![]() The first recorded evidence for the medical uses of thyme dates back to the first century AD in Dioscorides’ De materia medica and Pliny’s Natural History. The ancient Egyptians utilized thyme as part of their embalming process. Thyme has been used since ancient times for its culinary and medical properties. * Thymus vulgaris is considered the main culinary species History & Folklore Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, the UK, North Africa, Canada, and the USA After harvest, thyme is usually dried (naturally air dried or commercial hot air) to preserve its shelf life (2). Thyme is most aromatic right before its flowers start to bloom. Much of the crop is picked by hand since it grows low to the ground. The herb is sourced from both commercial farms and wild harvesting. It thrives in full sun, but also tolerates partial shade. Thyme prefers dry chalky soil and tolerates drought once it is established. It has small green-grey evergreen leaves and violet colored flowers. Thyme is a small perennial shrub that grows 4-12 inches in height with slender, wiry, and spreading branches. ![]() In different languages thyme is called: satr (Arabic), bai li xiang (Mandarin Chinese), thym (French), thymian (German), timo (Italian), tomillo (Spanish), thimari (Greek), and ajwain ke phul (Hindi)(1, 2). The species name, vulgaris, is Latin for “common” or “widespread”. This mostly likely refers to the aroma generated by the burning of thyme as incense in ancient Greek temples. The name “thyme” derives from the Greek word thymos which means “to fumigate”. Tip: Store in the refrigerator wrapped in a slightly damp cloth to preserve freshness.Thyme is the dried leaf from the Thymus vulgaris shrub. Thyme was put under pillows to ward off nightmares in the Middle Ages. Thyme was used to treat depression by the Romans. If a Greek says you smell of thyme, it means you're a refined human. Thyme is herb for courage, long being used as synonyms and as a symbol. It is also used to treat wounds and infections.Ī recipe in the 17th century infused with thyme was said to enable people to see fairies. It helps remedy chest congestion, cough, throat inflammation and toenail fungus. It is also an excellent source of iron and manganese and a very good source of calcium.Ħ. The volatile oil components of thyme have also been shown to have antimicrobial activity against a host of different bacteria and fungi therefore thyme is considered anti-bacterial.ĥ. Thyme also contains a variety of flavonoids that increase its antioxidant capacity.Ĥ. Thymol has been found to protect and significantly increase the percentage of healthy fats found in cell membranes and other cell structuresģ. A tea made by soaking the herb in water is very effective against cough and bronchitis.Ģ. In earlier days, thyme oil was used to medicate bandages as it contains a compound called thymol which has many medicinal benefits. For cooking purpose you can either use the whole sprig or you can remove the leaves and discard the stem.ġ. Many a types of beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans and tomatoes are enhanced flavor-wise with the addition of thyme. It is added to many a fruits from an aromatic element such as eggs, pasta sauces, poached fish and various meats. Woolly Thyme: It is cultivated for its soft, silvery foliage.Ī popular use is in the combination of herb known as 'bouquet garni' used to flavor stock, soups and stews. White and Red Thyme: Characterized by the color of their leaves. Spicy Orange Thyme: With bluish green leaves, it has a citrus-y taste and flavor. Lemon Thyme: It is a lemon scented thyme and is a popular herb. Fresh thyme is free from any spotting or bruising. Fresh thyme is commonly sold in bunches of sprigs. Its shelf life is almost a week and it is usually available all year round. A very popular herb, it has green-white curled leaves with a pungent minty taste and lemony aroma.
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