make and preserve sun-dried tomatoes using the method my mother uses, a master of our traditional recipes.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 5 Days
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
My mother prefers the cluster cherry tomato variety motekino grown in greenhouses, but you can use other varieties too.
Consider that the larger the tomato, the longer it will take to dry.
- tomatoes (ripe, preferably cluster cherry type)
- to taste salt
Suggested Tools
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Insect and Bird Protection Net
Preparation
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly.
Cluster cherry tomato
Cut each tomato in half vertically to reveal the seeds, keeping the two halves attached on one side.Larger-sized tomato
Cut each tomato in half horizontally to reveal the seeds, keeping the two halves attached on one side.Place the cut tomatoes on a surface, open with the pulp facing up.
Generously sprinkle each tomato with salt, salting the entire surface.
Cover the tomatoes with a mosquito net to protect them from insects and birds.
Let them dry in the sun for 2-3 days.
Flip the tomatoes, prick them with a fork on the skin side and let them dry in the sun for another 1-2 days.
When the tomatoes are nicely wrinkled, dry but still soft, fold each one in on itself and transfer them to a container.
Your sun-dried tomatoes or ‘nciappati or ciappi are ready.
Sun-dried tomatoes or ciappi cunzati
Coat the inside of the sun-dried tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil, place a basil leaf in the center, and sprinkle with grated cheese – caciocavallo or pecorino – press to seal the two halves and add a pinch of coarsely crushed red pepper.
Source: La cucina nella tradizione iblea, Nuccia Filomena Fontana.Capuliato or crushed tomato
Sun-dried tomatoes are delicious whole or chopped into what is called capuliato or crushed tomato or sun-dried tomato pesto, a flavorful Sicilian condiment:
– Capuliato | the Sicilian sun-dried tomato pesto.
You can use plain or seasoned sun-dried tomatoes with:
– extra virgin olive oil;
– garlic;
– basil or oregano;
– capers;
– red pepper.
Storage, Tips, and Variations
How to store sun-dried tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil
Place sun-dried tomatoes in sterilized glass jars.
Completely cover them with extra virgin olive oil.
Keep them in a dry, dark, and cool place, and once opened, store them in the fridge and consume them quickly.
If necessary, add oil to keep them covered.
Drain well before using.
Frozen sun-dried tomatoes| recommended method
Store dried and unseasoned sun-dried tomatoes in freezer bags.
They do not stick, do not harden, so there is no need to thaw them, and they do not need to be drained.
Additionally, it avoids the risks associated with oil preservation.
They keep for up to 8-10 months in the freezer.
For me, it’s the best solution!
FAQs
Did you know?
Tomatoes are fruits, not vegetables!
They contain natural sugars like fructose and glucose.
The content depends on various factors including: variety, ripeness, growing conditions, and the availability of nutrients such as potassium.Differences between cherry tomatoes and Brix degrees
Different types of cherry tomatoes vary in their sugar/acid ratio – Brix degrees – which determines their sweetness:
– cherry tomatoes: 6-8 Brix degrees;
– date tomatoes: 8-10 or more Brix degrees.What are Brix degrees
Brix degrees measure the natural sugar content present in tomatoes: in case of hyperglycemia it is preferable to choose tomatoes with a lower Brix degree.
If you love sweet cherry tomatoes, add fibers and healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil or a handful of nuts.Do sun-dried tomatoes raise blood sugar levels?
Sun-dried tomatoes can affect blood sugar more than fresh tomatoes, but just use them in moderation.
In case of hyperglycemia, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes it is important to know that sun-dried tomatoes have a higher carbohydrate and sugar content than fresh tomatoes.
If preserved in oil, it is important to drain them well.
Packaged sun-dried tomatoes may contain added sugars, read the label carefully or ask the producer.How to rehydrate sun-dried tomatoes?
Simply soak them in boiling water for about half an hour.
Sun-dried tomatoes or ‘nciappati for sale on the island of Favignana [Trapani] – summer 2019.
