The best way to freeze fresh thyme is to first wash and pat dry the thyme with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel. Once the thyme is completely dry, carefully remove the leaves from the stems. Spread the leaves out evenly on a baking sheet and place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours.
After 1-2 hours, the thyme leaves should be frozen and then can be transferred to a freezer-safe storage container. To use, simply take out as much thyme as needed from the container and then allow it to thaw before adding it to any dish.
How long can you freeze fresh thyme?
You can freeze fresh thyme for up to 6 months. First, wash the thyme and gently pat dry before freezing. Place the clean, dry thyme on a baking sheet and freeze it in the freezer for a few hours. Once frozen, you can store the thyme in airtight containers.
This will help preserve its flavor and aroma. When you’re ready to use the thyme, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before adding it to your recipes. Alternatively, some people like to add the frozen thyme directly to soups and stews since the flavor still remains.
Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to account for the intensity of the herb.
How do you preserve fresh thyme from the garden?
If you have a garden with a bounty of fresh thyme, it’s easy to window the herb for later use. The best way to preserve thyme is to dry the leaves. This can be done in a few ways.
You can hang the thyme upside down in small bunches to dry in a warm, dry, dark location. After several days, the leaves will be dry, but still green. Once they are dry, crunch them up to break apart the leaf, then store them in small air-tight containers or mason jars.
You can also dry thyme in the oven or a food dehydrator. Start by preheating the oven to its lowest setting (around 175 degrees) then place the thyme on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place the baking sheet on the top shelf and let the thyme dry for three to four hours, or until it’s completely dried and crispy.
Once it’s dry, store the thyme in an air-tight container or mason jar.
You can also freeze the thyme for later use. Start by washing the thyme and removing any leaves that are not fully mature. Meanwhile, prepare a baking tray to place the thyme on, before transferring it to an air-tight container or zip lock bag.
Freeze the thyme for several hours, until it’s sufficiently frozen, then transfer it to the airtight container or pouch and store it in the freezer. When you are ready to use the frozen thyme, simply allow it to thaw before using it in your recipes.
Preserving your fresh thyme with these methods will ensure you can enjoy its delicious flavor throughout the year.
Can you freeze herbs in freezer bags?
Yes, it is possible to freeze herbs in freezer bags. To do so, it is recommended to wash and dry them thoroughly before blanching them. Blanching is a process where the herbs are submerged in boiling water for a short amount of time followed by an ice bath.
This shocks the herbs and slightly cooks them, preserving their flavor, texture and color when frozen. Once blanched, the herbs can then be dry-packed into small freezer bags and stored for up to 6 months.
If freezing large amounts of herbs, it may be recommended to spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid before packing them into freezer bags. This will prevent the herbs from clumping together and making them difficult to measure out when using later.
How do you store thyme after picking?
Once you have picked thyme, you will want to store it in a cool, dry and dark place to ensure maximum shelf life. The easiest way to store fresh thyme is to place it in a sealed container or zip-top bag.
If your thyme is particularly damp, it may be helpful to line the container with paper towels before placing your thyme inside. You can then store the container in your refrigerator, where freshly picked thyme can last for up to two weeks.
However, when it’s time to use the thyme, be sure to remove as much moisture as possible with a paper towel before cooking. Additionally, if you plan on using your thyme within the next week, you can store it in a glass jar with an airtight lid at room temperature.
If you do that, just be sure to check it daily for any signs of moisture build-up or wilting. Lastly, if you want your thyme to last even longer, you can also dry it out. Hang small bundles of thyme upside down in a cool, dark place until fully dry, then store in an airtight container.
Dried thyme can last up to one year.
How do you dry and store fresh thyme?
When drying fresh thyme, start by lightly rinsing it in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Shake off as much excess as you can and use a clean towel to pat it to dry. Then spread the thyme sprigs out on a baking sheet and place them in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight.
Depending on the humidity, it can take anywhere from a few days to a week for the thyme to dry completely. Once dry, strip the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Alternatively, you can tie the stems together with a piece of string and hang them in a cool, dry place. This will allow the leaves to keep their flavor and color for a couple of months.
