Thyme, Defined (& How to Cook With It) Common thyme (the one you’ve probably encountered most regularly) has an earthy, minty, slightly lemony flavor. And there are more than one hundred other varieties, often with names that match their flavor profiles: orange thyme, caraway thyme, and za’atar thyme, for example.
What is thyme good for 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.
What foods taste good with thyme?
Thyme is also used to flavor cheeses, lentils, and even tea. Since thyme pairs so well with eggs, tomatoes, and cheese, it makes an excellent addition to omelets and egg strata. This herb is also an ideal seasoning for poultry; it can be found in a poultry seasoning blends as well as recipes for stuffing.
What is thyme supposed to taste like?
Thyme is an herb that has its own distinct identity but doesn’t hit you on the head with it. It has a delightful flavor balance that dances between earthy and minty, minty and citrus-laced, savory but also sweet, and slightly woodsy but also flowery, with traces of lavender or a toned-down rosemary.
What does thyme smell and taste like?
Generally, thyme will have a sharp, almost minty flavor. It is earthy with floral hints and is a little bit sweet and a little bit peppery.
Does thyme raise blood pressure?
Thyme is a flavorful herb packed with numerous healthy compounds. Rosmarinic acid is one such compound. Research has linked it to many benefits, such as reduced inflammation and blood sugar levels, as well as increased blood flow. It may also help reduce blood pressure ( 25 , 26 ).
What are the side effects of thyme?
Possible Side Effects
Commonly used for cooking, thyme is considered safe when used in normal food amounts. It also appears to be well-tolerated in dietary supplement forms. However, the overconsumption of thyme may cause upset stomach, cramps, headaches, and dizziness.
Can you eat thyme raw?
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.
Which herbs do not go together in cooking?
Which Herbs Do Not Go Together? | Garden Guide
- Fennel.
- Rue, Anise and Dill.
- Garlic.
- Mint.
- Chives.
- Rosemary.
- Basil.
Is thyme a hot spice?
THYME. The odor is warm, herbaceous and reminiscent of sage. It has a slightly biting, spicy, rich taste with a lingering sharpness.
What tastes better thyme or rosemary?
Flavour. Moreover, thyme has a strong herbal flavour with sharp grass, wood, and floral notes while rosemary is a powerful herb, pungent and slightly bitter. In brief, rosemary has a stronger flavour than thyme.
Does thyme make food bitter?
It can be used fresh or dried. In its dried form, thyme preserves a spicy taste that unfolds when lightly cooked in meals. Thyme can be added to dishes during cooking to enhance its healthy bitter benefits.
What can I replace thyme with?
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.
How would you describe thyme?
Thyme has a subtle, dry aroma and a slightly minty flavor. Ancient Greeks considered Thyme a symbol of courage and sacrifice.
Does thyme taste salty?
Thyme. Taste: A strong earthy, slightly minty flavour with a subtle aroma. Lemon thyme is another variety and goes well in soups and vegetable dishes. Preparation: Depending on the variety you’re using, thyme can be finely chopped or added as a whole sprig.
Does thyme taste like oregano?
Can I substitute thyme for oregano? Although thyme isn’t in the same family as oregano, it does have a very similar taste so it makes a great substitute. In fact, you’ll often see thyme and oregano used together in the same dish, as their flavors and aromas complement each other perfectly.
Who should not take thyme?
If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don’t use thyme. Surgery: Thyme might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using thyme at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Is thyme good for heart?
Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels: Thyme exerts antihypertensive effects, so it is an excellent herbal choice for anyone who has high blood pressure symptoms. A recent animal study discovered that Thymus vulgaris extract might dramatically lower the heart rate of people who have hypertension.
Is thyme good for diabetes?
The results obtained showed that thyme honey or olive oil, and especially their combination, improved significantly the blood glucose levels and they protect against metabolic changes and the complications induced by diabetes.
Is thyme good for sleep?
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.
Is thyme a blood thinner?
Some herbs and spices that contain salicylates (a natural blood thinner) include cayenne pepper, cinnamon, curry powder, dill, ginger, licorice, oregano, paprika, peppermint, thyme and turmeric. Meanwhile there are fruits that can aid in blood thinning.
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.