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Sunblush Tomatoes

Written by: Georgina Ingham | Posted: 20-06-2012

Sunblush Tomatoes Recipe | Semi-Dried Cherry Tomatoes for Salads, Pasta & Antipasti, Bursting with Summer Flavour

Bad, very bad, things have been done to the humble tomato over the years. Once you’ve tasted ripe, full-flavoured cherry tomatoes, you’ll understand what fresh, natural sweetness really means. These sunblush tomatoes are semi-dried to perfection, intensifying their natural sweetness while retaining a plump, juicy texture. Ideal for summer salads, pasta with sunblush tomatoes, Italian antipasti platters, or simply spread on fresh bread, they’re a versatile pantry favourite that captures the essence of summer and brings a burst of sunshine to meals all year round.

Fresh cherry tomatoes on the vine ready for homemade sunblush tomatoes, bursting with summer flavour

How to Make Sunblush Tomatoes for Pinterest-Worthy Pasta, Salads & Summer Recipes 🌞

Creating your own semi-dried cherry tomatoes at home is simple, rewarding, and transforms ordinary cherry tomatoes into a versatile, flavour-packed ingredient. These sunblush tomatoes are perfect for pasta dishes, fresh summer salads, antipasti boards, or even pizzas. Follow these easy steps for a jar of concentrated summer flavour that works beautifully in multiple recipes.

Sunblush Tomatoes 🍅 | Easy Homemade Recipe for Summer Flavour

Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 3–4 hrs | Servings: 1 jar

Semi-dried to juicy perfection, these sunblush tomatoes capture the full, sweet taste of summer. Use them to elevate pasta dishes, summer salads, antipasti platters, artisan bread spreads, or even pizza toppings.

Glass jar of semi-dried sunblush cherry tomatoes, perfect for pasta, salads, and Italian antipasti

Ingredients for Semi-Dried Cherry Tomatoes You’ll Want to Pin

- 500g cherry tomatoes (on the vine for best sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Sunblush Tomatoes Every Time

1. Preheat oven to 140°C (fan-assisted or equivalent).
2. Halve the cherry tomatoes and arrange on baking sheets, cut side up.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and scatter over salt, sugar, and thyme.
4. Bake slowly for 3–4 hours until semi-dried but still plump and juicy.
5. Allow to cool, then transfer to a clean glass jar and cover fully with olive oil.

Air Fryer Sunblush Tomatoes Variant 🍅

Short on oven time? Try your air fryer! Halve cherry tomatoes, toss with olive oil, salt, sugar, and fresh thyme, and place cut-side up in the basket. Cook at 120°C (250°F) for 2–3 hours, checking occasionally, until semi-dried and slightly caramelised. Plump, juicy, and full of summer flavour — perfect for pasta, salads, or antipasti.

Oven-Free / Sun-Drying Variant ☀️

No oven? On sunny days, slice tomatoes in half and place cut-side up on a tray, loosely covered with muslin. Leave on a warm windowsill for 2–3 days, turning occasionally, until slightly shrivelled but still juicy. This gentle sun-drying method locks in natural sweetness and gives a delicate sun-kissed flavour.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage ❄️

Want them to last longer? After semi-drying, cool completely and pack into airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze in portions and thaw as needed — perfect for sauces, pasta dishes, or roasted vegetables, bringing summer sunshine to meals all year round.

Ways to Use Sunblush Tomatoes | Salad, Pasta, Pizza & Antipasti Ideas

Mix into summer salads for a burst of sweetness. Top toasted bread with cheese, avocado, or cured meats. Add to Italian antipasti platters for visual appeal and taste. Stir gently into sauces, stews, or pasta dishes to enrich flavour naturally. Perfect for ready-to-go meals or casual entertaining.

Recipe Variations 🌿 | Garlic, Herbs & Colourful Cherry Tomato Ideas

Swap thyme for fresh rosemary or oregano. Add a pinch of chili flakes for subtle heat. Include thin garlic slices for extra savoury depth. Try multi-coloured cherry tomatoes for a rainbow-hued jar that doubles as a beautiful table centerpiece.

FAQs & Handy Hints

Can I use larger tomatoes? Yes, but cherry tomatoes are sweeter and retain shape better during semi-drying.

Why semi-dried instead of fully sun-dried? Semi-dried tomatoes stay plump, juicy, and versatile straight from the jar.

Can I make these without an oven? Use a low-temperature dehydrator or slow-dry on a sunny windowsill over several days.

How long will they keep? About 2 weeks in the fridge submerged in olive oil; freeze for longer storage.

Colourful sunblush cherry tomatoes in a jar, semi-dried for summer recipes, ideal for salads, pasta dishes, and antipasti boards

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