Sun-Dried Tomato Spread: How to Use, Benefits and Where to Buy Authentic Sicilian Flavor
The history of sun-dried tomatoes dates back to the 18th century, when Sicily discovered that thanks to relentless sunshine and salty winds, the fruit could be preserved for months without losing flavor. Families would spread "pummaròle" on wooden boards or nets, sprinkling them with sea salt and covering them with gauze: the result was a concentrate of Mediterranean aromas ready to last all winter. Today, that ancient technique has evolved into handmade Sicilian sun-dried tomato spread, a velvety cream that makes immediate use of a product otherwise lengthy to prepare. In this guide, you'll discover what sun-dried tomato spread is, how sun-dried tomatoes are made, reasons to choose it, its nutritional values, and seven detailed recipes to use it at its best.
What is Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
Sun-dried tomato spread is a spreadable cream obtained by blending naturally sun-dried tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil, aromatic herbs, and a touch of vinegar or white wine to balance the sweetness.
- Spread: fine and smooth consistency, ready for canapés or raw condiments.
- Pesto: coarser and often enriched with nuts or cheese.
- Cream: used as a synonym for spread, but sometimes even smoother.
Natural sun-drying concentrates sugars and lycopene without thermal stress, giving a ruby color and intense flavor.
How Sun-Dried Tomatoes Are Made
- Selection – Traditional varieties (San Marzano, Pizzutello) are used, harvested at full ripeness.
- Cutting and salting – Tomatoes are cut in half lengthwise, sprinkled with coarse sea salt to extract excess water and prevent mold.
- Drying – Arranged on reed racks or wooden boards, they remain in the sun for 4-7 days. At night they are brought in and covered with nets to avoid humidity.
- Rinsing and final drying – Excess salt removed, they are put back in the sun for a few hours to dry them perfectly.
- Preservation – They are frozen or immersed in extra virgin oil with herbs and garlic; alternatively they are transformed into sun-dried tomato spread with low-temperature blending.
This artisanal processing keeps nutrients intact and gives the product high shelf-life without preservatives.
Why Choose Sicilus Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
| Advantage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Local raw materials | Sun-dried tomatoes from Sicily, extra virgin olive oil from Madonie, wild oregano and Nubia garlic. |
| Artisanal method | Low-temperature blending, zero chemical additives, natural color and consistency. |
| Short supply chain | Collaboration with small farmers; 24-hour logistics from facility to jar. |
| Versatility | Ready to use: eliminates soaking, cutting and chopping of whole sun-dried tomatoes. |
| Food safety | HACCP certified laboratories and analysis on every batch. |
At Sicilus you'll find:
Nutritional Values and Properties
| Average values per 100g | Sun-dried tomato spread |
|---|---|
| Energy | 1180 kJ / 285 kcal |
| Total fats | 25 g |
| – of which saturated | 3.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| – of which sugars | 7 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Salt | 2.2 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
The spread is a natural source of lycopene (antioxidant that protects cells and microcirculation), potassium, magnesium, and soluble fibers that promote satiety.
7 Kitchen Uses (Step-by-Step Recipes)
-
Aperitif Bruschetta
- Toast 4 slices of rustic bread, rub with garlic.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato spread on each slice.
- Complete with 3-4 desalted Pantelleria capers and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
-
Express Pasta (2 servings)
- Cook 180g linguine; reserve ½ cup cooking water.
- In a pan, melt 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato spread with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and cooking water.
- Drain pasta al dente, toss for 1 minute. Finish with fresh basil.
-
Chicken Roll-ups
- Spread 1 teaspoon of sun-dried tomato spread on thin chicken breast slices.
- Add a piece of smoked scamorza cheese, roll and secure with toothpick.
- Brown 5 minutes per side in pan; deglaze with white wine and serve hot.
-
Vegetarian Burger Sauce
- Mix 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato spread with 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt and few drops of lemon.
- Spread on toasted bun, add legume burger and arugula.
-
Burrata and Focaccia Topping
- Spread warm focaccia, place cut burrata.
- Drizzle 2 teaspoons sun-dried tomato spread diluted in 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: chromatic effect and explosive taste.
-
Mediterranean Vinaigrette
- Emulsify 1 teaspoon sun-dried tomato spread, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar.
- Dress green salads or cold white meats.
-
Ancient Grain Salad
- Cook 150g whole wheat couscous or Timilia spelt.
- Add diced grilled vegetables and 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato spread.
- Garnish with chopped toasted almonds.
How to Store It Best
- Temperature: 8-12°C after opening.
- Clean utensils: avoid contamination by taking with dry teaspoon.
- Duration: 12 months sealed; 10 days in fridge once opened (covered with oil).
Where to Buy Authentic Sicilian Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
Discover the entire range of traditional preserves on Sicilus: over 300 artisanal specialties, free shipping in Italy over €75, secure payments and eco-friendly packaging.
Conclusion
Rich in lycopene, quick to use and extraordinarily versatile, sun-dried tomato spread is your ally for creative and healthy recipes. Add sun-dried tomato spread to your cart now and bring authentic Sicilian flavor to your kitchen!
