![]() ![]() The bouquet garni is simmered until it releases its flavors into the liquid. This classical flavoring for stocks, soups, and sauces consists of thyme, bay leaf, peppercorns, and parsley tied into a cheesecloth pouch. Thyme doesn’t always have to be permanently added to a dish to impart its flavor. A good rule to follow: Substitute about one teaspoon of the dried for about a tablespoon of the fresh. But in this case, the dried version has its charms, particularly in a stuffing for poultry. Like any other herb, fresh and dried thyme are not the same thing. Zip your other thumb and forefinger down the stem, pulling off the leaves as you go. Some thyme varieties can be tedious to pick, but English thyme, with its wiry stems, is quite easy: Pinch the top of a sprig between thumb and forefinger. Pat it dry and then pick the leaves from the stem if you’ll be chopping the thyme (the stems are tough and you don’t want to eat them). Other variants include a pinescented thyme native to northern Africa, one from the Azores with the aroma of tangerine, and even one that mimics oregano. It is ideal for filling in garden pathways and between stepping stones in areas of light foot traffic, producing a soft, fragrant carpet under foot. It spreads quickly, making it a good ground cover, especially with its soft, pink blossoms.Ĭreeping thyme ( Thymus drucei) also called “mother of thyme” or “wild thyme,” is another low-growing variety, more often used for gardening than for cooking. It is a low-growing variety that forms a dense, dark green mat. These same pungent oils make lemon thyme a favorite in aroma therapy for the treatment of asthma.Ĭaraway thyme, although difficult to find, makes an intriguing addition to meat dishes and is especially tasty in combination with garlic and wine. The natural, volatile oils also work as a digestive aid. The citrus flavor also helps to lighten fatty dishes. This makes it a natural choice for seasoning seafood dishes and even sweets. As the name implies, lemon thyme has a bit of a citrus tang, but is milder than most other thyme. ![]() Lemon thyme - the leaves are tiny and heart shaped, ringed with a splash of yellow. Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean area, Thymus vulgaris is a perennial shrub belonging to the Labiatae, or mint, family.įor the broadest culinary use, French thyme (also called summer thyme) and English thyme are the two to look for at your local market, but there are many other variants. During the Middle Ages, European ladies embroidered a sprig of thyme on tunics for their knights, again as a token of courage. The Scottish highlanders of old would prepare a tea of wild thyme for the same purpose, as well as for warding off nightmares. ![]() The Romans also associated thyme with courage and vigor, bathing in waters scented with thyme to prepare themselves for battle. Even the origins of the word thyme are Greek: from the word thymon meaning “courage.” Thyme was widely used: medically, in massage and bath oils, as incense in the temples and as an aphrodisiac. To the ancient Greeks, thyme came to denote elegance, and the phrase “to smell of thyme” became an expression of stylish praise. The hills of Greece are covered with wild thyme, and thyme honey from the tiny pink and lavender blossoms is plentiful. Because it’s equally at home in a caramel sauce served over roasted fruits as it is in baked macaroni and cheese, thyme has a prominent place in my herb garden and spice cabinet.
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