Before modern canning methods were available,  sun dried tomatoes on the tile roofs for use in winter when fresh tomatoes  were not an option.

Nowadays, sun-dried tomatoes  mostly relegated to antipasto or as a flavor-booster for sauce. These dried, concentrated vessels of flavor have enjoyed a popularity boost in the many of countries   in the past couple of decades, initially as a gourmet item but fast becoming a favorite of home cooks.