I'm wondering if anyone here has any experience and were successful sun drying large tomatoes. I know it's best to use roma and cherry types, but I did a little research and read it can be do-able with things such as beefsteaks etc. but it's tricky.
This year I am growing

White Wonder cherry
Black seaman
Gypsy
Black Pineapple
Black Krim
Beefsteak ( I don't know which kind. I got it for free from a seed giveaway.. but it is much bigger than the others so far and sowed at same time)

I do have some roma seeds and MANY other types of heirlooms.. it's just a lack of space factor growing many other plants too in a small space.

So has anyone tried this?

UPDATE... I just sowed 2 roma seeds incase I have the room or if some others don't make it. And if no room I'll ask a neighbor if they'll babysit it for me.

There is a Snow White cherry, a Dr. Carolyn cherry that is white, and one named Coyote. They are all indeterminate plants.

As for the drying, I think I mentioned that most of us use dehydrators (or ovens) instead. Are you planning to dehydrate or try to actually dry in the sun? It can make a big difference on which size of fruit will work.

Sun drying in your location might be far easier and faster than it is for many of us but even with the smallest fruit it can take several days. Plenty of time for bacteria to contaminate the fruits. Pest issues arise too that you don't have with the dehydrator.

Then there is the uniformity of drying issue. While dehydrators provide a uniform finish, sun drying isn't uniform. Moist pockets remain and can quickly spoil. You can get around that to a degree with freezing after drying. That also kills any insect eggs that may have been laid.

With a dehydrator yes, you can easily dry 1/4-1/2" thick slices of big tomatoes. Slice, drain on paper towels for a few minutes, dip or roll in any seasonings or wine/lemon juice you plan to use, and spread on the drying tray.

Dave