I was sun-drying roma tomatoes last week between two recycled window screens. Days 1 and 2 were ok. Since day 3 was humid and overcast, I was going to bring them inside to finish in the oven in the kitchen. I found all but one to have "green spotty mold" on them. I tasted the one good slice and it was wonderful! I kept them under the awning out back at nite (covered). I did not pre-treat them. Should I have? How or with what? I sure hope someone can help me get this right. We are going to by a homestead with no electricity, so I'm trying to learn to do this the "old-fashioned" way. Anyone with family from Italy?

-- Ann K (ann1956ann@hotmail.com), September 03, 2001

Answers

Don't know if this was the problem, but I've read that you aren't supposed to dry things directly on a metal screen. I have some plastic screens I use for drying. Also I dry them in the hot attic instead of outside where insects can get to them.

-- debra in ks (windfish@toto.net), September 03, 2001.

I put an old sheet over my screens when I dry tomatoes outside. Slicing them very thin, and turning them twice a day may help too. Deborah

-- Deborah (jlawton@kaltelnet.net), September 03, 2001.

Hi Ann, sorry can't help you with the tomato problem as I use an electric dehydrator. Roma's are our absolute favorite for drying and using all winter on pizza. They really retain their flavor. With an electric dehydrator, I sprinkle a little garlic powder on them before drying and then they're really good. Not sure you can do that with solar? I do have family from Italy! and would love to correspond with you about that, please e-mail me directly when you get a chance.

-- Rose Marie Wild (wintersongfarm@yahoo.com), September 04, 2001.