Description
Sun‑drying preserves tomatoes by evaporating moisture under solar heat, lowering water activity to suppress microbial growth.
Technical
The process relies on solar radiation to drive water evaporation, reducing the tomato’s water activity to ≤0.6. Concurrently, UV‑B photons induce photochemical isomerisation of all‑trans lycopene to cis forms, enhancing its bio‑accessibility. The combined thermal and photochemical effects produce a firm, sweet‑savory product with increased antioxidant potential.
Science
Primary Reaction
dehydration (water evaporation) + photochemical isomerisation of lycopene
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
earthysunnysweetroastedvegetalconcentratedcaramelizedherbalslightly smokyripe