How to Use Dried and Fresh Thyme

What is Dried Thyme?

Dried thyme is a small, green herb with tiny leaves and a delicate aroma. It can typically be found in dried form at most grocery stores or online herbal supply shops, and it is commonly used in cooking to add flavor to sauces, soups, stews, and other dishes.

This versatile spice comes from the leaves of the thyme plant, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. It has a strong, pungent flavor that lends itself well to savory foods, such as soups and roasted meats, and can also be mixed with other dried herbs and spices for an earthy seasoning blend perfect for bread, stuffing, and marinades.

It has potent anti-bacterial properties due to its high concentration of active compounds like thymol and flavonoids. As a result, it is widely used in natural remedies for treating skin infections and respiratory issues.

What does dried thyme look like?

Its leaves are very thin and shriveled when dried, making them look almost like curled pieces of paper. In its dried form, thyme looks like small green leaves or a light brown or yellow powder. Some varieties also appear dry and crumbly, with a thin coating of fine white or light brown dust. It tends to have a reddish-brown tint compared to fresh thyme, which has a brighter green color.

 

How to dry fresh thyme

Drying fresh thyme can be a great way to preserve its flavor and ensure that you always have access to this fragrant herb. When it comes to drying fresh herbs, many different methods can be used. These include:

Using a dehydrator

Dehydrators use low heat and high airflow levels, which helps prevent the herbs from spoiling while ensuring that they retain their rich flavor. This makes them an excellent option for those who want to preserve their fresh thyme for use throughout the year.

To dry your thyme in a dehydrator, harvest the sprigs and snip off any tough stems. Place the sprigs on your dehydrator trays in a single layer and then turn on the machine.

Depending on how much thyme you have or the size of your dehydrator, this process may take a few hours or up to one full day. The result will be perfectly dried thyme leaves that retain all their aromatic flavor and fragrance.

Simply air-dry the herbs

Air drying can be a convenient and straightforward way to preserve fresh thyme - all you need is some string and a place where the herbs can hang undisturbed for several days. In general, the process involves harvesting the leaves from the stems of the thyme when they have become fully ripened, then allowing them to dry in an area with good air circulation.

As long as the herbs are not exposed to too much direct sunlight or moisture, they should dry out quickly and retain their flavor and aroma after being air-dried.

Drying in the oven

This method is particularly effective for thyme since it has thin leaves that can dry out quite quickly on their own.

To dry fresh thyme in the oven,
i. Start by cutting the tips off of branches of thyme using kitchen shears or a knife.

ii. Spread a single layer of thyme over an ungreased baking sheet or wire rack and place it in an oven set to its lowest temperature.

iii. You may need to leave your thyme in the oven overnight if you are drying larger quantities.


iv. After drying, remove your baked thyme from the oven and store it in an air-tight container until ready to use it. Remember to label your container so you know exactly what is inside.

How much dried thyme equals fresh?

In most recipes, dried and fresh thyme are interchangeable, though since dried thyme is more concentrated, you'll need to use less of it. It takes around three tablespoons of fresh thyme to make one teaspoon of dried thyme.

How long does dried thyme last?

Dried thyme typically lasts anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on several factors. For one, the quality of the dried thyme can vary widely depending on how fresh it is when you purchase it and whether or not it has been stored properly. In addition, the ambient conditions in your kitchen, such as humidity and temperature, can also affect how long dried thyme will keep.

However, there are some simple tricks that you can use to help extend the shelf life of dried thyme. For example, keeping it in an air-tight glass jar or container can help to preserve its flavor and prevent mold growth. Additionally, storing it away from sources of heat, moisture, and direct sunlight can help extend its shelf life significantly.

What does dried thyme taste like?

It has a distinctive flavor that is both spicy and savory. It has notes of earthy, woodsy spices combined with a subtle hint of mint and pepper. This complex blend of flavors makes dried thyme ideal for adding a dose of depth to dishes like soups, stews, casseroles, and hearty roasts. It can also be used as a rub on meat or stirred into marinades, sauces, or salad dressings.

 

How to store fresh thyme

There are a few different ways that you can store fresh thyme, depending on how long you want it to last. These include:

Freeze your freshly cut thyme
This is an easy and effective method for storing this flavorful herb. First, gather your freshly cut thyme sprigs and fill a cold-safe container with enough to cover the exposed tops completely. You can use any freezer-safe container or bag but label it clearly with the date. Once you have stored your thyme in the freezer, it should keep for up to 6 months.

To use, remove as much as you need from the freezer and thaw it out ahead of time, or run it under hot water until soft. Then add your frozen thyme to soups, stews, marinades, rubs, or other recipes as needed.

Refrigeration
Thyme is well suited to be kept in the fridge, as it is naturally quite hardy and requires a cool, dry environment to remain fresh and flavorful. In most refrigerators, the temperature is consistent and relatively cool, which helps keep fresh thyme crisp and resilient. Refrigerators are also often outfitted with moisture-control systems that prevent excess condensation from forming around food items like herbs.

