How to Cut and Dry Fresh Thyme for Cooking

Overview

Growing thyme in a garden or pot provides fresh seasoning anytime. Once flush with leaves, clip what you need—the plant regenerates quickly. Clip stems, tie, and hang upside down for a day or two to dry.

Cutting and Drying Steps

Step 1: Cut Stems

Gently pull a stem up and away, cut several inches from end. Repeat for several teaspoons of fresh thyme.

Step 2: Strip Leaves

Hold cut stems and clip leaves off. A few stems in leaves are fine, but remove most stems.

Step 3: Dry for Storage

Cut 4–5 inch stems, tie cut ends tightly. Hang upside down in dry, dark area for several days until dry. Store in sealed plastic bag.

Step 4: End-of-Season Harvest

Trim plant to ~2 inches above ground at season's end for complete harvest.