Thyme

How to Choose the Best

Both fresh and dried thyme are readily available year-round. Fresh sprigs should have a woody stem with small purple flower clusters and leaves attached. These leaves can be dark green to gray-green. Thyme should have a spicy, floral aroma. Dried thyme is less potent and loses its flavor with age.

Shelf Life and Storage

Fresh thyme sprigs stored in the refrigerator will last one week. Dried thyme should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Replace dried thyme after 12 months before it becomes stale and dull.

Freezing

Delicate raw herbs cannot withstand freezing temperatures.

Preparation Suggestions

Thyme is a versatile and frequently used herb from the pantry. Fresh leaves can be easily removed by pinching the top of the stem and pulling the leaves down. A recipe may call for fresh thyme sprigs, fresh leaves or dried leaves. It is one of the six ingredients in the French spice blend herbes de Provence. Add whole sprigs of thyme to simmering stocks or broths to impart additional flavor. The spicy Jamaican jerk seasoning is predominantly composed of dried thyme and allspice.