Thyme

Common Name

Thyme is a spice rich in both flavor and history. Like many culinary herbs, thyme was used by the ancient Egyptians, in the embalming process and also as a culinary ingredient.

Thyme was revered by the Greeks and Romans for its fragrant aroma and medicinal qualities, as well as for its culinary use. In ancient Greece, thyme was used to fumigate temples and the name thyme literally means "to fumigate" in Latin.

To be told you smell of thyme was a great compliment and it even written that thyme was in the stack of hay where Jesus was born.

Native to the Mediterranean, thyme spread throughout Europe by the Romans along with their empire. Thyme grew elsewhere, but never as well or as fragrantly as it did in its native soil.

Thyme was stuffed into pillow cases in hopes of curing epilepsy. Women of the Middle Ages would give scarves laced with thyme to knights (thyme was considered a symbol of courage). At one time thyme was grown to attract fairies. Thyme's antiseptic qualities were said to protect individuals against the plague, and thyme oil was in fact used as an antiseptic during World War II.

There are close to one hundred different varieties of thyme including, garden thyme, lemon thyme, and orange thyme. Garden thyme is the most common type of thyme used for cooking. Thyme is a small evergreen shrub with a warm, spicy aroma related to mint. It is greenish-gray in color and very delicate looking, but has a pungent, medicinal taste that is more refreshing than overpowering. An ingredient of bouquet garni and herbes de Provence, thyme is available fresh or dried.

Purported Medicinal Qualities*

Thyme and its volatile oil thymol have been used for centuries to combat everything from the plague to melancholy. Its strong anti-septic qualities are said to treat infections and thyme oil is used topically to treat everything from insect bites to dandruff. Chewing thyme is an excellent way to maintain good oral health, as it can be used as a natural mouthwash to prevent tooth decay, bad breath and plaque.

Historically, thyme has been used to:

• Aid digestion
• Stimulate mind and appetite
• Fight infection
• As an anti-oxidant
• Fight bacterial growth
• As a source of iron, calcium and fiber
• As a decongestant
• Relieve coughs and sore throat
• Provide relief from respiratory problems like asthma

*Always check with your healthcare provider before consuming, inhaling or otherwise ingesting any non-prescription or prescription natural or homeopathic substance or pharmaceutical. ChefatHand.com is not recommending, suggesting, inferring or otherwise endorsing the use of any herb or spice as a medication.

Culinary/Suggested Use

Thyme is an extremely versatile herb and is best when used fresh. Fresh thyme is much stronger in flavor than dried thyme and should be stored in the refrigerator. Dried thyme should be crushed in your hands or a morter and pestle to release the oils before adding it to your dish.  Food for thought:

• Add fresh thyme leaves to green salads
• Add a few thyme sprigs to soups, stocks or stews
• Thyme pairs well with lamb, pork, beef, poultry or fish
• Rub garlic and thyme into meat and roast or grill
• Add thyme to any tomato based sauce
• Add thyme to eggs or omeletes
• Add thyme to dips or dressings
• Use thyme with basil, oregano, sage, rosemary and garlic
• Thyme pairs well with most vegetables

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