Sun dried---or just rotten?

Sun-dried tomatoes------I wonder how it came about that people started eating them. Were they picked up out of the garden as they lay spoiled from the sun and elements, and a hungry or frugal person decided to salvage them? I know sun-dried tomatoes have gotten a lot of press lately as a nutritious food, but they look really revolting and have a disgusting taste. I can't help but wonder how they could be evaluated for food value. People should just follow their instincts and allow them to return to the compost pile.