Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a low-growing, woody perennial that performs especially well in somewhat dry, sunny conditions. This herb is loved in the Mediterranean. It keeps its flavor when cooked and goes well with other Mediterranean flavors like garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes.
Thyme plants have tiny bubble-shaped flowers in pink, lavender, or white in the spring and summer. Bees and other pollinators love them. It has tiny gray-green leaves that stay green all year, and most types of thyme can even be picked in the winter in places where they grow naturally.
Thyme can be planted at almost any time. Within a few months, it will be ready to be picked, and it will come back every year in USDA zones 5 through 9, where it is hardy. Providing a thick layer of mulch in colder regions helps protect thyme during the winter.
Thyme is a versatile herb that can lend its distinctive flavor to a variety of dishes But like all fresh herbs, thyme is perishable and needs to be stored properly to retain its flavor and aroma So how long does thyme last? Here is a comprehensive guide to storing thyme and maximizing its shelf life.
Fresh Thyme Storage
Fresh thyme is highly perishable and can lose its flavor quickly if not stored properly. When buying fresh thyme sprigs or bunches from the grocery store it’s best to use them within 5-7 days. Here are some tips to help fresh thyme last longer
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Store thyme in the refrigerator as soon as you get home from the store, Keep it in its original plastic clamshell container or wrap it loosely in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable plastic bag The damp towel helps retain moisture and prevent the thyme leaves from wilting
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Do not wash thyme until right before using. Washing too early can cause it to spoil faster.
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Keep thyme in the crisper drawer away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples, pears and bananas which can cause thyme to deteriorate faster.
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Change the damp paper towel every 2-3 days to keep the thyme hydrated and fresher for longer.
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Avoid storing thyme next to strong smelling foods like onions and garlic which can impart their flavors.
Stored properly in the refrigerator, fresh thyme will typically last for 2 weeks before losing flavor and aroma. Make sure to inspect the thyme and discard any sprigs that are wilted or slimy.
Dried Thyme Shelf Life
Compared to fresh thyme, dried thyme has a significantly longer shelf life. Properly stored, dried thyme can retain its flavor and fragrance for up to 2-3 years. Here are some tips for maximizing the shelf life of dried thyme:
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Store dried thyme in airtight containers in a cool, dark place away from light, heat and moisture. A dark kitchen cabinet or pantry is ideal.
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Transfer thyme from the supermarket container into a glass airtight container or jar for longer freshness. Supermarket containers are not always airtight.
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Avoid clear glass containers which can allow light to degrade the thyme faster. Use dark amber or opaque containers.
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Check dried thyme periodically and if you notice it has lost its characteristic scent and flavor, it’s time to replace it.
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Write the purchase date on the jar with a marker for easier tracking.
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Don’t store dried thyme near the stove, oven or any appliances that generate heat as the heat can accelerate flavor loss.
With proper storage techniques, ground dried thyme can last 2-3 years while whole dried thyme sprigs can retain their quality for up to 4 years.
Frozen Thyme Storage
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve thyme when you have an abundance from your garden or want to stock up when prices are low. Frozen thyme can be conveniently popped into recipes straight from the freezer. Here’s how to freeze thyme properly:
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Rinse and pat dry fresh thyme sprigs thoroughly with paper towels before freezing.
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Lay the sprigs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers.
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Alternatively, chop finely and place portions in ice cube trays covered with water or broth for easy use later on.
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Label bags or containers with the date and type of thyme before freezing.
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Avoid storing the thyme for longer than 6 months as the flavor can deteriorate over time.
With proper freezing techniques, frozen thyme can retain its flavor for 4-6 months. Always use frozen thyme within this timeframe for the best quality.
How to Tell if Thyme Has Gone Bad
Regardless of whether it’s fresh, dried or frozen, thyme that has gone bad will exhibit similar signs. Watch for these clues that indicate your thyme is past its prime and should be discarded:
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Change in appearance: Fresh sprigs will be limp, wilted or yellow. Dried thyme will turn from gray-green to a faded brownish hue.
