Is Garden Thyme Edible?

Both types are edible, but creeping thymes are usually small and tedious to harvest and are therefore more valuable as ground covers. Garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris), also known as common, English, or French thyme, is most often used as a seasoning. The flavor of this hardy perennial is pungent and strong.

Can you eat garden thyme?

The aromatic foliage of thyme will fill the air with scent on a warm sunny day, while its flowers are a magnet to wildlife. Its edible leaves are used fresh or dried to flavour soups, stews, fish, meat, sausages, stuffings and vegetable dishes.

What types of thyme are edible?

But when it comes to the kitchen, the players are few. There are only about half a dozen considered suitable for cooking. Out of this group, I find four to be most useful: French thyme, lemon thyme, oregano-scented thyme, and caraway thyme. French thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is the one that most people know.

What thyme is not edible?

All thymes (and there are over 350 species in the genus Thymus) are edible and this includes varieties usually thought of as ornamental or medicinal. However, some are more popular in cooking than others.

Is decorative thyme edible?

Just like other thyme varieties, creeping thyme is edible with a flavor and aroma akin to mint when crushed or steeped for teas or tinctures. To harvest creeping thyme ground cover, either remove the leaves from the stems or dry them by snipping from the plant and hanging them upside down in a dark, well-aerated area.

What can I do with thyme from my garden?

Thyme (fresh and dried) pairs well with meats of all kinds, chicken, stews, soups, eggs, pastas, vegetables and beans. Fresh thyme is nice with fish and seafood. Think of thyme when you are making lasagna, sautéing or roasting vegetables, roasting chicken, pork, lamb, or beef, and making any sort of potato dish.

Can you still eat thyme when it flowers?

And yes, Julie, do eat the thyme flowers: they are perfectly edible and very pretty.

Can all thyme be used in cooking?

Thyme leaves can be added, whole or chopped, to a dish at any stage of cooking. The longer they cook, however, the more flavor they’ll provide. Thyme stems are fibrous and won’t break down during cooking, so if using whole thyme stems, pick them out and discard before serving.

Is common thyme edible?

Both types are edible, but creeping thymes are usually small and tedious to harvest and are therefore more valuable as ground covers. Garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris), also known as common, English, or French thyme, is most often used as a seasoning. The flavor of this hardy perennial is pungent and strong.

What is the difference between thyme and wild thyme?

—Medicinal Action and Uses—In medicine, Wild Thyme or Serpolet has the same properties as Common Thyme, but to an inferior degree. It is aromatic, antiseptic, stimulant, antispasmodic, diuretic and emmenagogue.

Which type of thyme is best for cooking?

Dozens of varieties are available, but those interested in the best culinary thymes have only a handful of choices. Those best for flavor, as well as ease of use, are the low-growing, shrubby ones known as English, French, lemon, or winter thyme.

How do you identify thyme?

How to Identify Different Types of Thyme

1. Notice the height of the plant. The low-creeping types of thyme grow 4 to 6 inches high.
2. Observe the leaves for their shape and color.
3. Check the stems and branches.
4. Pick a few leaves and rub them between your fingers.
5. Look for flowers.

Can you eat lawn thyme?

Imagine! A lawn you can eat! Like most Thymes, the leaves are edible whilst the flowers attract butterflies. Used as an alternative lawn, it can tolerate light traffic.

What is the difference between English thyme and regular thyme?

The most popular thyme is English thyme (Thymus vulgaris). English thyme is not native to England—the Romans introduced the herb—but the Brits took it on as their own. It has the strong, distinctive flavor that we most associate with the herb today. Another good culinary option is French thyme (Thymus vulgaris).

Are thyme stems poisonous?

When you have an herb such as thyme, it works great to put whole sprigs in your recipe. When you are cooking the dish some of the leaves may come off bu the stem stays intact and you can simply remove the stems when you are done. Alternatively, you can pluck the leaves and add them to your dish.

How do you pick thyme so it keeps growing?

1. Harvest thyme just before the plant flowers by cutting off the top five to six inches of growth.
2. It’s best to harvest thyme in morning after the dew has dried.
3. Two or more crops may be gathered during the season.
4. Or, if you keep trimming your thyme plant, it will keep growing (and also keep a compact shape).

When should I harvest thyme?

If the thyme is at least 4-5 inches across in diameter, it has matured and is ready for harvest! You can harvest fresh thyme periodically throughout the growing season, spring and summer. For the most flavor from your herbs, trim cuttings right before or as the plant flowers.

How do you prepare fresh thyme?

Simply push the end of the thyme stem through a hole and carefully but forcefully pull the stem through. The leaves will be collected in the strainer, ready to use whole or be chopped. No more annoying herb picking.

Is fresh thyme better than dried?

While you can use fresh herbs, after cooking them for 10 minutes or longer, the natural oils that make the herbs taste fresh are released. This means that even if fresh herbs are used, they will have the same impact as dried ones. In stovetop recipes, dried herbs generally work the same, or better than fresh herbs.

What are the side effects of drinking thyme tea?

People who are allergic to thyme or similar plants like basil, oregano, sage, and lavender, may experience negative symptoms. These can include skin sensitivity if you touch thyme leaves or nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, and vomiting if you eat it or drink thyme tea.

What type of thyme is best for tea?

The list goes on: Red Compact, Lime thyme, Lemon Frost thyme, Pennsylvania Dutch Tea thyme (yes, good for tea), Orange Balsam thyme, Caraway thyme (redolent of caraway), Pink Chintz, or Reiter Creeping thyme.