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After harvesting, thyme should be used as soon as possible or preserved. The aromatic herb can be both dried and frozen without any loss of taste. But be careful: Dried thyme is much more flavorful than fresh or frozen thyme and should therefore be used more sparingly.
Thyme is easy to dry and freeze
Freeze Thyme
Freezing is a simple and effective way to preserve much of the thyme's flavor, color and nutrients. Freeze the freshly harvested and washed leaves in plastic bags or rigid containers, clearly labeling them with the date of harvest. Alternatively, you can also put small amounts of finely chopped / shredded thyme in ice cube trays and fill them up with water. So you have pre-portioned amounts at hand when you need them.
dry thyme
Like all herbs that need to be dried, thyme must be dried quickly after harvesting so that as much of its color and scent as possible is retained. It's also important that all moisture is removed before the plants start to rot or get moldy. Incidentally, for naturopathic purposes you should only use fresh or dried thyme if possible.
Instructions for drying thyme
- Pick several stems or leaves.
- Remove any leaves that would be too crowded.
- These store too much moisture and would rather go moldy than dry.
- Create small bouquets that you tie with twine.
- Hang them upside down in a dry, warm and dark or shaded place.
- The air must be able to circulate, so don't hang the bouquets too close together.
- Depending on the temperature and humidity, the drying process takes between one and four weeks.
- Remove the leaves from the stems as the stems are inedible.
- Pluck off the leaves by hand or push them through a sieve.
- Fill the leaves into a container that can be closed well (rotary lid!).
- Keep them in a dark and dry place.
tips
Furthermore, thyme (fresh or dried) can be infused with vinegar or oil. These mixes are easy to make, add a nice touch to salads and marinades, and make great gift ideas too. Thyme vinegar can also be used as a hair conditioner.
The garden journal freshness ABC
How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?
The garden journal freshness ABC as a poster:
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