How To Buy Thyme & Where To Find (Fresh or Dried)

If you’re not accustomed to cooking with herbs, you may be wondering how to buy thyme, right?

Thyme is an herb that is both flavorful and versatile. It can be purchased from many sources and comes in dried and fresh. Use the following tips and information to help you buy thyme so you can start using it to make your favorite dishes even tastier.

Thyme is a flavorful herb with a zesty kick and is part of the mint family. It’s versatile and can be used in soups, stews, roasts, and more.

You can buy fresh or dried thyme. It’s available in most traditional grocery stores and can also be purchased at ethnic markets and other places. You can buy dried thyme online at online grocery retailers.

Where To Find Thyme

Thyme can be grown in many climates but it thrives best in warm and hot temperatures. You can find it year-round in most grocery stores. You may also be able to find fresh thyme in local farmer’s markets when it’s in season.

Fresh thyme should have a vibrant color and should smell fragrant. It loses its smell and flavor as it ages so it’s important to buy the freshest possible. You also have the option to purchase a small thyme potted plant to keep in your home.

This allows you to always have access to fresh thyme and can also be a fun hobby.

Related: How Are Grocery Store Aisles Organized?

Types of Thyme

There are many varieties of thyme. All have a similar flavor but there are some distinct characteristics that make each type different.

The following information on the most common types of thyme can help you choose the best one based on how you intend to use it and the flavors you’re looking for.

Lemon thyme

This thyme variety can add subtle hints of lemon to your favorite dishes. It has yellowish-green foliage and can be found in some markets.

Related: Buying Lemongrass – Your Grocery Guide

French thyme

This common variety works well in soups and stews. It has a versatile flavor and is easily chopped when fresh. This variety can also be found dried.

Silver thyme

Not only does this thyme variety have a great flavor, it also has an interesting look. Silver thyme is perfect for use in any dish where you want to add flavor without overpowering delicate foods.

Dried Or Fresh

Thyme comes in dried and fresh varieties. Fresh thyme may have a stronger flavor but it doesn’t last nearly as long.

Dried thyme, when stored properly, can last for much longer although it will lose its flavor over time.

Fresh thyme needs to be refrigerated while dried thyme doesn’t which is another reason that many people prefer dried.

You can find both varieties at most grocery stores. Dried thyme usually comes ground or crushed which makes it easy to shake out into your food.

Related: Buying Bay Leaves – Fresh or Dried

Where To Buy Thyme

Nearly any grocery store will have thyme in the dried spice aisle. You may also be able to find it in the produce section with the other fresh herbs.

Dried thyme may come in a jar or plastic packaging. Fresh thyme will likely be found in a clamshell type package and maybe hanging up in the fresh produce area. If you’re lucky enough to find fresh thyme at your local farmer’s market, it will probably be sold loose which allows you to buy as little or as much as you want.

Dried thyme can be found at most online grocery retailers and can be affordable to purchase that way, especially if you’re buying in bulk.

Cost Of Thyme

Thyme can vary greatly in cost based on where you purchase it and they type you purchase. Most thyme will be sold by the package weight. Some markets may also sell loose fresh thyme so you can buy the quantity you need.

Fresh thyme is usually around $2-3 per ounce. Dried thyme can be significantly higher in price. But, with dried thyme, you aren’t paying for stems or other parts of the plant that can’t be eaten. Buying dried thyme in bulk can also be a good way to save money.

How to Buy Thyme – Other Things To Consider

Fresh thyme should look vibrant in color and shouldn’t be wilted. If it’s in a plastic container, check to be sure the inside of the container is dry and free of broken pieces as this can indicate the thyme may not be fresh.

When it comes to buying dried thyme, look for a container with a shaker top. This makes it easier to use the thyme and can help prevent using too much in your dishes.

Thyme is a fragrant herb that can be added to stews, soups, roasts, and other dishes. There are many different varieties but they all tend to have similar flavors. Thyme is available fresh or dried.

When purchasing thyme, you should consider how frequently you plan to use it. Dried thyme lasts longer and can cost less if you buy in bulk.