Springtime is here and some early herbs from my garden have been chives and thyme. The more I have delved into studying herbs, the more I am using them in the kitchen for all the wonderful attributes and as a flavor enhancer. Thyme has done well in my garden. It is a small, evergreen shrub from the mint family with tiny green leaves growing to about 12” tall. It can produce white or purple flowers. Thyme is a pretty easy perennial to grow and is hardy to zone 4. As long as you have well-draining soil and plenty of sunshine, you should be able to grow thyme. It can also be grown inside.
History of Thyme
Thyme has been used in many cultures throughout the ages.
- Ancient Egyptians used thyme in their embalming practices.
- Romans used it to purify their rooms and flavor cheese and liqueurs; it was associated with the goddess Venus.
- Greece used thyme as incense at sacred ceremonies; it symbolized courage, fortitude, and admiration.
- Medieval times there was a ritual for women to give their knights a scarf that had a sprig of thyme placed over an embroidered bee.
- Since the 16th century, thyme oil has been used for its antibacterial and cleansing properties for both the mouth and the skin.
Thyme is native to the western Mediterranean region; it is mainly produced in Asia, southern Europe, the Mediterranean region, North America, and many home gardens now.
Benefits of Thyme
Thyme has many medicinal properties which include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative (ease digestion), diaphoretic (promote perspiration/break fever), and expectorant (remove mucus in lungs). Here are some specific benefits of thyme.
- Acne – a tincture made with thyme produced impressive results on clearing up acne.
- Boost Immunity – thyme is packed with vitamins C and a good source of vitamin A which both are great for the immune system. It has been found to increase white blood cell formation and to increase the body’s resistance to bacteria and viruses.
- Lower Blood Pressure – thyme extract can significantly reduce the heart rate of rats with high blood pressure according to one study.
There are some safety concerns when consuming thyme: 1) thyme contains a moderate amount of oxalate so if you have a history of oxalate-containing kidney stones, avoid overconsuming. 2) Only use culinary amounts during pregnancy.
Use and Storage of Thyme
Thyme is used in many cuisines such as British, Mediterranean, Latin, African, Caribbean, and many more. Common thyme and lemon thyme are most often the varieties used for culinary purposes. Fresh or dried thyme can be used with fresh providing superior flavor. Fresh thyme should be kept in the fridge wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel for up to 7 days. Dried thyme should be kept in a glass container in a cool, dry place and may stay fresh 1 to 3 years. The ratio of fresh to dried is 1 tablespoon fresh would be equal to ¾ teaspoon ground thyme.
Thyme mixes well with garlic, basil, and oregano; it can be used to add flavor to pasta, pizza, vegetables, beans, grains, soups, and casseroles. It pairs well with meat, poultry, and fish. It is a pretty versatile herb.
Here are recipes to try.
- Leek, Carrot, and Thyme Soup from Lori Moore Holistic Health
- Lemon Thyme Green Tea from Melissa Pelkey Hass
- Roasted Potatoes with Garlic Butter from Elizabeth Kelley
- Strawberry-Thyme Jam from Sharon Demers
- Thyme & Basil Roast Pork from Lorraine Caland
Do you have a favorite recipe or way to use thyme? I would love for you to share recipes in the comments.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Heather
