Thyme has a savory, earthy, and slightly lemony flavor, making it a versatile herb for enhancing the taste of vegetarian dishes, particularly soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and grains.
Quick Finds
Storing Thyme for Maximum Freshness
- Fresh thyme should be stored in the refrigerator.
- Place thyme sprigs in a damp paper towel and seal them in a plastic bag or airtight container.
- Alternatively, store thyme in a glass of water (like a bouquet) with a plastic bag loosely covering the top.
- Dried thyme should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, in an airtight container.
How Long Will Thyme Keep?
- Fresh thyme typically stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.
- Dried thyme can last for 1-3 years when stored in a cool, dark place.
Harvesting Thyme from a Potted Plant
- Best Time to Harvest: Harvest thyme in the morning, after the dew has dried, but before the heat of the day sets in for the best flavor.
- Pruning Method: Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems just above a set of leaves. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time to allow it to regenerate.
- Frequent Harvesting: Regularly trimming the plant encourages healthy growth and prevents it from becoming woody.
- Winter Care: If you keep your thyme plant indoors during colder months, ensure it gets plenty of sunlight and water when the soil feels dry.
Preparing Thyme for Cooking
- Strip thyme leaves from the woody stems by running your fingers down the sprig.
- Fresh thyme leaves can be used whole or minced depending on the recipe.
- For dried thyme, crumble it with your fingers or use it whole in long-simmering dishes like stews or soups.
