How long does fresh thyme last in the fridge?
Did you just remember the taste thyme adds to chicken stew and it makes you want to prepare something delicious with this veggie?
Are you longing for fresh thyme and by the time you finished purchasing them, on getting home you no longer have the appetite for it anymore unlike pomegranates.
And you are thinking of throwing them all out because you don’t think they can be stored and remain fresh till the time you would want them.
In this article, I’ll discuss both fresh and dried thyme including how long does fresh thyme last in the fridge, freezer, and on the counter.
How to tell if thyme is bad, and how to store to make them last longer.
Read, comment and do not skip a line.
So, how long does fresh thyme last in the fridge?
Fresh thyme lasts in the fridge for at least 1 to 2 weeks before going bad. If you store them properly in the right conditions necessary, in the fridge.
Since thyme can be eaten raw, and also added to different dishes, then storing spice in the fridge makes eating it easy.
This is because you don’t have to wait for it to defrost first before eating or using it,
All you need to do is bring it out, wash, eat, or used it for any purpose you purchased it for.
Fresh spice in the fridge also maintains the freshness and quality because the temperature in the fridge is regulated.
How Long Does Fresh Thyme Last In The Freezer?
Fresh thyme lasts in the freezer for 4 to 6 months before going bad, if you store them properly in their right conditions necessary in the freezer.
This condition can only be achieved if you store it properly at 0°f and keeping the freezer in a good working condition always.
How Long Does Fresh Thyme Last At Room Temperature( On The Counter)?
Fresh thyme lasts on the counter for 4 to 6 days before going bad, if you store them properly in their right conditions necessary on the counter.
We all know fresh thyme has that scent and fragrance different from other herbs and veggies.
Storing fresh thyme on the counter helps maintain that sweet flavor and scent,
This is because on the counter you will not store them alongside other veggies or herbs making them have their smell and not getting smell from other veggies or herbs.
The problem with storing fresh thyme on the counter is that they go bad quickly and won’t last till the time you want them to.
Always make sure that before storing fresh thyme on the counter,
You should have the mindset of using them immediately before they go bad on the counter.
Just to avoid making one inhale a bad and offensive smell and also avoid environmental pollution.
Here are some articles I think you will like to read on fruits, food, vegetables, and juices shelf life estimates;
- How long does fresh parsley last in the fridge? Know how long fresh parsley lasts in the fridge, freezer, and on the counter. How to store collard greens and corn on the cob to make them last longer in the fridge, freezer, and on the counter. And how to tell if they go bad.
- How long does fresh mint last in the fridge? Know how long fresh mint lasts in the fridge, freezer, and on the counter. How to store raspberries to make them last longer in the fridge, freezer, and on the counter. Also, how to tell if they are bad.
How Long Does Dried Thyme Last?
Dried thyme last on the counter for 7 to 8 months before going bad, if you keep them properly in their right conditions necessary on the counter.
Raw dried thyme lasts in the fridge for 1 to 2 years before going bad, if you store them properly in their right conditions necessary in the fridge.
Dried thyme lasts in the freezer for 3 to 4 years before going bad, if you keep them properly in their right conditions necessary in the freezer.
Raw dried thyme can do well on the counter, so there is no big deal storing dried thyme there since that’s a long time for storage,
But ensure to store far away from excess moisture or sunlight making it watery.
To get longer storage like for years store dried spice on the counter and they will do well there.
How Long Does Thyme Seeds Last?
Thyme seeds last for 1 to 2 years on the counter before going bad, if you store them properly in their right conditions necessary on the counter.
Fresh thyme seeds last in the fridge for 3 to 4 years, before going bad, if you store them properly in their right conditions necessary in the fridge.
Thyme seeds last in the freezer for 5 to 7 years or more before going bad, if you store them properly in their right conditions necessary in the freezer.
These seeds when stored last for a very long period, helping easy planting in the garden
Or farmland to have abundant germination or harvest.
Here are some articles you may like to read on your leisure times;
- How long do carrots last in the fridge, freezer, and on the counter?
- Does butternut squash go bad in the fridge, freezer, and on the counter?
- How long does fresh zucchini last in the fridge, freezer, and on the counter?
How To Tell If Thyme Is Bad?
Remember, health is wealth.
Did you find already opened canned dried spice in the fridge or freezer and wondering if it is still good for use?
Or you opened your fridge or freezer and found out the thyme you wanted to use at that time is not good.
Did you check the expiration of dried canned thyme and found out it hasn’t expired yet,
But the problem you are having is that it’s been sitting too long on the counter and you don’t know if it’s good to eat?
Many factors makes this spice (either dry or fresh) to go wrong.
Improper storage, aging of the thyme can cause thyme to go bad.
Here are some signs to tell if your fresh thyme is going bad or headed south in the fridge, freezer, and on the counter;
Discoloration
All you need to do is check the appearance of the spice for any form of discoloration being fresh or dried.
If it happened to be any form of discoloration, such spice is bad.
Discard them immediately.
Also, check for wilted sprigs, if there are any.
Throw such veggie out immediately.
If Thyme Feels Too Soft And Duty
Touch, hold and feel the texture of the fresh vegetable spice.
When it feels soft, slimy, mushy, such fresh spice is bad.
Throw them out immediately.
Also, if the spice is dried touch it and if it feels rough and dusty, such dried spice is bad.
Discard them immediately.
Off Smell
Smell the spice (dried or fresh).
If you perceive an off smell or the thyme has a bad smell or it no longer has that spicy smell it used to have,
Such spice is bad and should be thrown out immediately.
Bad Taste
Taste the this amazing spice.
If it tastes awkward or unlike how it used to taste, such spice is bad.
Discard them immediately and do not use them again.
If Thyme Stay Too Long In The Freezer, Fridge, And On Counter
If this spice( dried or fresh) has been sitting for too long on the counter, fridge, or freezer,
It’s high time they should be discarded (don’t you think so too?).
I guess by now they might be having a bad smell or look and taste awkward.
So, why still keeping them? Throw them all out.
Do not use the ones (dried or fresh) that is bad,
It might give you a runny stomach or result in food poisoning which will hinder one’s health status.
Recommendation:
- How long does fresh pecan last in the fridge, freezer, and on the counter.
- Do sweet potatoes go bad in the fridge, freezer, and on the counter?
- How long do turnips last in the fridge, freezer, and on the counter?
How To Store Thyme To Make Them Last Longer?
Maintain food hygiene and food safety always. Eat well and stay healthy.
This spice can be stored in so many ways.
Here are some tips on how to store your thyme to make it last longer in the fridge, freezer, and on the counter;
When purchasing thyme from the grocery shop,
Select the ones that have a bright gray color with small oval leaves and the stems should be still and woody unlike spinach.
How To Store Time In The Freezer, And Fridge
Wrap thyme in damp paper and place it in a plastic container and store it in the freezer.
Keep thyme and thyme seeds far away from direct sunlight and excess moisture
And store them in a cool dry dark spot.
When purchasing canned or sachet dried thyme,
Always check for the expiration date before buying,
And when opened pour into a container that has a tight lid and store it.
Conclusion
How long does fresh thyme last in the fridge? This natural herb provides local healing too,
Upset stomach, diarrhea, bedwetting, parasitic worm infections, flatulence, Skin disorders, whooping cough, and sore throat.
One thing I like about this spice is using it to dress up chicken soup.
Do not alter our shelf life estimates with your medical advice. Eat well and stay healthy.
Maintain food hygiene and food safety always.
Our shelf life sources come from personal experience, experiments researches from other high high-profiles.
Remember, how long does fresh thyme last in the fridge