Thyme is a beloved herb, essential in cooking around the world. Belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae), it is a perennial herb known for its wonderful earthy, herbaceous flavor and delicate pale green leaves.
It holds up exceptionally well to long cooking times or high temperatures—exactly what one needs to give depth and complexity to dishes like stews, soups, and pasta sauces.
Furthermore, thyme can be found fresh or dried in most grocery stores, making it an accessible ingredient for any self-respecting home cook!
In this post, we are going to look at how to dry thyme at home in a few different, but easy ways after you’ve harvested it.
Dry thyme in the oven
Drying thyme in the oven is an easy and effective way to preserve the herb for later use.
The traditional air-drying method can take up to a couple of weeks and requires a warm, dark place with good airflow and low humidity. But with oven-drying, you can dry thyme in a matter of hours, and get the best flavor and aroma out of it.
First, you’ll want to prune and clean your fresh thyme and lay it on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving space between the sprigs for air to circulate. Then, place the tray in the oven at its lowest temperature, typically between 120-180ºF.
The drying time will vary depending on the temperature, but it should take between 1-4 hours.
If your oven doesn’t have a low-temperature setting, you can prop open the door with a heat-proof wooden spoon or potholder to allow for better airflow and prevent burning. This will help to decrease the temperature and ensure that the thyme dries evenly.
Once the thyme is completely dry, simply remove the leaves by running your fingers down the stem and store them in an airtight container, such as a mason or glass jar. The dried thyme will retain its flavor and aroma for several months, making it a great addition to a variety of dishes throughout the year.
In conclusion, oven-drying thyme is an easy, convenient, and effective way to preserve this flavorful herb. It yields amazing results by providing the best flavor, aroma, and color while being faster than traditional air-drying methods. With this method, you can enjoy the taste of fresh thyme all year round.
Hang drying thyme
Hang-drying thyme is a traditional method of preserving this flavorful herb that yields excellent results. This method involves bundling together pruned and cleaned fresh thyme using a string, twine, or rubber band and hanging the small bunches on a nail or hook in a warm, dark place with good airflow and low humidity.
To begin, you’ll want to use long stem cuttings of thyme that are at least 6 inches long. Tie 6-8 stems together with string and hang upside down in a location that is warm, dry, and out of the direct sun. This could be on a clothes hanger, a herb drying rack, or even a nail or hook in a well-ventilated area.
The thyme will take between 1-2 weeks to dry, depending on the weather and climate. During this time, the leaves will dry out and become crumbly, indicating that they are ready to be used.
To catch any loose thyme leaves that may fall off during the drying process, you can tie a paper bag over the bundles and cut a few air slits into the bag with scissors. This will catch any of those loose thyme leaves. If you have several bundles, make sure to space them a few inches apart to allow for air circulation.
Alternatively, if you prefer to dry the thyme leaves without the stems, you can place them on parchment paper on a cookie sheet, and stir the leaves around every 12 hours. In 2-3 days, the leaves will be dried.
In summary, hang-drying thyme is a traditional method that yields excellent results. It is a time-honored method that preserves the flavor and aroma of the herb, and it is also easy to do.
Dehydrating thyme
Dehydrating thyme is another effective method of preserving this flavorful herb for later use. It is a process of removing the moisture from the thyme, which prevents the growth of bacteria and mold, and helps to retain the flavor and aroma of the herb.
To dehydrate thyme, you can do it on or off the stems, but the drying time will vary. You can lay the thyme in a single layer over the dehydrator tray/s, leaving some space in-between, for the air to circulate.
The dehydrator temperature should be set at 105°F/40°C, and the time required to dry the thyme will vary based on your machine, how much you’re drying, and the climate you live in. It can take between 2-5 hours, until the thyme is completely dry and brittle.
One of the main advantages of using a dehydrator is that it is fast, and it protects against possible mold. The moisture in herbs that are drying in the necessary warm conditions may cause the formation of mold if too much humidity is in the area.
Bonus! Dry thyme in the microwave
Drying thyme in a microwave is possible, but it is not the most effective or efficient method. The microwave can cause the thyme to lose some of its flavor and aroma, and it can also be difficult to achieve the proper level of dryness.
If you choose to dry thyme in a microwave, it is best to do so with the leaves only, without the stems.
To dry thyme in a microwave, you can use the following method:
- Rinse and dry the thyme leaves thoroughly.
- Place the thyme leaves in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate or tray, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Place the plate or tray in the microwave and set the power to low or the defrost setting.
- Microwave the thyme leaves for 1-2 minutes at a time, checking on them frequently to make sure they do not burn.
- Once the leaves are dry and brittle, remove them from the microwave and allow them to cool completely.
- Store the dried thyme leaves in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or plastic bag, in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
It is important to note that drying time in a microwave may vary depending on the power of the microwave. It is important to check the thyme regularly and make sure they don’t burn.
In conclusion, while it is possible to dry thyme in a microwave, it is not the most effective or efficient method. The microwave can cause the thyme to lose some of its flavor and aroma, and it can also be difficult to achieve the proper level of dryness.
It is best to use other methods such as air-drying, dehydrating or oven-drying for optimal results.
FAQ
How long can I keep dried thyme?
Although dried thyme can retain its flavor and aroma for several months, the longer it is stored the less potent it will become. You may notice that the aroma and taste may be weaker after a few months, so it is best to use it within 6-8 months.
Additionally, if you notice any signs of spoilage like mold, discoloration or off-smell, it’s best to discard it.