All About Fresh thyme
Your complete guide to fresh thyme - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Fresh thyme Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for fresh thyme in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Frozen6-8 months
Signs of Spoilage
Significant loss of vibrant color; noticeable freezer burn (ice crystals, dried-out appearance); greatly diminished aroma and flavor after thawing. While not 'spoiled' in a safety sense, its culinary quality degrades significantly beyond this period.
How to Check
Visual Check: Look for excessive ice crystals or dull, faded color. Smell Test (after thawing): Thawed thyme should still have a faint herbal aroma. If it smells like nothing or has an off-smell, its quality is compromised. Texture (after thawing): Will be softer and less firm than fresh, but shouldn't be completely mushy or disintegrated.
Storage Tips
Wash and pat dry thyme thoroughly before freezing. You can freeze whole sprigs on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, or chop the leaves and freeze them in ice cube trays with a little water or olive oil. Freezing preserves flavor but alters texture, making it best for cooked dishes rather than fresh garnishes.
Raw in Fridge1-3 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Leaves become dark, yellow, or brown; develop a slimy or mushy texture; show visible mold (white, green, or black fuzzy spots); emit an unpleasant, sour, or musty odor.
How to Check
Visual Check: Look for discoloration, wilting, or mold. Healthy thyme is vibrant green and firm. Touch Test: Feel the leaves. They should be dry and firm, not slimy, mushy, or overly damp. Smell Test: Sniff the bunch. It should have a fresh, slightly earthy, aromatic scent. An off, sour, or moldy smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
To maximize freshness, store fresh thyme by wrapping it loosely in a slightly damp paper towel, then placing it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag in the crisper drawer. Alternatively, place the stems in a glass with about an inch of water, cover loosely with a plastic bag, and refrigerate. Change water every 1-2 days. Ensure it is dry before storing to prevent mold.