Thyme can be frozen with the sprigs or just the leaves. The leaves will simply fall off once it’s cooked. For soups and stews, freezing just the leaves is the best method. All you need to do is take the thymes from the freezer and add them to the meal while it’s being cooked. Thyme can be frozen as is, without any prepping.
Another frequently asked query is “Can you freeze thyme leaves?”.
We can dig a little deeper! freeze the thyme flat on a sheet pan or plate, then store in a rigid container to prevent crushing. To use, strip the leaves from the stems by sliding each stem between a thumb and forefinger . Substitute frozen for fresh thyme in any recipe. Freeze herbs in water or light olive oil, as an alternative technique.
Can you freeze fresh thyme and pesto?
All you need to do is mix thyme with butter in a blender, roll into a sausage shape and then freeze wrapped in cling film. Instead of freezing the herbs in a mix, you can make a salsa verde, pesto or chimichurri, which can then be frozen .
One way to consider this is blanching and Freezing Fresh Thyme Blanching thyme will help preserve the color, texture, and flavor of the herb during freezing. Similar to freezing mint, blanching thyme first removes some of its woodiness. This will make the texture a bit softer and more subtle in flavors.
An answer is that flavoured butters freeze really well. All you need to do is mix thyme with butter in a blender, roll into a sausage shape and then freeze wrapped in cling film. Instead of freezing the herbs in a mix, you can make a salsa verde, pesto or chimichurri, which can then be frozen .
While we were writing we ran into the inquiry “Should you defrost thyme before cooking?”.
One answer is that with thymes, there’s really no need to defrost them. Due to their small size, they will thaw within minutes once it’s removed from the freezer. For meals that are being cooked , simply remove the thymes from the freezer and add it to the food. If you’ve frozen the thyme with the sprigs, strip the leaves off and add to the meal.
Can you freeze herbs?
Hardier herbs like rosemary, dill, thyme, bay or sage can be frozen right on the stem. Spread the herbs in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer. Once the herbs are frozen , loosely place them in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag.
How do you preserve thyme leaves?
The towels will absorb any remaining moisture , protecting the thyme. Slide the thyme and paper towels carefully into the freezer bag. Seal the “zipper” at least 3/4 of the way, then press flat to expel as much air as possible. Close the seal.
How long does dried thyme last?
Dried thyme (and most dried herbs) will last for a good 2 to 3 years in an airtight container. There would be no benefit to freezing them.