Description

Thyme is the leaves of Thymus vulgaris. It's a small perennial of the mint family. Its tiny gray-green leaves are about one quarter of an inch in length and one tenth of an inch in width. Thyme has a subtle, dry aroma and a slightly minty flavor with hay-like, earthy and musty flavor notes.

Lemon Thyme.

Origin

Most Thyme is imported from Spain. Thyme is also grown in France and Portugal and is also indigineous to the Mediterranean. French Thyme is recognized as being of higher quality than the Spanish variety. Ancient Greeks considered Thyme a symbol of courage and sacrifice.

Sprig of fresh Thyme.

Use

Thyme is often paired with tomatoes. It's used in seasoning blends in stuffings, meats, stews, soups, fish. It also goes quite well with lamb and veal as well as in eggs, custards and croquettes. Rubbing thyme along with minced garlic onto lamb, beef or pork roasts, enhances the flavor in the roast.

Allspice
Anise Seed
Arrowroot
Basil, Sweet
Bay Leaves
Caraway Seed
Cardamom
Cayenne Pepper
Celery Seed
Chervil
Chives
Cilantro
Cinnamon
Cloves
Coriander
Cream of Tartar
Cumin
Curry Powder
Dill
Fennel Seed
Garlic
Ginger
Horseradish
Juniper Berries

Dried Thyme leaves.