Thyme ( Thymus vulgaris ) is a low - growing , woody perennial that performs peculiarly well in somewhat juiceless , sunny conditions . This herb is loved in the Mediterranean . It prevent its flavor when cooked and blend in well with other Mediterranean flavors like garlic , olive oil , and tomatoes .
Thyme plants have tiny house of cards - work flowers in pinkish , lavender , or livid in the spring and summer . bee and other pollinator have a go at it them . It has tiny gray - unripened leaves that stay greenish all year , and most case of thyme can even be pick in the winter in office where they raise naturally .
Thyme can be planted at almost any clock time . Within a few months , it will be ready to be picked , and it will amount back every year in USDA zones 5 through 9 , where it is hardy . Providing a thick layer of mulch in colder region assist protect thyme during the winter .
Thyme is a versatile herbaceous plant that can impart its distinctive sapidity to a form of sweetheart But like all fresh herbs , thyme is perishable and need to be put in properly to continue its savour and aroma So how long does thyme last ? Here is a comprehensive guide to storing thyme and maximizing its ledge life .
Fresh Thyme Storage
Fresh thyme is highly perishable and can lose its flavor speedily if not stored decent . When buy fresh thyme sprig or bunches from the market store it ’s best to employ them within 5 - 7 days . Here are some tips to facilitate fresh thyme last longer
Store thyme in the icebox as shortly as you get home from the storage , Keep it in its original charge plate clamshell container or wrap it loosely in a moist paper towel and place in a resealable plastic bag The damp towel helps retain moisture and keep the thyme leaves from wilting
Do not wash thyme until flop before using . wash too betimes can cause it to baby quicker .
Keep thyme in the crisper drawer away from ethylene - producing fruits like apples , pears and bananas which can cause thyme to deteriorate faster .
Change the dampish newspaper towel every 2 - 3 24-hour interval to keep the thyme hydrous and fresher for longer .
Avoid storing thyme next to strong smelling solid food like onions and ail which can bestow their flavors .
Stored decently in the icebox , fresh thyme will typically last for 2 week before lose smell and fragrance . Make certain to inspect the thyme and discard any sprig that are wilted or slimy .
Dried Thyme Shelf Life
Compared to sweet thyme , dried thyme has a importantly longer shelf life . Properly store , dried thyme can retain its sapidity and fragrance for up to 2 - 3 years . Here are some peak for maximizing the shelf life of dry out thyme :
Store dried thyme in airtight container in a cool , gloomy station away from light , estrus and wet . A sullen kitchen cabinet or larder is ideal .
transplant thyme from the supermarket container into a glass airtight container or jolt for longer freshness . Supermarket containers are not always gas-tight .
deflect clear glass containers which can provide lighter to degrade the thyme faster . Use saturnine gold or unintelligible container .
Check dry out thyme periodically and if you acknowledge it has lost its characteristic odour and smell , it ’s time to supercede it .
Write the leverage date on the jar with a mark for well-situated tracking .
Do n’t store dried thyme near the stove , oven or any appliances that bring forth heat as the heat can accelerate tang deprivation .
With proper depot proficiency , earth dried thyme can last 2 - 3 years while whole dried thyme sprigs can retain their quality for up to 4 twelvemonth .
Frozen Thyme Storage
freeze is an fantabulous room to preserve thyme when you have an abundance from your garden or require to stock up when prices are depleted . Frozen thyme can be handily pop into recipes straight from the freezer . Here ’s how to freeze thyme the right way :
Rinse and pat dry bracing thyme sprigs soundly with paper towels before freezing .
Lay the branchlet in a single bed on a baking sheet and freeze until solid , about 2 minute . Then channelise to freezer bag or airtight containers .
instead , chop up exquisitely and place portions in ice cube trays covered with piss or broth for easy use later on .
recording label cup of tea or containers with the appointment and case of thyme before freeze .
ward off storing the thyme for long than 6 months as the flavor can degenerate over time .
With proper freezing techniques , frozen thyme can retain its flavor for 4 - 6 month . Always use rooted thyme within this timeframe for the best timber .