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Mold growth: This appears as fuzzy spots or cobweb-like filaments on fresh or dried thyme. Discard at the first sign of mold.
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Off smells: Thyme past its prime will lose its distinctive woodsy, minty fragrance. Instead, it will smell musty, bitter or “off”.
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Loss of flavor: Thyme that is no longer usable will lack its signature pine and lemon notes and no longer enhance dishes when added.
When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out” applies to herbs too. It’s not worth risking using bad thyme that can negatively impact your recipe or health.
Maximizing Thyme Flavor and Shelf Life
Here are some additional tips to help extend thyme’s flavor and lifespan:
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Use thyme sooner rather than later for best flavor. The longer stored, the more flavor is lost.
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Buy small quantities more frequently instead of large amounts for prolonged storage.
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Wash and dry thyme well after harvest. Any lingering moisture speeds spoilage.
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Prune thyme often to promote new growth. Older woodier stems are less flavorful.
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Buy thyme with intact stems and no signs of browning or yellowing.
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Harvest thyme in the morning after the dew dries for best flavor.
Following proper storage methods, using thyme promptly, and adhering to expiration guidelines can help you enjoy the fragrant flavor of thyme for months to come. With its notes of citrus and pine, thyme is a beloved herb around the world, used in everything from sauces to marinades to tea. Now that you know how long thyme lasts, you can always have it on hand to amplify the flavors of your cooking.
Temperature and Humidity
Thyme plants don’t have any specific temperature or humidity needs. They can grow well for most of the year until it frosts, at which point they will rest for the winter. Still, they grow the most in the summer, which is also when you’ll see their flowers bloom, which will attract bees and other insects. Thyme needs good air flow to stay healthy, especially in warm, humid places. Make sure plants are well spaced to allow for good airflow.
Thyme Care
Thyme is a versatile herb that can be used in a lot of different ways. This makes it a great choice for beginning gardeners who want to grow a kitchen garden. Here are the main requirements for growing thyme:
- Put the plant somewhere that gets full sun—at least six to eight hours of bright light every day.
- Maintain a soil environment that is neither too wet nor too rich.
- Don’t water plants too often; let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
- A balanced all-purpose fertilizer that has been diluted to half strength should be used to feed thyme plants every spring.
How to Prepare and Store Fresh Thyme
FAQ
How long can I keep fresh thyme in the refrigerator?
Is it okay to use expired thyme?
How many years does thyme last?
How long can you keep dry thyme?
How long does thyme live?
Severe frost, natural dieback (thyme only lives around 5-6 years) lack of sun, or fungal disease. Thyme is a perennial herb that often only lives for 5 or 6 years even with good care. After 3 years thyme plants growth tends to slow down and produce fewer leaves with a weak aroma and inferior flavour compared to younger thyme plants.
How to use thyme?
Thyme can be used fresh or dried, and works well in soups, roasted vegetables, pasta, sauces, pizzas, chicken, stews, eggs, fish and seafood, lasagna, pork, lamb, or beef.
How long do dried thyme leaves last?
The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions – to maximize the shelf life of dried thyme leaves store in a cool, dark cupboard, away from direct heat or sunlight. How long do dried thyme leaves last at room temperature? Properly stored, dried thyme leaves will generally stay at best quality for about 1 to 3 years.
How long can thyme stay in a jar?
Thyme, including lemon thyme, can be kept in a jar for several months after being ground. Freezing is an effective method for preserving their flavor, and thyme can last this way for several months.
Can Thyme grow after 4 years?
Thyme can still grow after 4 years however the growth does naturally slow down and there may be some dieback, with some of the leaves turning brown and drying up which is the natural life span of a thyme plant. A lack of sunlight can also limit overall growth and the aroma and flavour of the leaves.
How long does thyme last in the freezer?
Like other herbs, thyme will last for a very long time in the freezer. This is due to their texture and high water content in their leaves. However, the longer it stays in the freezer, their quality will start to decrease. For optimal quality, thymes should be used within 6 months.