Additionally, it would be best to store thyme in sealed containers or plastic bags while in the fridge, which further protects this aromatic herb from exposure to airborne pathogens or unwanted flavors from other foods.

Drying
Unlike freezing, which changes herbs' texture, drying allows them to retain their plump green color, firm texture, and savory flavor.

To prevent premature wilting and browning, it is essential to prepare dried thyme correctly. This involves cutting the fresh herbs into small pieces, then layering them on a sheet pan in a single layer that is spaced out enough so that air can circulate freely around each piece. Once dried, the leaves should be stored in an air-tight container away from light and moisture until ready to use. With this method, you can enjoy fresh thyme's benefits year-round.

What are the health benefits of thyme?

Fighting acne

Many people have recently viewed acne as a purely cosmetic problem. However, this view is becoming less and less accurate, as researchers are discovering that thyme's anti-bacterial properties may help reduce breakouts and clear skin.

Some medical professionals are starting to use thyme as a treatment for stubborn cases of acne. By targeting the root cause of these breakouts – bacterial overgrowth – this medicinal herb can be an effective tool in fighting acne from the inside out. Not only does it help to prevent future breakouts, but it also seems to reduce the severity and healing time of existing blemishes.

Lowering blood pressure

This is due to the many nutrients and compounds found in this mild, aromatic herb. Thyme contains flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation. It also contains thymol, a compound that has been shown to have an effect on the smooth muscles that line our blood vessels. Consequently, it helps promote healthy blood flow and prevent high blood pressure by decreasing contractions in these muscles.

In addition, regular consumption of thyme has also been linked to lower stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine levels, which can contribute to hypertension. Ultimately, incorporating more thyme into your diet is not only delicious but may also offer significant health benefits for your heart and cardiovascular system.

Helping to alleviate cough

Thyme contains several compounds that not only help to fight off the underlying causes of cough but can also inhibit inflammation and speed up the healing process. Thyme has also been shown to directly suppress cough receptors in the throat, meaning that it can provide immediate relief from those irritating coughing fits. Whether you use thyme in tea or as a rub on your chest, this versatile herb offers an excellent way to support respiratory health and alleviate cough.

Possibly helping against certain types of cancer

Recent research has suggested that thyme may be able to help protect against certain types of cancer as well. This is due, in part, to the high levels of antioxidants found in thyme. Studies have shown that these antioxidants can reduce inflammation in the body and prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is an alternative therapy that uses aromatic plant extracts and essential oils to treat various health conditions. Thyme is one such plant. Studies have found that exposure to thyme oil can help to reduce anxiety and improve mood in those who experience depression.

Preventing bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can be challenging to treat and are often associated with unwanted symptoms like fever, nausea, and sore throat. While the best way to prevent bacterial infections is through good hygiene habits and regular medical checkups, adding thyme to your diet may also protect against these harmful invaders.

Thyme is rich in anti-bacterial compounds that help to inhibit the growth and spread of bacteria within the body. These compounds target specific bacteria strains responsible for food poisoning, UTIs, and respiratory issues such as bronchitis.

Treating yeast infections

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of certain types of yeast in the body, typically Candida albicans. While traditional medical treatments can effectively clear up these infections, they often have unpleasant side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and abdominal pain.

Fortunately, there are natural remedies that can help to treat yeast infections from the comfort of your own home. One potent natural remedy is thyme – a herb high in antimicrobial properties that effectively combat Candida albicans and other yeast forms.

Adding thyme to your diet or using it externally as a poultice or essential oil can help reduce yeast infection symptoms and improve your overall health.

General health

Thyme contains several beneficial nutrients for overall well-being, including iron, potassium, zinc, calcium, manganese, and vitamin A.

Iron is necessary to form hemoglobin, which helps carry oxygen in the blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps to regulate fluid levels in the body. Zinc is essential for a healthy immune system, while calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth. Manganese is involved in producing energy, and vitamin A is vital for vision and healthy skin.

Roasted Asparagus With Garlic And Fresh Thyme

Ingredients:
• 2 lbs asparagus, rough ends snapped off.

• 2 garlic cloves, minced.

• 1 tablespoon butter.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil.

• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme.

• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper, fresh cracked coarse salt.

Procedure

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange the spears on a baking sheet.
2. Toss the asparagus with minced or pressed garlic and drizzle it with plenty of olive oil.
3. Season with salt, transfer the spears to the oven, and roast until tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Drizzle on some freshly chopped thyme before serving.

This simple yet flavorful roasted asparagus recipe is perfect for any occasion and is an excellent addition to any meal.

Roast Zucchini With Thyme

Ingredients:
• 3 Zucchini, quartered and cut into chunks.
• 1 onion, sliced.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• 1 teaspoon thyme.
• Salt & pepper.

Procedure

1. Toss the zucchini slices with olive oil and lemon juice in a bowl and coat all sides.
2. Arrange the coated zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Top each slice with a small ball of foil and fill it with fresh thyme leaves.
4. Roast the slices at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or until they are tender and lightly browned around the edges.
5. Serve your roast zucchini with thyme immediately while it's still hot, and enjoy this tasty and healthy side dish.