Thyme - The Herb That Stands the Test of Time

By Caroline Anderson August 4, 2023 12 mins read 38 Views

Thyme is a perennial evergreen in its warm native Mediterranean climate, but can be grown as an annual elsewhere. It’s an easy herb to grow from seed or propagate with green cuttings.

This tough plant doesn’t need much fertilization, but a top dressing of compost in early spring is always welcome. Thyme is drought tolerant once established.

Timeless Appeal

Thyme is a classic herb that is cherished for its flavor, aroma and potential health benefits. It is found in countless recipes and used to flavor foods like soups, stews, roasted vegetables, meats and poultry.

Thymes are closely related to mints and oregano, but have a flavor that is unique. It is an essential part of many Mediterranean dishes and pairs well with other herbs like rosemary, basil and parsley.

Dried thyme can be added to soups and stews at the end of cooking, when the dish is being removed from the heat, to bring a wonderful aroma to the kitchen and to help intensify the flavor of the dish. Thyme is also a great addition to marinades and roasted vegetable salads. Use a handful of fresh leaves or a teaspoon of dried in a salad dressing for best results.

Add Depth and Complexity to Your Recipes

Thyme pairs well with nearly any recipe, whether you’re cooking up roast chicken or a simple potato side dish. The herb’s savory, earthy-citrusy flavor is grounding yet not intense or overpowering like some herbs (especially oregano and rosemary).

It’s a key component in recipes inspired by southern European cuisine and an essential ingredient in Herbes de Provence and za’atar seasoning. It’s also often used in poultry seasoning recipes and with meat, particularly pork and lamb, especially as a rub or in roasted dishes.

When shopping for fresh thyme, look for bunches that are bright and verdant, with no signs of wilting. It should be fragrant, and the leaves should be crisp. The leaves may need to be separated from the woody stem. Unless a recipe specifies “bunch” or sprigs, the entire herb should be used in recipes, as it retains its flavor better than some other herbs do when dried.

Fresh or Dried

When dried, thyme maintains its flavor better than many other herbs. To dry thyme, place the leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and set them in an oven at the lowest temperature. Leave the oven door open slightly so moisture can escape. Drying should take about 2-4 hours. When done, the leaves will feel crumbly and dry. Remove the herb from the oven and store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark area.

Fresh thyme pairs well with meats, fish and chicken (especially roast chicken) and goes nicely with soups and stews. It is also a key ingredient in savory herb blends like Herbes de Provence and za'atar.

Generally, recipes calling for fresh thyme can be substituted for dried, but it is usually best to add the herb early in the cooking process so that it can rehydrate and activate its flavors before the dish is finished. A typical recipe will call for a sprig or a handful of leaves.

Infuse in Oils or Vinegars

Thyme’s essential oil is fungicidal, so it can help keep mold at bay in the kitchen and other moist spaces. It also has natural insect repellant properties, and it can be added to homemade cleaners and sprays. A thyme vinegar is easy to make: add 5-10 sprigs of rinsed dried thyme to a cup of cold vinegar in a sterilized jar and leave in a warm, dark place for two weeks, shaking occasionally. The resulting thyme vinegar adds interest to salad dressings, stews and soups, and it makes a lovely gift.

If you don’t have fresh thyme, feel free to substitute with other savory herbs that are similar in flavor and character. Try spicier oregano, sweet and delicate marjoram, or peppery savory for more herbal aromas in a dish. Or use it in a bouquet garni bundle with other, more robust herb flavors to ambientally season your dish. Here at OE, thyme is the star of our lentil potato stew and vegan marinara, but it also shines in roasted vegetables, and in many other Mediterranean dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which plant has antibiotic and wound-healing properties?

People often ask about plants that have medicinal uses. Some of these include aloe vera, eucalyptus, chamomile, and lavender. If you're wondering why there aren't any plants used for cleaning and disinfecting purposes, it's because most plants have toxic qualities.

The reason why we use herbs for medicine is that they contain compounds that stimulate our immune system. This means that they help us fight infections and heal wounds.

Some plants also have anti-inflammatory properties. These include ginger, turmeric, and mint.

Herbs such as basil, fennel, marigold, and oregano are great for cleansing the body.

There are even some plants that help prevent cancer. Research shows that black raspberries may reduce the chances of developing breast cancer. The same goes for broccoli. It can help prevent colon cancer.

Is eating raw basil good for you?

I'm sure everyone knows that fresh herbs are great for cooking but did you know that you could eat them too? Raw, uncooked herbs are packed full of nutrients and vitamins that we normally have to cook.

They contain more antioxidants than any fruit or vegetable. And they also help our immune systems stay strong and healthy.

The best way to enjoy these delicious little green gems is to eat them raw from the garden. But there's nothing wrong with enjoying them cooked, either. They taste even better when sautéed in olive oil and served alongside pasta or rice.

There are lots of ways to incorporate raw herbs into recipes. Add them to salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, omelets, stir-fries, and pesto.

Just make sure you wash them well first!

Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

It is best to pick up fresh herbs whenever possible when using herbs.

Although dried herbs are convenient, they don’t provide the same benefits as fresh herbs.

Fresh herbs contain essential oils that give your food a unique flavor. These oils help preserve the nutrients within the herb.

Dried herbs lose all their flavor after drying, so they cannot replace fresh herbs.

You should only use dried herbs if you absolutely must. Otherwise, you should get your fresh herbs from the market.

Statistics

The herbs market is highly competitive, with over 1,000 herb suppliers and over 15,000 herbs products available in the United States alone.
For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)

External Links

How To

What to look for in herbs?

Herbs contain natural compounds that may help treat various conditions. In addition, herbal remedies may provide relief when used along with conventional treatments.

Herbal remedies include teas, capsules, tablets, ointments, creams, lotions, oils, and topical applications. Some of these products are meant to be taken internally, while others are applied externally.

The most common uses of herbal remedies include relieving minor aches and pains, treating cold symptoms, reducing fever, controlling coughs and sore throats, easing digestion problems, soothing skin irritations, alleviating menstrual cramps, and providing general health benefits.

When buying herbs, look for the following:

Freshly picked plants. Avoid dried herbs unless they've been stored in a cool place. If possible, buy herbs directly from farmers' markets.
Pure extracts. These are made by extracting the active ingredients from herbs using alcohol or water. Look for 100% pure extractions.
Certified organic herbs. Organic herbs must meet strict standards set forth by the USDA.
Natural flavors. Many herbs have strong scents that can overwhelm other foods. Adding flavorings such as vanilla, almond, or orange helps mask their smell.
Potency. The amount of active ingredient per unit weight varies depending on the type of herb.
Packaging. When purchasing herbs, check the packaging to ensure that it's clean and free of chemicals.

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