How to Tell if Thyme Has Gone Bad
Regardless of whether it ’s fresh , dried or frozen , thyme that has gone bad will march similar polarity . see for these clues that indicate your thyme is past its prime quantity and should be discarded :
modify in show : Fresh twig will be limp , wilted or yellow . Dried thyme will turn from hoar - special K to a faded brownish hue .
mould growth : This appears as muzzy spots or cobweb - similar filaments on fresh or dried thyme . Discard at the first mansion of mold .
Off smells : Thyme past its prime will suffer its distinctive woodsy , minty sweetness . Instead , it will smell musty , bitter or “ off ” .
deprivation of flavor : Thyme that is no longer usable will lack its signature pine and lemon note and no longer enhance dishes when added .
When in question , remember the old adage “ When in dubiousness , thrust it out ” applies to herbs too . It ’s not worth risking using bad thyme that can negatively impact your formula or health .
Maximizing Thyme Flavor and Shelf Life
Here are some extra tips to help oneself extend thyme ’s flavor and lifespan :
Use thyme preferably rather than later on for in force flavor . The longer stored , the more nip is lost .
Buy little amount more oft or else of large amount for draw out storage .
Wash and dry thyme well after harvest . Any lingering wet zip spoilage .
Prune thyme often to further new maturation . Older woodier stems are less flavorsome .
Buy thyme with entire prow and no sign of the zodiac of brown or yellowing .
Harvest thyme in the sunup after the dew dry for best sapidity .
Temperature and Humidity
Thyme plants do n’t have any specific temperature or humidness needs . They can grow well for most of the class until it frosts , at which point they will rest for the wintertime . Still , they grow the most in the summertime , which is also when you ’ll see their peak salad days , which will pull in bees and other insect . Thyme needs good air flow rate to stay sizable , especially in affectionate , humid topographic point . Make trusted plants are well spaced to permit for good airflow .
Thyme Care
Thyme is a versatile herbaceous plant that can be used in a hatful of different way . This makes it a great choice for beginning nurseryman who need to produce a kitchen garden . Here are the independent requirements for develop thyme :
How to Prepare and Store Fresh Thyme
FAQ
How long can I keep fresh thyme in the icebox ?
Is it okay to use expired thyme ?
How many years does thyme last ?
How long can you keep dry thyme ?
How long does thyme hold out ?
Severe frost , natural dieback ( thyme only lives around 5 - 6 class ) lack of sun , or fungal disease . Thyme is a repeated herbaceous plant that often only lives for 5 or 6 days even with good care . After 3 years thyme plant life development tends to slow down down and develop few folio with a weak aroma and inferior flavour compare to younger thyme works .
How to habituate thyme ?
Thyme can be used fresh or dried , and works well in soups , roast vegetables , alimentary paste , sauces , pizza , crybaby , stews , eggs , fish and seafood , lasagna , pork barrel , lamb , or beef .
How long do dried thyme leaves last ?
The exact answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions – to maximize the shelf life of dry thyme bequeath store in a cool , dark closet , forth from verbatim heat or sunlight . How long do dried thyme leaves last at room temperature ? Properly salt away , dry out thyme leaves will generally stay at best quality for about 1 to 3 years .
How long can thyme continue in a jarful ?
Thyme , including lemon thyme , can be kept in a jar for several months after being earth . freeze is an efficient method for preserving their tone , and thyme can last this way for several months .
Can Thyme maturate after 4 years ?
Thyme can still acquire after 4 year however the development does naturally slow down and there may be some dieback , with some of the leaf turning brownish and drying up which is the raw life span of a thyme plant life . A lack of sun can also circumscribe overall growth and the aroma and flavor of the leaf .
How long does thyme last in the Deepfreeze ?
Like other herbs , thyme will last for a very long time in the deep freezer . This is due to their texture and high water depicted object in their leaves . However , the longer it ride out in the Deepfreeze , their caliber will start to decrease . For optimal quality , thymes should be used within 6 calendar month .
