This study presents a new method of producing semi-dried
tomatoes which retained a low pH and a juicy texture. The
combination of drying at 40°C for 20 hours and smoking for 5
minutes produced a final product containing a mean DM of
19.3±1.7%. Processing retained most of the attributes of fresh
tomatoes, especially the colour; the process retained most of the
antioxidants naturally present in fresh tomatoes and also some
vitamin C (mean 32 mg/100 g DM). The smoking process gave a
taste that was appreciated by the panellists. Sensory evaluation
showed that the final product sprayed with white vinegar was
most liked by panellists. Overall, these tomato products have the
potential to be a healthy, nutritious and colourful functional food
to add to the diet.