Thyme

What is Thyme?

Thyme as a spice is dried leaves and thin stems of common thyme. Thyme has a pleasant aroma and spicy taste, which is why it is widely used as a spice in cooking. In addition, thyme is used in traditional and folk medicine, in the perfume industry and simply as an ornamental plant.

The Use of Thyme in Cooking

Thyme as a spice is widely used in culinary recipes. Best of all, the taste and aroma of thyme is revealed during prolonged heating, for this reason this spice must be added at the beginning of cooking. Thyme is used to add flavor to meat and poultry dishes, it is added to stir-fries, vegetable salads, broths, soups, sauces. Thyme enhances the flavor of egg, rice, pasta, and potato dishes. Thyme is used in the preservation of food, as well as for flavoring alcoholic beverages. Thyme is not only used as an independent spice, it is part of various seasonings. The most famous seasoning with thyme in its composition is Provencal herbs, in addition, thyme is also included in other seasonings - the European Bouquet Garni, the Jordanian Zakhtar, the Creole mixture and the composition of the Egyptian seasoning Dukka.

The Use of Thyme in Medicine and Other Industries

In traditional medicine, dried leaves and flowers of common thyme are used. Thyme is used in preparations for the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract as an expectorant. Thyme essential oil is used in some medical preparations - in preparations for inhalation, antiseptic and medicinal ointments, as well as in syrups for respiratory diseases. In folk medicine, it is used as an antiseptic, antipyretic, sedative, and is used to treat dermatitis. Thyme is also used in landscape design as an ornamental plant, in addition, during the flowering period it is a good honey plant.

The Benefits and Harms of Thyme

The benefits of thyme - it is used to treat cough in diseases of the upper respiratory tract, to treat indigestion. Thyme has antibacterial properties and is used for sore throat and laryngitis, runny nose and diseases of the oral cavity. Thyme can cause harm in case of individual intolerance to this spice.

Scientific Name of Thyme

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a member of the genus Thymus in the Lamiaceae family.

Thyme and Its Cultivation

Thyme is grown in some European countries - in Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Spain, Poland, Serbia, Turkey and France, as well as in North Africa - in Tunisia and Morocco.

In What Form Can You Buy Thyme?

You can buy thyme as a spice in the form of dried stems, seeds and leaves of this plant. It is better to grind thyme before using it in recipes so that this spice does not lose its taste and aroma.