Why tomatoes rot when sun dried?

1. Fungal Growth: Sun-drying tomatoes involves exposing them to warm temperatures and humidity, creating an ideal environment for fungal growth. Fungi can easily penetrate the softened tomato skin and cause rotting, leading to spoilage.

2. Moisture Retention: Sun-drying aims to remove moisture from tomatoes to preserve them. However, if the tomatoes are not properly dried and still retain some moisture, they become more susceptible to fungal and bacterial growth, which hastens rotting.

3. Insect Infestation: Sun-drying tomatoes outdoors makes them vulnerable to insect infestation, especially from flies and fruit flies. These insects can lay eggs on the tomatoes, which hatch into larvae that feed on the fruit, causing it to rot.

4. Inadequate Preparation: Before sun-drying, tomatoes should be properly prepared by washing, removing blemishes, and slicing them in a consistent manner. If this preparation is not done correctly, it can leave areas of the tomatoes more prone to spoilage and rotting during the drying process.

5. Weather Conditions: Sun-drying relies on favorable weather conditions, specifically sufficient sunlight and warmth. If the weather becomes cloudy or rainy, the drying process is disrupted, and the tomatoes may not dry evenly or quickly enough, increasing the risk of rotting.

6. Contamination: During sun-drying, there is a risk of contamination from dirt, dust, or any sources of bacteria or fungi in the environment. If the drying area is not clean or if the tomatoes come into contact with contaminants, it can lead to rotting.

To prevent tomatoes from rotting when sun-drying, it is essential to ensure proper preparation, adequate drying, protection from insects and moisture, and regular monitoring to address any signs of spoilage.