Thyme is one of those superstar herbs that actually tastes better after it’s dried—the flavor gets even more concentrated and intense! Plus, those cute little edible flowers can be dried right along with the leaves. If you’re looking to stock your pantry, there are two easy ways to get the job done.
When is the best time to harvest thyme for drying?
Technically, you can harvest and preserve thyme all year round. However, if you want the biggest flavor punch, try to pick it right before it blooms. That’s when the essential oils are at their peak. It’s also a great way to make use of all those extra clippings after your annual pruning session.
Pro tip: Head out to the garden in the late morning or early afternoon. You want the morning dew to have evaporated, but you don’t want the sun to have scorched the oils. Ideally, wait for a window of a few dry days—excess moisture is the enemy here and can lead to mold during the drying process.
How to dry thyme the right way
To keep mold at bay, skip the rinse! Instead of washing the sprigs, just give them a good shake and brush off any dirt with your fingers. Keep the leaves on the stems for now; you can just pluck off any wilted or overcrowded bits. Here are the two best methods for drying:
- Air-drying in bundles
- Using the oven
Air-drying your thyme
Air-drying is the gentlest method for preserving those delicate oils, though it does take some patience (usually about 4 weeks). Just tie your cuttings into small bundles with some twine and hang them upside down in a dark, dry spot with good airflow.
Drying thyme in the oven
If you don’t have a dark corner to hang herbs for a month, your oven is a great plan B. (A food dehydrator works perfectly too, if you happen to have one!) Here’s how to do it in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to its lowest setting—ideally around 100°F (40°C). If your oven starts at 120°F (50°C), that works too.
- Spread the thyme sprigs out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Pop them in the oven for 2 to 3 hours.
- Pro tip: Prop the oven door open slightly with a wooden spoon. This lets the moisture escape so the herbs actually dry instead of steaming.
Storing your dried thyme
Once the leaves are brittle and completely dry, strip them off the stems and crumble them into a glass jar or airtight container. To keep that homegrown flavor fresh, store your jars in a dark cupboard away from direct light. You can use it exactly like fresh thyme to level up your favorite recipes!
