Our solar tomato dryers are handcrafted in South Carolina, USA. Each is constructed of solid wood and finished with a combination of natural oils inside and quality teak oil outside for food safety and long life. You will be able to create the best tasting sundried tomatoes with no energy cost.

Our dryers are approximately 19.5" inches square and 12.5" high and constructed of natural solid wood - handcrafted by our on-site master woodworker, experienced in creating beautiful wood products for home and garden since 1980. Each has three removable shelves for easy filling and easily replaceable screening. The lid is made of plexiglass and handles swivel easily to remove and clean glass. the whole unit fits together snugly to prevent insects from gaining access.

Drying is a method of food preservation that works by removing water from the food, which inhibits the growth of microorganisms. Open air drying using sun and wind has been practiced since ancient times to preserve food. A solar food dehydrator can greatly speed the drying process and ensure more-consistent results. The water is removed by evaporation (air drying, sun drying, or wind drying) Bacteria, yeasts and molds need the water in the food to grow, and drying effectively prevents them from surviving in the food. Sun drying works best in areas such as the Southwestern United States and the Central Plains of the U.S. and Canada where dry, clear weather is normal at the height of the produce harvest. Indoor dehydration is the rule for cloudy or highly polluted localities. In regions like the Southeast, where strong sun is offset by moist air, evaporation can be speeded by the use of the solar dryer: a vented, glass-covered box like a cold frame, which produces higher temperatures and hence lower relative humidity.

To dry your foods using a solar dryer spread halves or smaller pieces on rack without crowding. The use of paper-lined trays or — preferably — cloth-covered wooden frames, protected with cheesecloth if insects are a problem is suggested. Left in the sun to dry with the aid of occasional turning. The trays should be moved under shelter and guarded from dampness at night. If wet weather sets in, the batch can be saved from spoilage by oven-drying.

Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/sun-drying-food-techniques-zmaz75jazgoe.aspx#ixzz1yzDkli8m http://www.geopathfinder.com/9473.html

Use the FREE guide included to pack your delicious tomatoes in an olive oil marinade for a taste that rivals the most expensive commercially available ones!