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QUICK PREP TIP: PICKING THYME

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Picking minuscule leaves off fresh thyme can really pluck at your nerves. In the test kitchen, we rely on some tricks to make this job go faster. If the thyme has very thin, pliable stems, just chop the stems and leaves together, discarding the tough bottom portions as you go. If the stems are thicker and woodier, run your thumb and forefinger down the stems to release the leaves and smaller offshoots. The tender tips can be left intact and chopped along with the leaves once the woodier stems have been sheared clean and discarded.