What is thyme?

Thyme is a type of herb that hails from the Mediterranean. The herb itself is a long stem with small leaves. The leaves are dark green in color. When cooking with thyme, the whole stems can be added to food and then taken out before serving, or chopped thyme can be added as well.

What does thyme taste like? 

Thyme has a bright, herbaceous flavor with floral hints, similar to marjoram and rosemary. There is also another variety of thyme, called lemon thyme, that has notes of citrus and lemon. 

How do you use thyme?

Thyme is a great herb that pairs well with a variety of savory dishes. In soups, stews and braises, thyme can be used whole the dish is cooking, and will infuse the dish. You can also add chopped thyme leaves directly into dishes. It is a great herb to use with poultry and steak, as well as with vegetables like potatoes and mushrooms.

Where do you buy thyme? 

You can buy thyme in most supermarkets and grocery stores typically near the other herbs in the refrigerated section of the produce section. You can also find dried thyme in the dried spices section.

How do you store thyme?

Fresh thyme can be stored in the refrigerator in the plastic containers that they are usually purchased in. Dried thyme can be stored in a cupboard or pantry in an airtight container.

What is a fun fact about thyme?

Not only is thyme a delicious herb – but it is also useful for medicinal purposes. Thyme oil is known for relieving stomach aches, arthritis, and sore throats. 

Did you know

If left to grow, thyme will bloom small purple flowers throughout its stem. However, once thyme flowers, it loses its flavor and potency. This is true for other flowering herbs like basil, rosemary, and dill. 

Our Recipes Using Thyme 

Roasted Chicken 

In our roasted chicken recipe, we add dried thyme to add a delicious herbal flavor to our rub with olive oil, smoked paprika, mustard, and salt. 

Carnitas 

\We also use thyme in our rub recipe for Carnitas made in a Dutch oven. The herb pairs well with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and olive oil. 

Other Recipes Using Thyme

Stuffed Mushroom

To make these mushrooms, start by removing the stems out of portobello mushrooms. Chop the stems into very small pieces, and chop some additional baby bella mushrooms. Cook the mushrooms in a skillet with butter, garlic, and onion until soft. Add Italian bread crumbs to the mushroom mixture and combine until the bread crumbs have toasted. While you allow this mixture to cool, add softened cream cheese to a bowl and combine with chopped parsley, and thyme. Combine the mushroom with the herbed cream cheese and stuff the portobello mushroom caps. Bake the mushroom caps on a baking sheet until soft.

Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken

To make this dish, start by cooking chicken thighs in a cast-iron skillet with some olive oil. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. To the pan, add in butter and flour to make a roux, and add milk and chicken broth. Whisk until the sauce has thickened and add in lemon zest, fresh thyme. Add the chicken back in and serve with pasta or rice.