

Hanging upside down allows the essential oils to flow downward from the stems to the leaves. Dried thyme can be homemade from fresh sprigs. Fresh thyme and dried thyme can usually be used interchangeably, albeit in different proportions. Dried thyme is an herb that is commonly added to meats, marinades, and most any dish in need of seasoning. Thyme leaves may be used as a flavoring for stews. So, if your recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried basil, you can substitute 3 teaspoons (or 1 tablespoon) of fresh chopped basil in its place. The general rule for substituting fresh herbs for dried herbs is to use three times the amount of chopped fresh herbs for the dried herbs called for in a recipe (and vice versa). How do I use dried herbs instead of fresh? How important is thyme in a recipe?īecause of its grounding, savory-sweet, not-too-intense flavor, thyme can add complexity and warmth to a whole host of dishes: poultry, steak, mushrooms and other vegetable dishes, and even delicate desserts. Dried herbs are easy to keep on hand, and they are at least as beneficial as fresh, if not more so, because the drying process actually concentrates the polyphenols and flavors. …ĭo dried herbs still have health benefits?Īlthough fresh herbs offer a clean, bright flavor and springlike appeal, don’t write off dried, which have upsides of their own. You can also use fresh or dried marjoram in place of thyme. Fresh or dried, oregano hits many of the same earthy, minty, savory and slightly bitter notes as thyme. For example, if you’re converting fresh sage to dried sage in a recipe that calls for 1 Tbsp. Substituting Dried Herbs for Fresh A general rule of thumb for the dried-to-fresh herb ratio: Use one-third the amount of dried herb for the fresh herb called for in the recipe. What quantity of dried herbs should be substituted for fresh in a recipe? (This works for any dried herbs.) What herbs should not be dried?ĭelicate, leafy herbs like parsley, tarragon, and chives are always superior when fresh, and should typically be avoided when dried since they don’t add much flavor to a dish. Ratio: For 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, substitute 1 teaspoon dried thyme. The best option for fresh thyme is to use dried if you have it on hand! Here’s the conversion ratio. You can use oregano for thyme in virtually any recipe, no matter what type of cuisine it is. The flavours are very similar, both being in the mint family, and it’s an almost imperceptible switch. What if I don’t have fresh thyme?įresh or dried, oregano makes a great thyme substitute. 6-to-1 ratio dried leaf herb to ground dried herb or 1 Tbsp of dried leaf herb = 1/2 tsp of ground dried herb. However, if you are working with a finely ground herb, follow the below conversions: 4-to-1 ratio fresh to ground dried or 1 Tbsp fresh = 3/4 tsp ground dried. Can I substitute ground thyme for dried thyme? If you’re making a swap, use less dried herbs than you would fresh. Fresh herbs have a higher water content, so they’re not as strong. Why are dried herbs stronger than fresh?ĭried herbs have been dried and often crushed, which concentrates their flavor, making them more potent than fresh herbs. The same rule replies in reverse when swapping fresh herbs for dried herbs. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, then you would add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Generally, when swapping dried herbs for fresh herbs, you should use ⅓ of the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe.

Can I substitute dry thyme for fresh thyme? The same goes for basil, dill, parsley, and any other herb that you fancy. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano, you need only 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. That means the correct ratio is 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs to 1 teaspoon of dried herbs. How do you convert fresh spices to dried? That way, those strong flavors won’t overpower your dish. For that reason, you can usually add less dry herbs than you would fresh herbs. Is dried thyme stronger than fresh?ĭried herbs tend to have a deeper, spicier flavor than fresh herbs. Thyme: Substitute 3/4 teaspoon ground thyme for every 6 sprigs or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme. How much ground thyme equals fresh thyme? crushed dried thyme, according to the “Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book,” by Tricia Laning. fresh snipped thyme is equivalent to 1/4 tsp. What is 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme to dried thyme?įor example, 2 tsp.
