Thyme

Thyme is a small but mighty herb that has been used for centuries as both a culinary and medicinal ingredient. This superfood boasts an impressive list of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and is loaded with antioxidants. Thyme’s unique and aromatic flavor also makes it a versatile ingredient in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to marinades and sauces. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or simply looking to incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into your diet, thyme is a flavorful and healthy addition that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the many benefits of thyme and provide tips for incorporating it into your daily routine.

Jump To:

• History
• Top Healthy Recipes
• Nutritional Benefits
• Health Benefits
• Nutritional Breakdown
• Peak Season
• How to Select
• How to Store
• Fun Facts
• Superfood in Italy
• Superfood In Poland
• Varieties
• Humor

History:

Thyme has a long and fascinating history dating back to ancient times. The ancient Egyptians used thyme in their embalming process, while the ancient Greeks burned it as incense in their temples, believing it to be a symbol of courage and bravery. In medieval Europe, thyme was commonly used to flavor food and was also believed to have medicinal properties that could ward off diseases such as the bubonic plague. During World War I, thyme was used as an antiseptic to treat soldiers’ wounds and as a disinfectant in hospitals. Today, thyme is still widely used in cooking and is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Its numerous health benefits have also made it a popular choice in natural medicine, where it is used to treat everything from respiratory infections to digestive issues. With its rich history and versatile uses, thyme continues to be a beloved herb around the world.

Top Healthy Recipes

Thyme is a versatile herb that adds a unique and delicious flavor to a wide range of dishes. Here are some top recipes that showcase thyme’s culinary prowess:

1. Lemon Thyme Roasted Chicken: This classic recipe is a favorite for a reason. Rub chicken with olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, and fresh thyme, then roast until golden and juicy.
2. Thyme Roasted Vegetables: Toss a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, with olive oil and fresh thyme, then roast until tender and caramelized.
3. Creamy Thyme Mushroom Soup: Sauté mushrooms with garlic and onion, then simmer in vegetable broth and cream with fresh thyme until silky smooth.
4. Thyme and Lemon Baked Salmon: Place salmon fillets in a baking dish with sliced lemon and fresh thyme, then bake until flaky and tender.
5. Tomato and Thyme Focaccia: This savory bread is a delicious way to showcase thyme’s flavor. Top a homemade or store-bought focaccia with sliced tomatoes, fresh thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil before baking until golden and crispy.
6. Honey Thyme Grilled Peaches: Cut ripe peaches in half and brush with a mixture of honey and fresh thyme before grilling until charred and caramelized.

These recipes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to using thyme in your cooking. Experiment with different dishes and enjoy the unique flavor and health benefits of this superfood herb.

Nutritional Benefits:

Thyme is a versatile herb that adds a unique and delicious flavor to a wide range of dishes. Here are some top recipes that showcase thyme’s culinary prowess:

1. Lemon Thyme Roasted Chicken: This classic recipe is a favorite for a reason. Rub chicken with olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, and fresh thyme, then roast until golden and juicy.
2. Pan Fried Herbed Pork Chops: This classic French recipe adds the flavors of thyme an rosemary to a buttery pan fried pork chop for a juicy, tasty meal.
3. Thyme Roasted Vegetables: Toss a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, with olive oil and fresh thyme, then roast until tender and caramelized.
4. Creamy Thyme Mushroom Soup: Sauté mushrooms with garlic and onion, then simmer in vegetable broth and cream with fresh thyme until silky smooth.
5. Thyme and Lemon Baked Salmon: Place salmon fillets in a baking dish with sliced lemon and fresh thyme, then bake until flaky and tender.
6. Tomato and Thyme Focaccia: This savory bread is a delicious way to showcase thyme’s flavor. Top a homemade or store-bought focaccia with sliced tomatoes, fresh thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil before baking until golden and crispy.
7. Honey Thyme Grilled Peaches: Cut ripe peaches in half and brush with a mixture of honey and fresh thyme before grilling until charred and caramelized.

These recipes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to using thyme in your cooking. Experiment with different dishes and enjoy the unique flavor and health benefits of this superfood herb.

Overall, this is a versatile and powerful natural remedy that can provide a wide range of health benefits. Whether consumed fresh, dried, powdered, or as a supplement, it can be a valuable addition to a healthy and balanced lifestyle. However, it’s important to note that this should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment, and you should always consult with your healthcare provider before using this or any other natural remedy for medicinal purposes.

