About Thyme Thyme is an herb from the mint family and a staple ingredient in kitchens around the world—with small, fragrant leaves that are typically green-gray in color. It thrives in sunny and dry conditions and can be grown both outdoors in gardens and indoors in pots. How to Pick and Store Thyme When shopping for thyme, look for fresh, vibrant sprigs with intact leaves and a strong smell. To maximize thyme's shelf life, wrap fresh sprigs in a damp paper towel and store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the herb's moisture and aroma for up to a week