Thyme is one of the herbs I use most often in cooking and fresh thyme is very easy to store.

3 ways to store thyme

There are 3 ways you can store thyme and keep the fresh taste:

1. In a fridge – For a few weeks
2. In a freezer – For a few months (or longer)
3. Or dried – Much longer but a bit less flavour

Taking them in turn:

Option 1a – In a sealed container

All you do is put the thyme in a sealed container and into the fridge. Even using as simple a method as this will keep it fresh for a couple of weeks.

Option 1B – In a resealable plastic bag

To keep it longer simply place the thyme in a damp paper towel and into a resealable plastic bag. However do make sure you replace the damp paper towel every 2 to 3 days, as there is a danger it might go mouldy

Option 1C – With the stems in water

Very similar to the way you keep cut flowers fresh, you can use the same method with thyme. (As shown in the picture)

Just make sure when you leave it in the fridge to keep the stems in water and replace the water on a regular basis.

This is my preferred option by a long way as it’s a very easy way to store large quantities of thyme, and still keep the fresh flavour.

I tend to grow 3 different types of thyme:

• French thyme – great for stews, soups, meat and fish dishes.
• Lemon thyme – for chicken and fish dishes.
• Orange thyme – for duck, dessert & carrot recipes.

The advantage of storing all 3 types in a freezer is that you can simply use the right type of thyme when you are cooking your meal.

Option 3a – Food dehydrator

By far and away the best option for drying thyme is to use a food dehydator – like the one shown on the right, (Available on Amazon  )

It will take about 1 to 3 hours to dry, but the key advantage is:

• Very easy to use
• Maintains most of the flavour
• Store dried thyme for a long time (at ambient) temperature.

Option 3b – Microwave

If you don’t have much time then it’s very easy to dry thyme in your microwave. All you do is

• Place a single layer of paper towels in the microwave
• Add some thyme sprigs
• Heat on high for about 30 seconds
• Turn the sprigs and repeat in 30 second intervals
• Until the leaves are dry and crumbly
• Store in a sealed jar

The picture only shows a few sprigs of thyme in a microwave, you can add a lot more.