Thyme is a hardy, perennial herb, commonly harvested and sold in the form of twigs or single leaves. It can be burned as an incense, used in cooking or as a medicinal preparation. This article will teach you how to properly prepare and store fresh thyme sprigs or leaves.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Store Thyme Sprigs for Short-Term Use (Within 1 Week)
Step 1. Set aside the amount you want to use in your recipe, and place the remaining thyme in the refrigerator, without washing it
Step 2. Wrap the extra twigs in cling film and place them in a food bag
Store them in the least cold part of the refrigerator.
Some people prefer to wrap the twigs in a few sheets of kitchen paper before using the foil. The goal is to minimize the loss of essential oils due to the rubbing of its delicate leaves
Step 3. Label the bag by dating it and specifying its contents
Use your thyme within a week.
Method 2 of 3: Store Thyme Sprigs for Long-Term Use (Over 1 Week)
Step 1. Rinse the thyme sprigs without removing the leaves
Use a weak jet of clean running water.
Step 2. Dry the twigs by blotting them with kitchen paper
Be very gentle so as not to scrub the small leaves hard, otherwise you will cause them to lose their powerful essential oils.
Step 3. Wrap a small piece of string or bay leaf around the delicate thyme sprigs
Create your thyme bouquet by grouping the desired number of sprigs. It is important not to tie them too tightly, so as not to break or damage them.
Step 4. Use your thyme sprigs
Thyme is an ideal ingredient in marinades and in any recipe that involves roasting. Be sure to remove the woody stems before starting the meal.
Method 3 of 3: Store Thyme Leaves for Long-Term Use (Over 1 Week)
Step 1. Remove the leaves from the stems using your hands or a fork
Do this only after you have gently rinsed and dried the twigs.
- Using your fingers, grip the top end of the stem lightly, and use your other hand to slide your fingers down and detach the leaves from the branch.
- Using a fork, gently hold the top end of the stem, and slide the prongs from top to bottom to detach the small leaves from the branch.
Step 2. Spread the thyme leaves on a plate and place it in a cool, well-ventilated place
Step 3. After a few days, observe the thyme leaves to check if the drying process is complete
If not, move the leaves gently and wait a few more days.
Step 4. Collect the dried thyme leaves and transfer them to an airtight container
Step 5. Store them in the refrigerator
- Label the container specifying the contents and the date of preparation.
- Dried thyme is among the herbs that best retain their delicious flavor.
- Despite its storage capacity, like any other aromatic herb, the ideal is to consume fresh thyme.
Step 6. Finished
Advice
Experiment with the use of thyme and discover the best possible flavor combinations - don't hesitate to try something new
Warnings
- Do not buy excessive quantities of fresh thyme, it cannot be stored for a long time (about a week).
- Thyme is a woody plant, and the use of the stem is not always advisable. Only add it when you are sure you can remove it from the plate, such as when making roast chicken.