How do you store fresh herbs long term?
The best way to store fresh herbs long term is to freeze them. Fresh herbs can be prepped prior to being frozen by washing and drying, then either chopping and/or pureeing them depending on preference.
Place chopped or pureed herbs in an airtight container, label with the herb type and date of freezing, and put into the freezer. Freezing herbs allows them to retain their flavor as this method helps to lock in the flavor.
Additionally, frozen herbs are more convenient as they are ready to use when needed and with no waste. Another option for long term storage of fresh herbs is to dry them. This is a great option for herbs such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, and lavender.
To dry these herbs, hang them in bunches upside down in an airy, dark, and well-ventilated place until leaves are completely dry and crumbling when crushed. Dried herbs can be stored in an airtight container for many months.
Is Freezing herbs better than drying?
It really depends on the herb and how you want to use it. Freezing is a great way to maintain the flavor and fragrance of herbs for a longer period of time, but drying can also be a reliable way to preserve herbs.
Dried herbs tend to have less flavor and aroma than fresh ones, but have a longer shelf life.
For certain herbs, like basil, dill, and parsley, fresh is often the best option and can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator or for about a month in the freezer. Other herbs, like thyme and oregano, often fare better when dried because the process intensifies their flavor.
Both freezing and drying can be an effective way to preserve herbs, so it’s really a matter of personal preference.
What can I do with a lot of fresh thyme?
With a lot of fresh thyme, you can make so many delicious dishes! A few ideas include:
-Making a flavorful herbed butter by mixing softened butter, chopped fresh thyme, and some minced garlic.
-Adding fresh thyme to soups and stews to add an earthy dimension.
-Making a poultry rub by mixing fresh thyme with other herbs such as rosemary, oregano, and marjoram.
-Using fresh thyme to season pastas, sautéed vegetables, egg dishes, and casseroles.
-Making a flavorful compound butter by combining softened butter, fresh thyme, garlic, and lemon zest.
-Tossing fresh thyme with olive oil and vegetables for a tasty side dish.
-Making a flavorful marinade for chicken, beef, or fish by mixing fresh thyme, olive oil, garlic, and citrus juice.
-Mixing fresh thyme with rosemary, oregano, and thyme for a flavorful blend of herbs.
-Adding fresh thyme to bread dough to give it an herby note.
-Making a flavorful vinaigrette with fresh thyme, mustard, vinegar, olive oil, honey, and garlic.
How long will fresh thyme keep in fridge?
Fresh thyme will typically last between 7 and 10 days when stored properly in the fridge. Before storing, it is important to check the freshness of your thyme and discard any sprigs that have started to wilt.
To ensure maximum shelf life, wrap the thyme in a damp paper towel and then place in an airtight container in the crisper section of your refrigerator. Make sure to check on your thyme periodically and discard any that has blackened and wilted.
Is it OK to freeze fresh rosemary?
Yes, it is absolutely fine to freeze fresh rosemary, either in its herb form or as a paste or oil. Rosemary has a strong flavor, so it may be best to freeze it in small, single-serving portions for convenience and to prevent overpowering dishes.
When freezing in its herb form, remove the leaves from the stem, wash and dry them, and place them in a dry, air-tight container, such as a freezer bag or container. Alternatively, if freezing in a paste or oil, combine the rosemary leaves with oil or other ingredients as desired, and add it to a freezer-safe container.
When ready to use, thaw the frozen rosemary in the refrigerator, and add it to dishes as desired. Store any unused amounts in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
What is thyme used for?
Thyme has been used for centuries as a culinary and medicinal herb. For culinary purposes, it can be used in a variety of ways, such an adding it to stews, soups, poultry, and fish dishes. Thyme is also great for pickling, marinating and adding flavor to vegetables.
It can be used either fresh or dried. Medicinally, thyme has been used to treat wounds, sore throats, bronchitis, asthma, and indigestion. Moreover, it can also help with kidney and liver function, as well as promoting circulation.
