Best Tomatoes for Sun-Drying

Sun-drying tomatoes concentrates their natural sugars and flavour, producing rich, chewy pieces perfect for salads, antipasti, pasta dishes and preserving. The best sun-drying varieties have firm, meaty flesh, low moisture and rich taste — making them ideal for UK growers whether in polytunnels, greenhouses or sunny outdoor spots.

⭐ Recommended Products — Tomatoes & Growing Essentials

• Tomato Seed Collection (Garden & Greenhouse Varieties)
A mix of popular tomato seeds — including salad and beefsteak types — perfect for sowing indoors early and planting out when warm.
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• Tomato Plants (Ready-Grown)
Save time with healthy young tomato plants — excellent if you prefer planting established plants rather than starting from seed.
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• Tomato Support Cages & Stakes
Helps keep vines upright, improving air circulation and reducing disease — essential for healthy growth and easier harvesting.
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• Tomato Feed & Fertiliser
Formulated with high potassium to support strong flowering and fruiting — use regularly through the growing season for bigger, juicier tomatoes.
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• Tomato Grow Bags / Containers
Ideal for patios, balconies, or greenhouse growing — provides good drainage and space for roots to develop big, productive plants.
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1. Principe Borghese

The classic sun-drying tomato with small to medium oblong fruits that dry quickly and develop intense, concentrated flavour — a favourite for traditional Italian drying.

2. San Marzano

Long, pointed red fruits with dense, meaty flesh. San Marzano dries beautifully, intensifying its rich flavour and making excellent dried tomatoes for sauces or snacking.

3. Opalka

A Polish heirloom with long cylindrical fruits and thick walls. Opalka’s firm flesh and minimal juice make it perfect for slow drying and deep flavour.

4. Roma VF

Reliable and productive, Roma VF’s dense, plum-shaped fruits hold up well during drying and deliver rich, classic tomato taste in preserved form.

5. Plum Regal

A modern determinate plum type with firm texture and great flavour. Plum Regal dries down with excellent flavour concentration and works well for jars or oil curing.

6. Amish Paste

Large, meaty fruits with bold, sweet flavour — Amish Paste dries into rich, chewy pieces that are perfect for storage and cooking.

7. Viva Italia

Deep red, firm fruits that maintain flavour and texture when dried. Viva Italia adds rich, balanced sweetness to dried tomato mixes.

8. Yellow Pear

Small, bright yellow tomatoes that dry into flavourful, tangy bites — excellent for colourful dried mixes and antipasti.

9. Little Napoli

Compact plum tomatoes that still deliver thick, meaty walls ideal for consistent drying in containers or small plots.

10. Tigerella

Medium fruits with attractive stripes and robust flavour that roasts and dries well — great for mixed dried tomato trays and cooking.

Sun-Drying Tips for UK Growers

• Start with ripe fruit: Fully coloured, slightly soft tomatoes dry better and taste sweeter.
• Slice evenly: Uniform pieces dry more consistently and avoid chewy spots.
• Use good airflow: Whether air-drying or oven drying, airflow speeds even dehydration.
• Pre-treat with olive oil/herbs: Toss slices with herbs or oil before drying for enhanced flavour.
• Store properly: Keep dried tomatoes in airtight jars, oil, or vacuum packs to preserve quality.

Whether you’re making classic sun-dried tomatoes, oven dried snacks or oil-cured preserves, these varieties deliver rich, concentrated flavour and excellent dried texture straight from your UK garden.