Last updated on December 2nd, 2024 at 08:42 pm
For years, I used to throw away all those tomato scraps and skins without a second thought when processing all of my ripe tomatoes from the garden for canning. But now, as part of my mission to have a no-waste kitchen, I’ve found a way to turn those scraps into something amazing—tomato powder! It’s so easy to make and such a fun way to add a burst of intense tomato flavor to just about anything. Whether you’re stirring it into sauces, sprinkling it into spice blends, or using it to elevate your cooking in other ways, this little pantry staple is a total game changer. In this post, I’m going to show you how to make tomato powder from your scraps and share six fun and delicious ways to use it!
As a busy mom and homesteader with years of experience growing, preserving, and cooking with fresh, homegrown ingredients, I’m always looking for ways to reduce waste and make the most of every harvest. If you’ve followed my blog, you know that I’m passionate about real food, easy recipes, and maximizing the bounty from my garden—whether it’s canning spaghetti sauce, making homemade tomato sauce, preserving fresh fruits for jams, or freeze-drying for long-term food storage. Turning scraps into tomato powder not only helps me minimize food waste, but it also allows me to preserve the vibrant, fresh flavors of tomatoes to use year-round in unique and creative ways.
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What is Tomato Powder?
Homemade tomato powder is a concentrated burst of tomato flavor made by dehydrating and grinding tomato scraps into a fine powder. It delivers the rich essence of fresh tomatoes without adding moisture, making it ideal for recipes where you want bold flavor but a thick consistency—like sauces, spice rubs, or even bread dough. Compact and shelf-stable, tomato powder takes up minimal space in your pantry, making it a perfect addition for anyone looking to reduce food waste while stocking up on high-impact ingredients. While you can certainly make it with whole tomatoes or leftover sauce, I prefer using scraps I’d otherwise discard, making it a sustainable and waste-free way to preserve the season’s bounty.
Instructions
Supplies Needed:
- Tomato scraps and skins leftover from processing tomatoes for canning or preserving.
- Dehydrator or freeze drier or oven with low temperature settings
- Blender, food processor, or spice grinder
- Airtight storage containers (such as glass jars & vacuume sealer)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Tomatoes
If you're blanching tomatoes and removing the skins save the skins as you are processing the tomatoes. If you are using a food mill to remove the skins and the seeds run the discard through the mill twice to get the most juice and pulp separated as you can. The scraps that you would normally feed to the chickens or compost is what were going to be using to make our tomato powder. - Dry the Tomato Skins & Scraps
- Using a Food Dehydrator: Lay the tomato scraps on evenly on the dehydrator trays. Set the dehydrator to 125°F (52°C) and let it run for 10-12 hours, or until the scraps are completely dry and dehydrated tomatoes are brittle.
- Using an Oven: Place the tomato slices on parchment-lined baking sheets and set your oven to the lowest temperature, usually around XX°F (80°C). Prop the oven door open slightly to allow moisture to escape and dry the slices for 6-8 hours, checking periodically.
- Freeze Dry: Place the tomato scraps and skins on the freeze dryer trays and run a full cycyle to completly remove all of the moisture from the scraps.
- Grind into Powder
Once your tomato scraps are thoroughly dried and cooled, use a blender, food processor, or spice grinder to blend them into a fine powder. Work in batches if necessary. - Storage
Transfer the dry tomato powder into mason jars and using a jar vacum sealler seal the jars. Date and label the lids. Re seal using the same method after each time they jar is opened to ensure the tomato powder does not absorb any oxygen or moisture.
Tips for Success
- Ensure Even Drying: Space skins and scraps as envely as possible to ensure they dry as evenly as possible.
- Test for Dryness: Tomato skins will crumble into a powder when they are fully dry.
- Storage: Keeping your powder in a glass jar with a tight seal will protect it from moisture and light, preserving its flavor.
6 Delicious Ways to Use Tomato Powder
- Flavorful Tomato Paste Substitute
Need tomato paste in a pinch? One of my favorite ways to use this is to mix equal parts tomato powder and warm water to create a quick, flavorful substitute. Perfect for soups, stews, or sauces where you want a rich tomato base. - Seasoning for Popcorn & Snacks
Elevate your snacks by sprinkling tomato powder over freshly popped popcorn or roasted nuts. The tangy, umami flavor adds a delightful twist of fresh tomato flavor. - Savory Spice Blends & Dry Rubs
Add tomato powder to your favorite spice blends for a flavor boost. It pairs well with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried herbs, making it ideal for meat rubs, tofu seasoning, or roasted vegetables. - Homemade Tomato Soup Base
A great way to use tomato powder is a quick and easy tomato soup by stirring tomato powder into hot water or broth. Adjust the seasoning and add cream or fresh herbs for a comforting meal in minutes. - Boost Flavor in Sauces & Salad Dressings
A spoonful of tomato powder can transform your pasta sauce, barbecue sauce, or salad dressing. It deepens the flavor without watering down your dish, making it a secret weapon for home cooks. - Enhance Bread & Dough
For a unique twist, mix tomato powder into bread dough, pizza crust, or homemade pasta. The rich, savory flavor pairs beautifully with herbs and cheeses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does tomato powder last?
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, tomato powder can last years. The shelf life will really depend on how it's being stored.
Can I use different types of tomatoes to make the powder?
Absolutely! Any skins and scraps from your tomatoes can be used. but any variety can be used. Just keep in mind that juicier the scraps may take longer to dehydrate.
What’s the best way to rehydrate tomato powder?
To rehydrate, mix tomato powder with water in a 1:1 ratio. Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired consistency.
Why is my dehydrated tomato powder grainy?
This could be a result of how fine you ground the powder or it could be from the tomato seeds if they were left in the powder. In my experience the longer you let the powder hydrate in broth or water the beter the texture of tomato powder. For best results use a food mill before drying to remove any of the seeded and grind the powder in a high powered blender.
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