Thyme and Lemon Thyme
Thyme has been around for centuries and can be traced back to ancient Egypt where it was revered for its medicinal purposes along with the benefits it offers in the kitchen. It is a wonderful ingredient that’s used in cuisines around the world, particularly in France, Italy, and across the Mediterranean and is used fresh as well as dried. There are hundreds of varieties of thyme, though unsurprisingly, common thyme is the most common, and I discuss Lemon Thyme also in this series.
Thyme is a hearty perennial that produces delicate, purple flowers that smell divine, however to keep your thyme plants bushy and packed with flavour, you may want to snip the flowers before they bloom and keep the herb pruned to avoid the plant getting “woody”.
Sprigs of thyme work beautifully in a braise, soups, stews, sauces and on roasts and in salads and dressings- don’t forget to remove the stalks before serving, though! And thyme is a staple when making bouquet garni.
Thyme’s range of use is impressive. Ancient Egyptians used it in their embalming practices, while ancient Greeks used it as incense.
Thanks to its distinctive taste, thyme has remained a culinary staple to this day. But thyme also boasts a slew of helpful medicinal qualities. [1]
Thyme’s benefits include:
- fighting acne
- lowering blood pressure
- helping to alleviate cough
- boosting immunity
- disinfecting
- repelling pests
- aromatherapy
- boosting mood
- culinary uses
- preventing bacterial infections
- helping to treat yeast infections
- possibly helping against certain types of cancer
Thyme is a powerhouse in the kitchen, brilliant for your skin and can boost the scent in your space. Fresh vs Dried? Definitely both. Thyme is on your side.
Lemon Thyme
“Lemon thyme is one of approximately 350 varieties of thyme, loved for its sweet citrus aroma and taste. It shares the minty, earthy and floral notes of regular thyme, but with a subtle essence of lemon that neutralises the bitterness sometimes found in its more well-known relative. It’s scent and flavour are at their strongest in summer, just before it begins to bloom.
A native to sunny Mediterranean climates, this low-growing shrub is a popular choice for planting between pavers, as it is resistant to occasional foot traffic, and releases a delicious cloud of scent whenever it’s foliage is disturbed. In appearance, it is similar to regular thyme, with long, thin sprigs and tiny spear-shaped green leaves. It has pretty, chartreuse-tinged foliage, with pink or lavender coloured flowers that are particularly popular with pollinators and will attract bees, butterflies and other useful insects to your garden.
Lemon thyme can be used to flavour poultry, seafood, and vegetables, and will accentuate the natural flavour profiles of fish and meat dishes in particular. It can be added to marinades, stews, soups, salads, sauces, bouquet garnis and stuffing, and a few sprigs also make an attractive garnish. You can substitute it for lemon, lemon juice or zest to add a subtle earthiness to a dish, or substitute it for thyme to add some zesty brightness.
Lemon thyme is at its best when fresh. Add it to your cooking at the last minute, and chop the leaves just before you use them for maximum freshness and flavour.
Like regular thyme, lemon thyme contains antioxidants, which can help your body guard against cell damage that leads to serious diseases like cancer. It is also a source of vitamin C, which helps maintain a healthy immune system, vitamin A for healthy eyesight and skin, calcium for healthy bones and teeth, and potassium, which can help regulate fluid balance.” [1]
We grow Lemon Thyme in pots and keep them on the terraces around the house because the plant is a natural deterrent for mosquitoes. So, in addition to it’s good looks, Lemon Thyme also tastes great, AND keeps the pests away.
