Tomato Day: learn how to prepare the fruit in the air fryer

Famous for its flavor and versatility, the ingredient is present in various recipes and is one of the foods that most provide the umami taste

São Paulo, January 2022 – Tomato is undoubtedly one of the favorite foods on the table of many Brazilians. Not by chance, the fruit even has its own day of celebration: February 1st.

Chef and nutritionist Lisiane Miura, from the Umami Committee, points out one of the reasons for this success. “Tomato is a fruit with a high level of free glutamate, a substance responsible for providing umami, the fifth basic taste of the human palate.”

As a result, those who taste tomato-based recipes notice an increase in salivation — one of the key characteristics for recognizing the umami taste. “When tomatoes are bright red, it means the fruit has reached the ideal ripeness and contains a high level of free glutamate — that is, the umami taste is prominent,” explains Lisiane.

With endless preparation options, recipes that include tomatoes can be made in the oil-free air fryer, maintaining all the deliciousness of the ingredient. You can prepare everything from simple starters and desserts to more elaborate dishes. Recipes such as sun-dried tomatoes, stuffed tomatoes, and confit tomatoes are also excellent choices.

How about some practical tips for using tomatoes in the air fryer?

• Avoid overlapping foods and arrange them separately;
• Cook in batches if necessary;
• Adjust the temperature according to the recipe and shake or stir the ingredients during intervals.

To celebrate Tomato Day in style, Chef Lisiane Miura shared a delicious Sun-Dried Tomato recipe that can be made in the air fryer.

SUN-DRIED TOMATOES IN THE AIR FRYER
Preparation time: 15 minutes (+ 20 minutes resting + 30 minutes in the air fryer) Serves: 6 portions

INGREDIENTS

• 6 small ripe tomatoes, halved and seeded
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 packet SAZÓN® Rosemary Touch seasoning
• A pinch of ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly crushed
• ½ cup TERRANO® Extra Virgin Olive Oil (100 ml)

PREPARATION METHOD

1. In a large bowl, place the tomatoes, sugar, and salt, and mix. Arrange them in a colander with the skins facing up and let rest for 20 minutes.
2. Transfer to the air fryer, arranging them skin-side down, leaving space between them to allow the hot air to circulate. Set the temperature to 160°C (320°F) for 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes shrink. Remove from the air fryer and transfer to a medium bowl. Sprinkle with SAZÓN® seasoning previously mixed with the pepper.
3. Transfer to a small sterilized jar, add the garlic and TERRANO® olive oil so that the tomatoes are completely covered with the liquid. Let cool, seal, and store in the refrigerator.

Tip: you can use the flavored oil in preparations such as pizza dough, focaccia, salad dressings, and sautés.

UMAMI

It is the fifth basic taste of the human palate, discovered in 1908 by Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda. It was scientifically recognized in 2000 when researchers at the University of Miami confirmed the existence of specific receptors for this taste in the taste buds. The amino acid glutamic acid and the nucleotides inosinate and guanylate are the main umami substances.
The two main characteristics of umami are increased salivation and the lasting taste that remains for a few minutes after eating.
To learn more, visit www.portalumami.com.br.