Tomato Powder: A Nutritious and Delicious Superfood

What Is Tomato Powder?

Tomato powder, known as sun-dried tomato powder, is made from dehydrating tomatoes and then grinding them into a fine powder. The powder has an intense tomato flavor and contains many of the same nutrients as fresh tomatoes.

Tomato powder is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that gives tomatoes their bright red color and provides many health benefits. Lycopene may help reduce the risk of certain heart diseases. Tomato powder also contains vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium.

Tomato powder has an indefinite shelf life when stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Keep tomato powder away from heat and light, which can cause it to lose flavor and nutrients over time. For best quality, use tomato powder within 6–12 months.

Tomato powder is a nutritious way to add lots of tomato flavor to your cooking without the acidity or texture of fresh or sun-dried tomatoes. A little bit of this powder goes a long way, so start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste. Tomato powder is a great addition to your pantry and a simple way to boost nutrition in your home cooking.

Health Benefits of Tomato Powder

• Tomato powder is packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives tomatoes their bright red color. Lycopene helps neutralize harmful free radicals and may help lower the risk of some cancers. Consuming just two tablespoons of tomato powder provides over 20 mg of lycopene, which is more than what you get from eating two raw tomatoes.
• Tomato powder is also high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and acts as an antioxidant. It contains vitamin K, folate, potassium, and several B vitamins as well. The nutritional density of tomato powder means you get more nutrients with less bulk.
• Lowers heart disease risk: The lycopene in tomato powder helps lower LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, and may help prevent atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. The potassium in tomato powder also helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
• Reduces inflammation: The antioxidants in tomato powder help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to health issues like heart disease, arthritis, and certain cancers.
• Supports bone health: Tomato powder provides a good dose of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and helps maintain bone density and strength.
• May reduce cancer risk: The lycopene in tomato powder may help lower the risk of prostate cancer and possibly other cancers like breast, lung, and colon cancers.
• Boosts eye health: The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin found in tomato powder help support eye health and may lower the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.

Tomato powder has an intense tomato flavor and aroma, so a little goes a long way. Store tomato powder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one year. Add it to sauces, soups, stews, salad dressings, or sprinkle on pizza, pasta, or avocado toast. Mix it into hummus, pesto, or chili for extra nutrition and tomato flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Tomato Powder Recipes to Try

Tomato Powder Pasta Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup tomato powder
• 2 cups of hot water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together tomato powder and hot water to rehydrate.
2. In a saucepan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
3. Add the rehydrated tomato mixture, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer the sauce until it reaches your desired thickness.
5. Serve over cooked pasta for a quick and flavorful tomato powder pasta sauce.

Tomato Powder Soup Base

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup tomato powder
• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, whisk together the tomato powder and broth until well combined.
2. Sauté chopped onion, diced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic until softened.
3. Add the tomato broth mixture, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
5. Use this tomato powder soup base as a delicious foundation for various soups.

Tomato Powder Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

• Assorted vegetables (e.g., cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of tomato powder
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss assorted vegetables with olive oil, tomato powder, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast in the oven until the vegetables are caramelized and tender.

Tomato Powder Bruschetta

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup tomato powder
• 1/4 cup of hot water
• 3 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Baguette slices for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, rehydrate the tomato powder with hot water.
2. Combine the rehydrated tomato mixture with diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Allow the bruschetta mixture to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Spoon the tomato powder bruschetta onto baguette slices for a delightful appetizer.

Tomato Powder Seasoned Popcorn

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons of tomato powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 8 cups of popped popcorn

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together nutritional yeast, tomato powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Drizzle melted coconut oil over popped popcorn and toss with the seasoning mixture.

Tomato Powder Hummus

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of tomato powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, olive oil, tomato powder, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Tomato Powder Vinaigrette Dressing

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of tomato powder
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together tomato powder, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Continue whisking until well emulsified.

Tomato Powder Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef or a plant-based alternative
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) of crushed tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons of tomato powder
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, brown the ground beef or plant-based alternative with chopped onions and minced garlic.
2. Add kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer until flavors meld and the chili thickens.

These tomato powder recipes showcase the versatility of this dehydrated ingredient, from pasta sauce and soup base to roasted vegetables, bruschetta, and seasoned popcorn. Experiment with the rich flavor of tomato powder to enhance a variety of dishes.

Tips for Cooking and Baking with Tomatoes

• Add flavor to sauces and stews: Tomato powder is a great way to boost the tomato flavor in pasta sauces, chili, and stews. Add 1/2 teaspoon at a time, stirring well after each addition.
• Enhance salad dressings: Add just 1/4 teaspoon of tomato powder to your favorite salad dressing recipe for a boost of flavor.
• Spruce up rice and grains: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of tomato powder into rice, quinoa, or farro after cooking.
• Add color to scrambled eggs: Whisk in 1/8 teaspoon of tomato powder into scrambled eggs while cooking.
• Brighten up baked goods: Add 1/8 teaspoon of tomato powder to quick bread, muffins, biscuits, or scones for a subtle tang and color.

Storing Tomato Powder to Maintain Freshness

• Keep tomato powder in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air and moisture.
• Store it in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight.
• Use a clean, dry spoon to scoop out the powder and avoid contamination.
• Label and date your container so you know when it was opened.
• Discard if there are signs of mold, unpleasant odor, or color changes.

Conclusion

So, there you have it—the flavorful world of tomato powder awaits your culinary exploration! From enhancing savory dishes like pasta sauces and soups to adding a subtle twist to baked goods, this versatile superfood is a kitchen must-have. Packed with lycopene and an array of essential nutrients, it not only elevates your meals but also brings a host of health benefits. Remember, a little pinch of tomato powder goes a long way toward infusing your creations with that intense tomato goodness. And when it comes to storing this delightful ingredient, a cool, dark place in an airtight container is your best bet. So, grab your apron, sprinkle in some tomato powder magic, and embark on a flavorful journey that'll have your taste buds singing. Happy cooking!