Health Benefits:

Thyme has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its numerous medicinal properties. Here are some of the key medicinal qualities of thyme:

1. Anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties: Thyme contains compounds such as thymol and carvacrol that have potent anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties. These compounds can help to kill harmful bacteria and viruses, making thyme useful in treating infections such as respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.
2. Anti-inflammatory properties: Thyme contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body. This makes thyme useful in treating conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.
3. Antioxidant properties: Thyme is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This may help to prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
4. Respiratory benefits: Thyme has long been used as a natural remedy for respiratory infections such as coughs and colds. Its antimicrobial and expectorant properties can help to fight off infections, while its ability to loosen mucus can help to ease congestion and coughing.
5. Digestive benefits: Thyme has been traditionally used to aid digestion and may help to relieve bloating and gas. It also has carminative properties, which can help to soothe the digestive tract and reduce digestive discomfort.
6. Skin benefits: Thyme has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful in treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
7. Anti-cancer properties: Thyme contains compounds that have been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in vitro. While more research is needed, these findings suggest that thyme may have potential as a natural cancer-fighting agent.
8. Cognitive benefits: Thyme contains compounds that have been found to improve cognitive function in animal studies. While more research is needed to determine whether these effects translate to humans, these findings suggest that thyme may have potential as a natural cognitive enhancer.
9. Blood pressure benefits: Thyme contains compounds that have been found to lower blood pressure in animal studies. While more research is needed to determine whether these effects translate to humans, these findings suggest that thyme may have potential as a natural blood pressure-lowering agent.
10. Anti-fungal properties: Thyme contains compounds that have been found to have anti-fungal properties, which can help to treat fungal infections such as candida.

Overall, this is a versatile and powerful natural remedy that can provide a wide range of health benefits. Whether consumed fresh, dried, powdered, or as a supplement, it can be a valuable addition to a healthy and balanced lifestyle. However, it’s important to note that this should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment, and you should always consult with your healthcare provider before using this or any other natural remedy for medicinal purposes.

Nutritional Breakdown:

Here is a nutritional breakdown of dried thyme per 1 tablespoon (0.7 grams):

• Calories: 3
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.6 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Vitamin C: 1.2 mg (2% of the Daily Value, or DV)
• Vitamin A: 44.8 IU (less than 1% of the DV)
• Vitamin K: 1.1 mcg (1% of the DV)
• Iron: 0.3 mg (2% of the DV)
• Calcium: 14.2 mg (1% of the DV)
• Manganese: 0.1 mg (3% of the DV)

Thyme is a low-calorie herb that is rich in antioxidants and contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron. While the serving size of thyme used in cooking is typically small, it can still contribute to overall nutrient intake and provide health benefits.

Peak Season:

Thyme is a hardy perennial herb that can grow year-round in mild climates, but its peak season for harvest varies depending on the region and climate. In general, thyme tends to grow and be harvested during the summer months when temperatures are warm and sunny. In some regions, such as the Mediterranean, thyme can be harvested throughout the year due to its favorable growing conditions.

If you are looking to purchase fresh thyme, you are most likely to find it in abundance during the summer months. However, dried thyme is available year-round and can be used in place of fresh thyme in many recipes.

How to Select:

When selecting fresh thyme, look for vibrant green leaves that are not wilted or yellowed. Here are some tips on how to pick fresh thyme:

1. Smell the thyme: Fresh thyme should have a strong, pleasant aroma. Pick up a bunch of thyme and crush a few leaves between your fingers to release its fragrance. If the thyme has a weak or musty smell, it may be old or not as fresh.
2. Look for firm stems: The stems of fresh thyme should be firm and not wilted. Avoid thyme that has soft or floppy stems.
3. Check the leaves: Look for leaves that are a vibrant green color and not yellowed or brown. The leaves should be small and delicate, with no signs of damage or discoloration.
4. Buy from a reputable source: To ensure that you are getting the freshest thyme possible, buy from a reputable source such as a farmers’ market or a grocery store that has a high turnover of fresh herbs.
5. Store properly: To keep your fresh thyme as fresh as possible, store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, you can also freeze fresh thyme by removing the leaves from the stems and placing them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months.

How To Store:

Thyme can be stored both fresh and dried. Here are some tips on how to store thyme:

1. Fresh thyme: To keep fresh thyme as fresh as possible, store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Make sure to remove any excess moisture by placing a paper towel in the bag with the thyme. Fresh thyme can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
2. Dried thyme: Dried thyme can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Make sure to label the container with the date you purchased or dried the thyme. Dried thyme can last up to 6 months.
3. Freezing thyme: Thyme can also be frozen to preserve its flavor and freshness. To freeze thyme, remove the leaves from the stems and place them in a plastic bag or an airtight container. Freeze the thyme for up to 6 months.
4. Preserving thyme in oil: Thyme can also be preserved in oil by placing the leaves in a jar and covering them with olive oil. This method can help to extend the shelf life of thyme and add flavor to the oil.

