THYME
Thyme is native to the Mediterranean and Southern European regions and is popular in French cuisine in particular. It is mixed with parsley and bay leaves to form what is called a bouquet garni and is added to soups, stocks, marinades and stews in order to give them a special herby flavor.
Thyme is also one of the dried herbs that make up Herbes de Provence.
Thyme has been grown and used in cooking and medicine for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians used thyme when embalming their dead pharaohs, as it is a powerful preservative, and the ancient Greeks used to burn thyme in their sacred rituals because of its aromatic smell. Thyme was also a symbol of bravery and courage and in Medieval times ladies would embroider sprigs of thyme onto a scarf and offer it to their knight.
During the Middle Ages people were given concoctions of thyme to take to treat them against leprosy, the plague, body lice, coughs and digestive problems. Even today, a major component that is found in thyme is used to make Listerine mouthwash as well as Vicks Vaporub. Thyme has a very strong flavor and should therefore be used sparingly. However, 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme does contain a small amount of the daily dosage required of Vitamins A and C. Thyme is also a good source of iron, phosphorous, potassium, zinc and manganese.
Fresh thyme is a woody small plant, with tiny leaves that must be stripped from the stem before using, which can be quite tricky.
Keep fresh thyme wrapped in a damp paper towel and place it in the refrigerator in order to keep it fresh for longer.
Thyme is also one of the dried herbs that make up Herbes de Provence.
Thyme has been grown and used in cooking and medicine for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians used thyme when embalming their dead pharaohs, as it is a powerful preservative, and the ancient Greeks used to burn thyme in their sacred rituals because of its aromatic smell. Thyme was also a symbol of bravery and courage and in Medieval times ladies would embroider sprigs of thyme onto a scarf and offer it to their knight.
During the Middle Ages people were given concoctions of thyme to take to treat them against leprosy, the plague, body lice, coughs and digestive problems. Even today, a major component that is found in thyme is used to make Listerine mouthwash as well as Vicks Vaporub. Thyme has a very strong flavor and should therefore be used sparingly. However, 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme does contain a small amount of the daily dosage required of Vitamins A and C. Thyme is also a good source of iron, phosphorous, potassium, zinc and manganese.
Fresh thyme is a woody small plant, with tiny leaves that must be stripped from the stem before using, which can be quite tricky.
Keep fresh thyme wrapped in a damp paper towel and place it in the refrigerator in order to keep it fresh for longer.