How to dry thyme with one of three methods: in the oven, in a dehydrator, or naturally. As well as how to store, convert, and use the dried thyme!
It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that my pantry is filled with various dried and preserved goods. From these ‘sun-dried’ tomatoes, coconut flakes, and powdered milk to this dried thyme. Learning how to dry thyme at home is incredibly easy and can be done using 3 different methods. In fact, I’ve already shared similar DIYs for dried mint, dried rosemary, and dried sage leaves.
I love to use fresh herbs whenever possible, and now that I have my own herb garden, I do so more and more. If I accidentally harvest/pick too much thyme from my plant, then I already successfully store herbs in the fridge and freezer. Yet I love to have a stash of dried thyme on hand for whenever the need does arise.
Within this post, I’ll take you through how to dry thyme in the oven, with a dehydrator, and air-drying. I’ll then also go through how to store and use thyme, and several FAQs (including the fresh thyme vs dried conversions!).
As a popular herb used in many savory dishes, thyme is widely available in both fresh and dried forms. While fresh thyme has the best flavor, the dried version offers convenience and a longer shelf life. But if you’ve only used fresh thyme, you may wonder – what does dried thyme look like?
In this complete visual guide, we’ll explore the appearance of dried thyme leaves, stems, and flowers We’ll also compare the look and aroma of fresh vs dried thyme. By the end, you’ll be able to easily identify dried thyme!
Dried Thyme Leaves
The most recognizable part of dried thyme are the tiny leaves. They typically have a grayish-green hue since the bright green chlorophyll fades as the leaves dry. The leaves are oval-shaped with pointy tips and measure about 2-4 mm long. When dried, the leaves tend to curl under slightly along the edges.
Dried thyme leaves have a fluffy, feathery texture. They crumble easily when rubbed between your fingers unlike the more pliable fresh leaves. The dried leaves also fall readily off the woody stems when disturbed. Their fragrance is much more muted compared to fresh.
Dried Thyme Stems
Thyme stems dry into thin, straw-like structures. Fresh stems have a light green color, while dried ones turn beige or light tan. The stems have a rigid, woody feel and are upright when growing, averaging 2-6 inches tall.
From the main central thyme stem, smaller side stems sprout off at intervals along its length. These side stems give the plant its bushy shape. The dried stems are slender, only about 1 mm wide, and rough to the touch.
Dried Thyme Flowers
Thyme produces petite lavender, pink or white flowers on short stalks emerging from the central stems. The dried flowers retain their color but shrivel up into tiny pods when dried. The flower buds appear pointed.
Not all dried thyme contains flowers – sprigs are often harvested before the flower buds open. But some dried thyme bundles include the flowers and flower buds
Comparing Fresh vs. Dried Thyme
There are some clear visual differences between fresh and dried thyme:
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Color: Fresh thyme is bright green while dried is muted gray-green. Stems are light green originally and tan dried.
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Texture: Dried thyme feels fluffy and leaves crumble easily when fresh they are more pliable.
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Leaf Shape: Fresh leaves lie flatter while dried ones curl under along the edges.
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Stems: Fresh thyme stands erect, while dried droops and sags a bit.
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Aroma: Fresh has a stronger, more pungent aroma while dried is more subtle.
Dried Thyme Varieties
There are a few different varieties of dried thyme to be aware of:
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English Thyme: This is the most commonly used dried thyme. It has a potent flavor, coarser texture, and darker green leaves.
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French Thyme: This variety is milder in flavor with a lighter green color and soft texture.
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Lemon Thyme: As the name implies, lemon thyme has a bright citrusy flavor and smell. The leaves are finer and greener than English thyme.
Buying High Quality Dried Thyme
When shopping for dried thyme, look for the following signs of quality:
- Rich greenish-brown color
- Fluffy, feather-like dried leaves
- Leaves easily crumble when pinched
- Dry, brittle stems that break when bent
- Intense fragrance with earthy/woodsy notes
- Airtight packaging to retain aroma
- Harvested recently for optimal flavor
Lesser quality dried thyme may have leaves that are broken or powdery and dull in color. The aroma is often weak. Old product may lose its signature thyme fragrance.
