All About Thyme
Your complete guide to thyme - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Thyme Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for 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.
Fresh Thyme (refrigerated)1-2 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Wilting, yellowing or browning leaves, dark spots, sliminess, mold growth (fuzzy white, grey, or black patches), and an off-putting sour or musty smell.
How to Check
Visually inspect the leaves for vibrant green color; discard if discolored, slimy, or moldy. Touch the sprigs – they should be firm but pliable, not mushy. Smell the thyme; it should have a fresh, earthy, slightly minty aroma. An unpleasant, sour, or musty smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
To extend freshness, wash and thoroughly pat dry the thyme. Wrap it loosely in a slightly damp paper towel, then place it in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Alternatively, stand the sprigs upright in a glass with about an inch of water, then cover loosely with a plastic bag and refrigerate.
Dried Thyme (pantry, opened)6-12 months (for optimal flavor)
Signs of Spoilage
Primary sign is a noticeable decrease or complete loss of aroma and flavor. Dull or faded color, or clumping due to moisture exposure. It rarely 'goes bad' in a way that causes illness, but its culinary value diminishes significantly.
How to Check
Rub a pinch between your fingers and smell – a strong, characteristic thyme aroma should be present. If the aroma is weak, stale, or absent, it's past its prime. Visually check for dullness in color compared to when it was fresh. A small taste test will confirm if the flavor is still potent enough for cooking.
Storage Tips
Always reseal the container tightly after each use to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which accelerate flavor loss. Keep away from heat and direct light.
Fresh Thyme (frozen)3-6 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (dry, discolored spots), significant loss of aroma and flavor upon thawing, or an off-smell if not properly sealed or stored for too long.
How to Check
Visually check for excessive freezer burn. When thawed, the thyme should still have a noticeable, albeit slightly muted, aroma. If it smells stale or off, it may be too old. The texture will be softer than fresh, but it shouldn't be mushy or slimy.
Storage Tips
Wash and thoroughly pat dry fresh thyme before freezing. You can freeze whole sprigs on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Alternatively, chop the leaves and freeze them in ice cube trays with a little water or olive oil, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. Label with the date of freezing.
Dried Thyme (pantry, unopened)2-3 years
Signs of Spoilage
Significant loss of aroma and flavor, dull or faded color, clumping (indicating moisture exposure), or presence of pantry pests.
How to Check
Visually check the color; it should be a consistent green-grey. Rub a small pinch between your fingers and smell – it should release a strong, characteristic thyme aroma. If it smells like nothing, stale, or musty, its quality has degraded. No strong off-smell usually means it's still safe, just less flavorful.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in its original airtight packaging or transfer to a sealed container.