thyme, (Thymus vulgaris), pungent herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae) known for the aroma and flavour of its dried leaves and flowering tops. Thyme is native to Eurasia and is cultivated throughout the world.
What is the common name for thyme?
Thymus vulgaris (common thyme, English thyme, summer thyme, winter thyme, French thyme, or garden thyme) is a commonly used culinary herb.
What herb is the same as thyme?
Oregano. The first substitute we want to draw your attention to is oregano. Oregano possesses that same earthy flavor as thyme and also has those mint and citrus notes so well loved by thyme fans. Oregano is very popular in Italian dishes, working well with other herbs and spices.
What is thyme known for?
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an herb with a distinct smell. The flowers, leaves, and oil are commonly used to flavor foods and are also used as medicine. Thyme contains chemicals that might help bacterial and fungal infections. It also might help relieve coughing and have antioxidant effects.
Why is it called thyme?
Thyme is the dried leaf from the Thymus vulgaris shrub. The name “thyme” derives from the Greek word thymos which means “to fumigate”. This mostly likely refers to the aroma generated by the burning of thyme as incense in ancient Greek temples. The species name, vulgaris, is Latin for “common” or “widespread”.
Is thyme and rosemary the same?
The main difference between thyme and rosemary is that rosemary has a strong and pungent flavour than thyme. Thyme and rosemary are two popular herbs with culinary and medicinal uses. Both these herbs belong to the mint family and have a somewhat similar flavour profile.
Is thyme a mint?
Other culinary Mint Family stars are rosemary, savory, marjoram, sage, lemon balm, and thyme. Of the culinary herbs, basil and mint have perhaps the widest range of choices.
What Spice replaces thyme?
Oregano Fresh
Oregano. Fresh or dried, oregano makes a great thyme substitute. The flavours are very similar, both being in the mint family, and it’s an almost imperceptible switch. You can use oregano for thyme in virtually any recipe, no matter what type of cuisine it is.
What can I sub for thyme?
The Best Thyme Substitutes
- Oregano. Fresh or dried, oregano hits many of the same earthy, minty, savory and slightly bitter notes as thyme.
- Marjoram. You can also use fresh or dried marjoram in place of thyme.
- Basil.
- Savory.
- Poultry seasoning.
- Italian seasoning.
- Za’atar.
- Herbes de Provence.
Is oregano same as thyme?
What’s the difference between thyme and oregano? The flavor and scent are their most defining features, with thyme being a complex combination of sweet and peppery as well as minty and lemony, whereas oregano is a very bold, pungent and earthy flavor.
What happens if I smoke thyme?
The smoke of Thyme was thought to evoke a spirit of courage in those who inhaled it, and if death should be the fate of the soldier it was believed to be a powerful aid to the journey into the afterlife.
Can you eat thyme?
Cooking With Fresh Thyme
Fresh thyme can be added to a recipe whole with the stem, or the leaves can be removed from the stem and then sprinkled into a dish. If a recipe calls for a “sprig” of thyme, the leaves and stem should be kept intact.
Can you eat raw thyme?
Can you eat raw thyme leaves? Thyme (thymus vulgaris) is an herb that can be consumed fresh or dried. Like other herbs and spices, it’s packed with disease-fighting nutrients and antioxidants. The easiest way to make this common herb a part of your regular diet to make sure you keep some dried thyme in your kitchen.
What type of plant is thyme?
Herbaceous perennial
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a low-growing, woody perennial that performs especially well in somewhat dry, sunny conditions.
How to Grow and Care for Thyme.
| Botanical Name | Thymus vulgaris |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Thyme, Common Thyme, Garden Thyme, English Thyme |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Size | 6-12 in. tall, 6- to 12-in. spread |
How do you identify thyme?
How to Identify Different Types of Thyme
- Notice the height of the plant. The low-creeping types of thyme grow 4 to 6 inches high.
- Observe the leaves for their shape and color.
- Check the stems and branches.
- Pick a few leaves and rub them between your fingers.
- Look for flowers.
Is thyme good for hair growth?
Thyme can help promote hair growth by both stimulating the scalp and actively preventing hair loss. Like cedarwood oil, thyme oil was also found to be helpful in treating alopecia areata .
Which is healthier thyme or rosemary?
Thyme is richer in vitamins, containing overall two times more when compared to rosemary. Thyme is notably higher in vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamins B2 and B3. On the other hand, rosemary contains a higher level of vitamin B5 and vitamin B9 or folate.
Where is thyme used in cooking?
Thyme is typically used in savory dishes like braised or roasted meat, vegetables, or fish, as well as in savory baking. It can also be used to add flavor and depth to marinades, soups and stocks, cocktail elements, and teas.
Is thyme good for lungs?
Respiratory Support
Thyme is great for respiratory health as well, with some clinical studies showing its use in soothing coughs and relieving chest congestion. While fresh thyme is the most helpful for this, the essential thyme oils available in thyme tea may have some of these benefits, too.
Can you drink thyme tea everyday?
While thyme tea is generally safe for most people, like all foods and drinks, it may not be for everyone. Those on blood thinners, for example, should check with their doctors before drinking thyme tea—or avoid it altogether. “Like many other herbs, thyme may slow blood clotting,” Poon says.
Does thyme tea make you sleepy?
Did you know that thyme contains an anxiolytic active ingredient that could be beneficial to sleep? Thyme can therefore help anxious people to relax, much like its friend verbena.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.