Using Dried Thyme
Dried thyme works great:
- In rubs, marinades, and spice blends
- Sprinkled over meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, pasta, and pizza
- In stuffing, bread dough, and baking
- Steeped in hot water for thyme tea
- Mixed into sauces, soups, and stews
Since drying concentrates the flavor, use about 1 teaspoon dried thyme for every tablespoon of fresh thyme called for in recipes.
Storing Dried Thyme
To retain optimal flavor and prevent spoilage, store dried thyme properly:
- Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dark place
- Refrigerate for longest shelf life of 1-2 years
- Freeze for longer storage of 2-3 years
- Store away from light, moisture and humidity
- Purchase smaller quantities if using infrequently
Now that you know what dried thyme looks, smells, and feels like, you can easily identify it from fresh thyme. Pay attention to the color, texture, aroma, and appearance of stems and leaves. Seek out high-quality dried thyme for the best flavor. Follow proper storage methods to preserve the intensity as long as possible. With this guide, you’ll get the most out of dried thyme!
Step 2: Dry The Herb
You can do this on or off the stems, but the drying time will vary.
Lay the thyme in a single layer over the dehydrator tray/s, leaving some space in-between, for the air to circulate.
Dry the thyme at 105°F/40°C for between 2-5 hours, until it is completely dry and brittle.
The time will vary based on your machine, how much you’re drying, the climate you live in, etc.
Lay the thyme on a parchment-lined baking tray/s, with space between for the air to circulate.
Place the tray in the oven at its lowest temperature. Depending on the temperature, this process will take a different amount of time.
For example, 120ºF/50ºC may take between 2-4 hours. 180ºF/80ºC may take 1-2.5 hours.
If your oven doesn’t go lower than 212ºF/100ºC, you may want to prop open the oven door. This will lower the temperature AND allow for better airflow. You could prop open the door with a heat-proof wooden spoon or potholder.
Create a small thyme bouquet, tying the sprigs together at the stem with a piece of twine/string.
Hang the herbs (from more string) on a clothes hanger, or use a herb drying rack in a well-ventilated, warm area away from direct sunlight.
The thyme will take between 1-2 weeks to dry, depending on the weather and climate.
It’s a good idea to cover the thyme with a ventilated ‘protective covering’ like a paper bag or nut milk bag – to avoid dust or critters settling on the herbs.
Step 1: Wash and pat dry the thyme
Add the thyme to a large bowl of water and swish the herbs around gently to clean them. Then drain the water and, optionally, use a salad spinner to get rid of as much excess water first before patting dry. Otherwise, go straight to patting them dry.
It’s important to get rid of ALL the excess moisture before drying the thyme so it can be a good idea to let it air-dry for an extra 30-60 minutes, pat dry once more, and then move on to the next step.
Thyme: Harvesting, Drying, and Storing
FAQ
How to identify dried thyme?
Even though thyme is related to mint and oregano, it looks distinctively different. Thyme plants grow in small leafy clusters on woody stems. Another way to distinguish thyme from other leafy herbs is to smell some of the small leaves. Thyme has such a pleasant smell that is easy to separate from mint and oregano.
How to tell when thyme is dry?
When they look dry, remove a sprig to test it. It’s dry when you can crumble it in your hand. My thyme took about 45 minutes, and my oregano took 75 minutes (it has more essential oils than thyme). But that’s not a hard and fast rule, so be sure you monitor them.
Are ground thyme and dried thyme the same thing?
Dried thyme leaves infuse slowly, perfect for long-cooked dishes like soups and roasts. Ground thyme dissolves quickly, ideal for rubs, marinades, or when you want an even flavor distribution.
What’s the difference between thyme and rosemary?
Thyme and rosemary, both from the mint family, are distinct herbs with different flavors, appearances, and culinary uses.