Thyme: A Quick Guide

This guide provides an overview of what thyme is, how it is used by different regions, stored, its substitutes, and answers the question does thyme expire.

What is Thyme?

Thyme is one of the most used herbs in kitchens worldwide.

Native to the Mediterranean, it has been used for centuries in both cooking and medicine.

Different Forms of Thyme

Thyme is available in a variety of forms, each with its own culinary uses:

• Fresh: Best for soups, stews, and marinades.
• Dried: Convenient and longer-lasting, it’s perfect for seasoning roasted vegetables, meats, and breads.

The dried form is what I grew up eating and have continued to use in my kitchen.

• Ground: A fine powder that blends easily into sauces, rubs, and soups.
• Lemon: This version of thyme has a citrusy twist and is great for seafood.

How Different Regions Use Thyme

Below is a look at how thyme is used in global cuisines:

• Mediterranean Cuisine: It is a staple in Italian, Greek, and French cooking.

Many chefs and cooks use it to flavor dishes like roasted lamb and ratatouille. It is also a key ingredient in many tomato-based sauces.

• Caribbean Cuisine: It is used in jerk seasoning and in cooking rice, peas, and stews.
• Middle Eastern Cuisine: Thyme is a key ingredient in za’atar, a spice mix used to season flatbreads, meats, and vegetables.
• West African Cuisine: In Nigerian cooking, it is often paired with curry powder in dishes like jollof rice, chicken and beef stews, and spicy curry shrimp skewers.

Can You Eat Thyme on Its Own?

No. Time should not be eaten by itself due to its strong and concentrated flavor.

However, its leaves are often used to add flavor to dishes during cooking and then removed before serving.

If you decide to taste it in its raw form, you will notice it has a bitter taste but when you add it to your cooking, the taste that results is delicious.

Does Thyme Expire?

Yes, thyme expires in terms of flavor and potency rather than safety.

• Fresh: Lasts about 1–2 weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly.

To extend its life, wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag.

• Dried: Retains its best flavor for 6 months to 2 years when stored in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture.

How Can I Tell If Thyme Has Expired?

Signs that this spices has expired include:

• Fresh: You would notice that the leaves become wilted, brown, or slimy, and the herb loses its aroma.
• Dried: The smell will become faint instead of fresh and aromatic. Also, when my thyme is losing its flavor, I also notice that the green color fades to dull tones.

To preserve fresh thyme’s flavor, freeze it for up to 6 months. Store dried spices in a cool and dark place like your panty. You should also use an air-tight container.

Substitutes for This Spices

If you’re out of this spices, you can alternate with spices like oregano, marjoram, savory and rosemary.

If you use rosemary, remember to use it in small amounts.

What Spices Pair Well with Thyme?

When I’m making my meals, I usually pair this spices with garlic, rosemary, parsley, bay leaves, sage, basil, and paprika.

Do you use this herb in your cooking? What’s your favorite recipe to make with it? Share your stories in the comments below!