How Long Does Thyme Last? Does it Go Bad?

If you’re looking for an herb that packs a punch without packing in too much sodium, thyme is probably your go-to choice.

This flavorful and versatile herb can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes, from savory stews to sweet desserts.

But have you ever wondered how long does thyme last? Does it go bad?

Read on to learn all about this amazing ingredient and find out the answer so you know exactly when it’s time to replace any expired thyme – or better yet, pick up some more in store!

What’s Thyme?

Thyme is a herb that is commonly used in cooking.

It is part of the mint family and has a strong, pungent flavor.

Thyme can be used fresh or dried, and is typically added to dishes in the last few minutes of cooking so that its flavor does not become overwhelming.

It is a low-growing plant that originates from the Mediterranean region.

It has small, oval-shaped leaves and delicate purple flowers.

When used in cooking, thyme is usually added towards the end of the cooking process so that its flavor does not become too strong.

Thyme is a versatile herb that can be used in many different dishes.

It goes well with chicken, fish, and vegetables. Thyme can also be used to make tea.

When purchasing thyme, look for leaves that are fresh and green.

Avoid thyme that has yellowing leaves or shows signs of wilting.

How to Store Thyme?

Thyme is a perennial herb that is part of the mint family.

It is native to the Mediterranean region and has been used in cooking for centuries.

Thyme has a strong, pungent flavor and can be used fresh or dried.

To store fresh thyme, trim the stems and place them in a glass of water.

Cover the glass with a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator.

Fresh thyme will last for about a week using this method.

If you need to store thyme for longer than a week, you can dry it.

To dry thyme, tie the stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place.

Once the thyme is dry, strip the leaves from the stem and store them in an airtight container.

Dried thyme will last for several months.

How Long Does Thyme Last?

Thyme is a herb that is commonly used in cooking.

It has a strong flavor and aroma, and can be used fresh or dried.

Thyme is a versatile herb that can be used in many different dishes, from savory to sweet.

But how long does thyme last? Fresh thyme should be used within a week or two of purchasing it.

Once it starts to yellow or brown, it is past its prime and will not have as much flavor.

Dried thyme will last for several months, but it will lose its potency over time.

If you want to use fresh thyme but don’t think you’ll be able to use it all before it goes bad, you can freeze it.

Just remove the leaves from the stems, wash them, and store them in a freezer-safe bag.

Frozen thyme should be used within six months.

So, how long does thyme last? Fresh thyme lasts for about a week, while dried thyme lasts for several months.

But if you want to extend the shelf life of fresh thyme, you can freeze it.

Can You Freeze Thyme?

You can freeze thyme, but it’s not the best way to preserve this herb.

Freezing can cause the leaves to turn brown and lose their flavor.

If you must freeze thyme, do so only for short-term storage (up to three months).

For long-term storage, it’s best to dry or dehydrate thyme.

How to Tell If Thyme is Bad?

To tell if thyme has gone bad, the best thing to do is to give it a sniff.

If it smells off in any way, or if there is any visible mold on the herb, it should be thrown out.

Fresh thyme should have a strong, pleasant aroma.

If your thyme doesn’t smell very fragrant, it may not have much flavor either.

Another way to tell if thyme has gone bad is to give the leaves a taste.

If they are bitter or otherwise unpleasant, it’s time to say goodbye.

When stored properly, fresh thyme should retain its flavor for several weeks.

However, over time even properly stored thyme will eventually lose its flavor and go bad.

If you’re not sure whether your thyme is still good, err on the side of caution and throw it out.

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety.

Conclusion

So, how long does thyme last? Properly stored, thyme will usually last for 6-12 months.

However, thyme that has been exposed to light or heat will lose its flavor much quicker.

Beyond that, thyme that has been stored for more than a year may start to develop an off flavor.

When in doubt, throw it out.