By storing thyme properly, you can ensure that it stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.

Varieties:

There are many varieties of thyme, each with its own unique flavor and aroma. Here are some of the most common varieties:

1. Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): This is the most common variety of thyme and is often used in cooking. It has a slightly sweet and minty flavor.
2. Lemon Thyme (Thymus x citriodus): This variety has a citrusy flavor and is often used in fish dishes, salads, and marinades.
3. Caraway Thyme (Thymus herba-barona): This variety has a strong caraway-like flavor and is often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
4. Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus): This variety has soft, woolly leaves and a mild flavor. It is often used as a ground cover in gardens.
5. Orange Balsam Thyme (Thymus fragrantissimus): This variety has a strong orange scent and flavor, making it a popular choice for use in teas and desserts.
6. Variegated Thyme (Thymus x citriodorus ‘Variegata’): This variety has variegated leaves with cream-colored edges and a lemony flavor.
7. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): This variety has small, round leaves and a strong, earthy flavor. It is often used as a ground cover in gardens.

There are many other varieties of thyme, each with its own unique characteristics. When cooking with thyme, it’s important to choose a variety that complements the flavors of your dish.

Fun Facts:

Here are some fun facts about thyme:

1. Thyme has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. In ancient Egypt, it was used as an embalming fluid, and in ancient Greece, it was used to treat respiratory ailments.
2. Thyme is a member of the mint family and is closely related to oregano and basil.
3. The name “thyme” comes from the Greek word “thumus,” which means courage. In ancient times, thyme was believed to give people strength and courage.
4. Thyme is one of the main ingredients in Herbes de Provence, a blend of herbs commonly used in French cuisine.
5. Bees love thyme! The flowers of the thyme plant produce nectar that bees use to make honey.
6. Thyme has antiseptic properties and was commonly used during World War I to disinfect surgical equipment and wounds.
7. In the Middle Ages, thyme was believed to ward off evil spirits and was often used in incense and placed under pillows for good luck.
8. Thyme is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of environments. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
9. The essential oil of thyme is used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and relieve stress.
10. Thyme is a versatile herb that can be used in a wide range of dishes, from soups and stews to roasted meats and vegetables.

Superfood in Italy

Thyme is a popular herb in Italian cuisine and is used in a variety of dishes. In Italy, thyme is known as “timo” and is often used in pasta sauces, meat dishes, and vegetable dishes.

One of the most famous Italian dishes that includes thyme is Osso Buco, a Milanese specialty made with veal shanks braised with vegetables, white wine, and thyme. Thyme is also commonly used in Italian sausage, which is often flavored with garlic, fennel, and thyme.

In addition to its culinary uses, thyme has a long history in Italian herbal medicine. It has been used to treat respiratory ailments, digestive problems, and skin conditions, and was also used as a natural antiseptic.

In Italian gardens, thyme is often grown as a decorative herb and is used as a ground cover or as a border for garden beds. It is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in the Mediterranean climate of Italy.

Overall, thyme is a beloved herb in Italy that has been used for centuries in both culinary and medicinal applications. Its versatile flavor and wide range of uses make it a staple in Italian cuisine.

Superfood in Poland:

Thyme, known as “tymianek” in Polish, is a popular herb in Polish cuisine and is used in a variety of dishes. It is especially common in the regional cuisines of the southern regions of Poland.

One of the most famous dishes that includes thyme in Poland is Bigos, a hearty stew made with sauerkraut, meats, and vegetables. Thyme is also commonly used in soups, stews, and meat dishes, and is often paired with other herbs such as marjoram and bay leaves.

In traditional Polish herbal medicine, thyme has been used to treat coughs, sore throats, and respiratory infections. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Thyme is a hardy plant that can grow well in Poland’s temperate climate. It is often grown in gardens and is used as a decorative herb or as a natural insect repellent.

Overall, thyme is a beloved herb in Poland that has been used for centuries in both culinary and medicinal applications. Its strong flavor and versatility make it a staple in Polish cuisine.

Humor:

Why did the chef put thyme in his soup?

Because he ran out of time!

“Thyme is the spice of life.”

– Hippocrates