It even has antiseptic properties, helping to fight bacteria and promoting healing of mild infections. As an added bonus, the aroma of thyme is believed to be helpful for fighting stress and anxiety.
In summary, thyme has wide-ranging culinary and medicinal uses, making it a popular and versatile herb.
How can you tell if thyme has gone bad?
It is fairly easy to determine if thyme has gone bad. Fresh thyme should have a vibrant green color and smell herby and pine-like. If the thyme has faded in color and the leaves are soft or blackened, it is likely bad.
You may also notice a musty or moldy smell when smelling the thyme, which would indicate that the thyme is past its prime. If the thyme has begun to turn yellow or brown and become crumbly, it is time to toss it out.
Additionally, if the thyme has a dull appearance or the leaves have fallen off the stem, you may want to discard it.
How do I prepare thyme for the winter?
To prepare thyme for the winter, you will want to select a variety of thyme that is winter-hardy, as some varieties are not. When the colder weather approaches, prune back the thyme plant to just a few inches off the ground and you can even mulch it with a few inches of leaves or compost to provide some insulation and moisture retention.
When temperatures drop below freezing, if your thyme is kept in a container, move it indoors to a warmer area and keep it in direct sunlight. If your thyme is kept outside in a garden, cover the plant with a burlap or other fabric bag, like one that is used for storing potatoes, to keep the cold out and the warmth in.
Additionally, water regularly in the fall to ensure that the thyme has sufficient water to last through the winter. After the last freeze of the season, you can uncover the plant, and with regular pruning, the thyme should be ready for harvesting come springtime.
Does thyme grow back every year?
Yes, thyme does grow back every year. Thyme is a perennial herb, meaning it will continue to grow back season after season. It is a low-maintenance herb that doesn’t require much effort to thrive. When planting thyme, you should choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
It should also be watered regularly, as it likes consistently moist soil. Additionally, a layer of mulch can help to retain some moisture during the hot, dry months of summer. To give the thyme some nutrients, fertilize it every two months during the growing season.
Although thyme is a hardy plant, it is important to keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and caterpillars, as well as any diseases that might harm the thyme. With the right care, thyme will keep growing back year after year.
Should you let thyme flower?
Yes, you should let thyme flower. Doing so will not only provide a beautiful display, but will also help to ensure another harvest of thyme, as it will produce seeds that can then be propagated. Additionally, it will attract beneficial insects to the garden, such as bees and butterflies which will help to pollinate other plants in the garden.
By allowing thyme to flower, you can also enjoy its fragrant blossoms. Finally, letting thyme flower may also help to prevent the spread of certain common thyme diseases, such as powdery mildew. All of these factors make it beneficial to let thyme flower.
What do you do with thyme in the winter?
In the winter, there are many uses for thyme:
1. As a seasoning: Thyme is a great way to season winter dishes like roasted root vegetables, stews, soups, and tagines. You can also use thyme to season hearty winter grains like quinoa and barley.
2. As a garnish: Thyme is a great addition to salads and soups. It can be chopped and sprinkled directly on the dish or dried thyme leaves can be used as a garnish.
3. As an air freshener: Thyme can be used to make a natural air freshener by boiling water in a pot along with a handful of fresh thyme sprigs.
4. In homemade bath products: Thyme is an excellent addition to homemade bath products like bath salts and soaps. Thyme essential oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, making it an ideal ingredient for winter skincare.
5. As a tea: Thyme can be used to make a soothing, warming tea. Simply add a teaspoon of dried thyme to a mug of hot water, let it steep for five minutes, strain out the leaves and enjoy!
How long do fresh herbs last in the refrigerator?
Fresh herbs can last anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator. To help increase the shelf-life of herbs, wrap them in a paper towel and place them in a sealed plastic container or zip-top bag.
Discard any herbs that have wilted or become discolored. Make sure to check the herbs regularly for signs of spoilage and discard any questionable pieces. Additionally, if you are planning to store herbs for a longer period of time, it’s best to freeze them.
Herbs can last between 3 to 6 months after being frozen.