ALL ABOUT THYME

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
I Peter 4:10

Today was the March Herb Seminar at Full Moon Natives & Herbs - All About Thyme - uses for culinary, tea, aroma, health and the language of herbs. For the first time this season, Marvette Bagwell and I teamed up to share everything! 

 

Whole gardens can be planted around the taste, texture, color and fragrance of these delightful plants.  There are both upright and prostrate varieties used for culinary, aromatic and ornamental purposes:

CULINARY - The culinary thymes are a good substitute for salt.  Thymus vulgaris are the best culinary thymes and have a pleasantly hot bite tempered by a savory-sweet note.

• English Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) - Most often used in cooking with broad, green, oval leaves
• French Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) - Narrow, gray-green leaves that fare the best during hot and humid summers
• German Winter Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) - Gray/green leaves
• Lemon Thyme (Thymus x citriodorus) - Lemon scented leaves which are either glossy, green or green and gold variegated
• Caraway Thyme (Thymus herba-barona) - Caraway scented dark green leaves
• Coconut Thyme (Thymus pulegioides “coccineus”) – Coconut flavor and scent

AROMATIC - The leaves of the aromatic thymes scent potpourris and sachets and may be added to bath water to help relieve arthritis pain, tone up the nervous system and clear the congestion of a cold.

• Silver Thyme (Thymus argenteus) - A pretty variety with grayish green foliage with a silver edge
• Lavender Thyme (Thymus thracicus) - Spikey, light green fern-like leaves with light purple flowers 

ORNAMENTAL -  The creeping thymes are low growing and make attractive aromatic rock garden or edging plants plus may be grown between brick pavers on pathways so the scents is released while walking over it.  All spread quickly and are suitable for any well-drained spot such as patios and stone walls and cascade, drape and mound in soft mats, however due to the humidity they do not grow well in Florida except in containers.

• Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) - Aromatic mat forming leaves with lavender flowers
• Doone Valley Thyme (Thymus 'Doone Valley') - Green and gold foliage with lemon scent and lavender flowers
• Elfin Thyme (Thymus serphyllum minus)  -  Tiniest of the thymes - looks like moss
• Red Thyme (Thymus praecox 'Coccineus') - Faintly scented leaves with crimson flowers
• White Moss Thyme (Thymus praecox ssp. arcticus 'Albus') - Tiny white flowers with shiny green leaves
• Wooly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus) - Creeper with pale pink flower and very hairy, gray leaves

THYME TIP

Thyme is good for new cooks:

its flavor heightens most any food but

it doesn’t overpower any dish

even if you add a little more than intended

 

For more general information, see this earlier post on THYME.

 

COOKING WITH THYME

 

Marvette demonstrated several recipes using thyme and everyone had the opportunity to taste these culinary delights:   

 

Garden Herb Loaf, Healing Barley Soup, Lemon Orzo Primavera, Lemon Thyme Chicken Tenders served over lettuce drizzled with Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette, Sliced Tomatoes w/Fresh Herb Dressing,  

 

 

 

 

Zucchini with Thyme, Plum & Thyme Iced Tea, and ending with a sugary delight - Lemon Thyme Bars

 

Recipes are available at http://fullmoonnatives.com/recipes.htm

 

 

THYME USES

Finally, my Demonstration included several other uses for thyme including in soaks for sore muscles, aroma as an odor repellant and a tea to help see the fairies!

SORE MUSCLE SOAK
2Tbs Oatmeal
2Tbs Epson Salts
2Tbs Rosemary
1Tbs Thyme
1Tbs Chamomile
1Tbs Marjoram
1tsp Calendula petals
1tsp Spearmint
1tsp Catnip
1tsp Lavender

            Combine all ingredients and store in air-tight container. To use: Fill a drawstring muslin bag with 1/4c mixture and tie closed. Pour 4 cups boiling water over bag and let steep for 10 minutes. Pour the tea, and the bag, into a tub of hot soapy water and soak.

SOCK DRAWER SACHETS
2Tbs Thyme
2Tbs Lavender
1Tbs Lemon Balm

            Combine ingredients and place in a 3”x4” muslin bag or decorative sachet bag.  To use: Place in drawers for a clean, refreshing scent which is especially nice for a man’s drawer or wardrobe

 

FAIRIE THYME TEA
1Tbs thyme
1Tbs calendula
1Tbs chamomile flowers
1Tbs spearmint
1Tbs sage
1Tbs marjoram
1Tbs lemongrass
            Mix all together and store in a cool, dry place that is not in the sun. To use: take one teaspoon of the mixture per cup, add boiling water, and allow to steep for 3-5 minutes.  Strain tea and sweeten with honey as desired. Serve hot or cold.

FAIRIE THYME ROUNDS
            Cream 1c butter and 1c sugar, then add 1 egg, 1Tbs fresh lemon thyme and 1tsp lemon zest and mix well.  Add 2½c flour and 1tsp baking soda, then 1tsp vanilla. Roll into two logs, wrap & refrigerate overnight.  Slice, sprinkle with sugar and bake at 350 degrees for 10 mins.

                                                                                          Joyce