What are Sun-dried tomatoes?

What are Sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes are ripe tomatoes that lose most of their water content after spending a majority of their drying time in the sun.
Typically, tomatoes spend 4-10 days in the sun in order for the sun-drying process to be complete.
Sun drying is one of mankind's oldest preservative techniques.
Sun drying relies on the sun to allow the processed product to reach optimum moisture and quality levels. Tomatoes, which contain more moisture than an average stone fruit, must bask in the sun for a period of 4 to 10 days to develop the characteristics prized by culinary experts and gourmets.
The process begins with a twelve-hour exposure to the burning of elemental sulfur, and sulfur ensures that the tomatoes retain their natural brilliant red color and a sweet intense flavor. Sun dried tomatoes must be dried over several days by the sun's natural heat. 
Cherry types of tomatoes will lose 88 % of their initial (fresh) weight, while larger tomatoes can lose up to 93% during the process. 
Sun-dried tomatoes can be used in a wide variety of recipes and come in a variety of shapes, colors, and tomatoes. Traditionally, they were made from dried red plum tomatoes, but they can be purchased in yellow varieties of tomatoes as well.
Sun-dried tomatoes may also be preserved in olive oil, along with other ingredients such as rosemary, basil, dried paprika, and garlic.
Make these sun dried tomatoes the easy way....
Sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil ...
1 Take as many Tomatoes u want ..
2 Wash and cut into halves further cut each half into 4 pieces.
3 Spread the tomato pieces on a tray and you may sprinkle them with salt or dried herbs like basil, thyme and/or oregano.
4 Now cover the tray with a cheesecloth to keep any bugs, insects or dust.
5 Put the tray in the sun for the drying process.
6 It may take 2 days or more depending upon the water content of the tomatoes, the thickness of the slices n heat from the sun.
Check on the tomatoes often.
Remember to take the tray of tomatoes in the house overnight. 
When they are dried will appear flexible, not brittle and best described as leathery.
7 Store the dried tomatoes in a jar dipped in olive oil.
8 Always remember will last longer in the fridge. 
Sun drying tomatoes usually takes place during the hot summer months when the days are hot and long. Any type of tomato can be used to make sun dried tomatoes but typically the plum tomato is the best.
Use Sun Dried Tomatoes in Condiments, Appetizers, Soups, Sauces, Side dishes and Entrees.