Description
Sun‑dried and salted bush tomatoes rapidly dehydrate and are osmotic‑treated to preserve moisture‑sensitive nutrients.
Technical
The process removes water by solar heat, lowering water activity below 0.6, while salt creates an osmotic gradient that further reduces a_w to ~0.55. This dual action suppresses bacterial, yeast, and mold growth while concentrating sugars and carotenoids such as lycopene.
Science
Primary Reaction
Dehydration and osmotic dehydration
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
earthysweetsmokycaramelizedumamisavoryslightly fermented
Origin & History
Civilization
Bantu‑speaking communities
Era