Sun-dried tomatoes save the day when it’s time for you to take a turn on your culinary skills. We know tomatoes for their many nutritional and health benefits.
However, the nutritional and health benefits are not a guarantee that they would last for a long period. Tomatoes are perishable food that would spoil if you do not keep them in a favorable condition.
And although sun-dried tomatoes differ greatly from other tomatoes, they would still spoil if you do not note some factors which we would look into in this guide.
Let’s learn about sun-dried tomatoes, how it differs from other tomatoes, and also how long do sun-dried tomatoes last once opened.
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What are sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes, like every other tomato, are nutritious and can change the game in your kitchen when you incorporate them into your meal. The taste is super good and rewarding.
And like other tomatoes, they are filled with health benefits. However, they take a distinct form. So what are sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes are ripened fresh tomatoes treated with salt, peeled and cut in quarters, and left out in the direct sun. After which some days; 4 to 10 days, the sun then dries tomatoes of all their water content.
Note: all dried tomatoes are not sun-dried tomatoes.
They are ways people store sun-dried tomatoes. Let’s see them.
Ways to store sun-dried tomatoes
- You can store sun-dried tomatoes in an airtight container without any other ingredients.
- This is the most acceptable to store sun-dried tomatoes. Most sun-dried tomatoes are packed in quality oil. Hence many people refer to them as oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes.
It is the oil that helps maintain the quality of the sundried tomatoes, it also adds to its flavor.
Although other tomatoes are fresher and juicier, many experts say sun-dried tomatoes are more nutritious and healthy.
But since sun-drying them is not enough to keep them from spoiling, they are susceptible to spoilage. However, some factors contribute to their spoilage.
Read: How Long Does Sun-Dried Tomatoes Last In The Fridge?
Factors that contribute to sun-dried tomatoes spoilage
After sun-drying tomatoes, they are packed in an airtight container or it is safely packed in oil; most times people use olive oil, so it doesn’t go bad.
- Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes would spoil if not in the right condition. If you do not put them in quality oil, it would affect how long they last.
- If you do not store it in a cool or dry place, then it would affect how long it lasts.
- It is the airtight container and the oil that discourages moisture and air in the tomatoes.
- If the sun-dried tomatoes are not left in good condition, they will turn bad.
So how would you know the sun-dried tomatoes are bad?
How to know sun-dried tomatoes are spoilt?
- Rancid oil- if you have stored in oil you will notice that the oil will become rancid.
- Growth of mold-if you notice mold growing in the tomatoes, then the tomatoes are turning bad or it is already bad.
- Foul smell- this is a glaring sign that the sun-dried tomatoes are turning bad.
- A change in taste. When the taste of the sun-dried tomatoes changes, then it is a bold sign of spoilt tomatoes.
However, if your sun-dried tomatoes are in good condition, you will experience none of these. So, if the sun-dried tomatoes are in good condition, how long would they last?
How long do sun-dried tomatoes last? Sun-dried tomatoes that are in good condition would last for 1 to 2 years. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes will not last as long as plain sun-dried tomatoes.
The plain tomatoes would last for 1 to 3 years, if unopened. You just have to store it in a cool and dry place.
Read: How Long Does Canned Fruit Last Once Opened?
How long do sun-dried tomatoes last once opened?
When you open sun-dried tomatoes, the tomatoes would last from days to 3 weeks and then up to 6 to 9 months, if you still store them well.
However, doing otherwise can cause spoilage. So you should learn how to store sun-dried tomatoes after opening.
How to store sun-dried tomatoes once opened
To store tomatoes that are without ingredients, try to keep them away from oxygen. This is because bacteria thrive on oxygen and moisture. So, ensure that your sun-dried tomatoes are not exposed to moisture and oxygen else you are supporting the life of the bacteria.
And so long as you keep your sun-dried tomatoes safe from bacteria, then you would help prevent mold from growing in the tomatoes.
More so, you can put your sun-dried tomatoes in a resalable bag, a glass container, or a jar. But, ensure it is in an airtight container.
We advise you not to store your sun-dried tomatoes in reactive containers, at best avoid metal containers. Is it okay to store sun-dried tomatoes in the fridge? Of course, you can, that is the safest way to store your sundried tomatoes.
If you store sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil then they will stay safe and consumable for up to six months.
To store them in oil
- Get a clean, glass airtight container
- You can deepen your sun-dried tomatoes in white vinegar before putting them in the container, in case you want to sharpen the flavor. This also prevents mold from growing in the tomatoes.
- Pouring good-quality olive oil into the container before putting it in the refrigerator would prevent spoilage.
Depending on how much you visit your sun-dried tomatoes in the fridge, your sun-dried tomatoes can last from days to weeks and up to 6 to 9 months in the freezer.
For best results store your sun-dried tomatoes in different containers. If you have plentiful sun-dried tomatoes to safe keep.
Storing them in batches will prevent you from interrupting the storing process. However, if for some reason you use the tomatoes more often, then the oil will turn rancid.
Sometimes, depending on how well your refrigerator works, your tomatoes might not last up to six months. And, if this is the case, put the sun-dried tomatoes in the freezer until you are ready to use them.
Read: Do You Need To Refrigerate Tomato Sauce After Opening?
Conclusion
Sun-dried tomatoes, like every tomato, are susceptible to bacteria and spoilage, and when this happens, it is unsafe to consume.
Sun-dried tomatoes can last from 1 to 2 years. However, once opened, it can last from 2 to 8 weeks and then to 6 months depending on the condition and how you store it.
We are glad that in this guide we have answered the question, “how long do sun-dried tomatoes last once opened?”
Hopefully, you store your sun-dried tomatoes well to avoid earlier spoilage.
