Thanks to its ingredients, thyme is not only versatile in the kitchen. However, proper harvesting and storage is essential for good results.

Young thyme shoots can be harvested continuously. Drying will keep them for a long time

Harvest Thyme

The valuable thyme oil also makes the true thyme (Thymus vulgaris) an effective medicinal plant. In order for the herb to be used effectively, the harvest time must be observed. This is the only way to achieve optimal results when using thyme, which has a disinfecting and expectorant effect. In principle, young shoots of thyme can be harvested continuously. However, this should be done before flowering (June-October). This is exhausting for the plant and basically leads to a loss of aroma. When harvested in the morning, the concentrations of the essential oils contained are highest. As the day progresses, the respiration and thus the water requirements of the plant also increase. This dilutes the ingredients and even “breathes them out”, so to speak. You can actually easily tell that from the more intense smell of the plant in the afternoon.

Storage Thyme

There are several useful and tasty ways to extend the shelf life of thyme.

  • Drying: 10 to 15 cm long sprouts of thyme are cut off and hung upside down. Ideally, a dry and dark place should be selected for this. The essential components of the thymain oil are protected from accelerated degradation by the light exclusion.
  • Freezing: The small thyme leaves are plucked from the shoots and washed in delicate manual work. They can then be frozen on their own or with water in an ice cube mold. The garden herb is thus preserved for portioned removal as required.
  • Preserving: Whole dried or fresh thyme shoots can also be preserved in oil or vinegar to extend their shelf life. Incidentally, you can produce a spicy vinegar or a Mediterranean-inspired oil. The only thing to note is that the shoots must be completely surrounded by the liquid. Otherwise start especiallyyoung shoots to mold quickly.

It doesn't matter which way - it's always worthwhile to extend the shelf life of the medicinal herb so that you can enjoy it all year round.

Thyme has long been known for its healing properties. In our special article you will find information on the use of thyme as a medicinal and aromatic herb.

Category:

Herbs