Produce
How long does fresh thyme last?
Fresh thyme holds 2–3 weeks in the fridge wrapped in a damp towel, or 1–2 weeks on the counter, where it dries into something you can still cook with.
Pantry
How long does it keep?
| Pantry | 1–2 weeks |
|---|---|
| Fridge | 2–3 weeks |
Can it sit out?
Fresh thyme is shelf-stable, so sitting out at room temperature isn’t the safety question — storage time is.
How to tell if fresh thyme has gone bad
- Leaves that blacken and drop at a touch
- Slimy stems inside the bag
- A musty smell where the resin used to be
When in doubt, throw it out.
Thyme that dried out on the stem isn’t spoiled — strip the leaves into a jar and use them like dried thyme.
Quick answers
How long does fresh thyme last?
Fresh thyme holds 2–3 weeks in the fridge wrapped in a damp towel, or 1–2 weeks on the counter, where it dries into something you can still cook with.
How long can fresh thyme sit out?
Sitting out at room temperature isn’t the safety question for fresh thyme — storage time is.