How to Dry and Properly Store Thyme?

One of the most well-known and widely used herbs, both in cooking and herbal medicine: thyme, charmingly called "farigoule" in the South of France, is a perennial plant that thrives in poor soils and warm climates. To enjoy its benefits and fragrance year-round, drying is the best preservation method. Here are our tips for drying thyme, storing it, and using it in cooking or for its many medicinal properties.

Harvesting Thyme for Drying

Thyme can be harvested year-round, as its leaves are evergreen, but its fragrance and active compounds are most potent at the start of flowering in spring (from March to June, depending on the region).

This is therefore the ideal time, or just before flowering, to harvest thyme for drying.

Pick thyme in the morning, after the dew has evaporated and on a sunny day, for optimal drying.

To harvest, simply cut the stems with secateurs or scissors to about one-third of their length (around 10 to 15 cm), preferring the green shoots of the current year to encourage regrowth.

All thyme varieties are suitable for drying: lemon thyme, common thyme, orange thyme, thyme officinalis, Provence thyme, etc.

Two Methods for Drying Thyme

Whichever method you choose, first rinse the stems in clean water and pat them dry with a towel to remove excess moisture and facilitate drying.

Air Drying

This drying technique takes longer but is 100% natural and economical. Gentle drying through warmth and airflow also helps preserve the plant's aromas and active compounds.

Bundle the stems into small bunches of about ten sprigs, tied loosely with string to allow good airflow.
Hang them upside down in a dry, dark place. If a dark spot isn’t available, wrap the bundles in a perforated paper bag.

You can also spread the stems on newspaper or a wooden crate...

Drying time depends on ambient conditions. Allow one to two weeks for complete drying. Once dry, the leaves will crumble easily between your fingers.

Thyme flowers can be dried the same way, but as they are more delicate and their aromas more volatile, we recommend using them fresh.

Oven Drying

Oven drying thyme is quicker but may degrade essential oils and alter the plant’s fragrance.

Place the stems on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or foil, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Bake at 50°C.
Leave the oven door slightly ajar to let moisture escape.
Check regularly for progress.

Allow a few hours for complete drying, which is finished when the leaves crumble easily between your fingers.

You can also use a dehydrator or microwave-dry thyme by wrapping the stems in absorbent paper. However, this method is trickier, as over-drying or poor control may "cook" the branches.

Storing Dried Thyme

After drying, strip the thyme to keep only the leaves. If drying is optimal, simply run your fingers along the stem to detach them easily.

Store the leaves in airtight containers (glass jars, metal tins, etc.).

You can also keep the hanging bundles.

Dried thyme keeps for about a year in a dark, dry place.

Using Dried Thyme

Thyme is used in many culinary ways: in the classic bouquet garni, added to tomato sauces or marinades, sprinkled on roasted vegetables, grilled meats or fish, in salads, homemade bread or pasta, to flavour stuffings, dusted on goat’s cheese, infused in oil, vinegar or honey, and even in desserts (it pairs wonderfully with strawberries or apricots, for example).

Making Thyme Tea

Thyme tea is a tonic drink that boosts the immune system. Combined with honey, lemon juice and cinnamon, it’s ideal for fighting winter ailments.

Lemon thyme is often used for infusions, but other varieties work just as well.

Add a teaspoon of thyme to a cup of boiling water.
Steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
Strain or remove the tea infuser.
Enjoy 2 to 3 times a day.

The Benefits of Thyme

Thyme is prized for its many natural properties: antiseptic, antibacterial, tonic, detoxifying and antispasmodic.

It is recommended for respiratory ailments (as tea or inhalation), urinary infections, stress and fatigue, weakened immunity, digestive issues or spasms.