Knowledge Builders

where does the herb thyme come from

by Willie Watsica Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Common thyme originated in southern Europe and northern Africa. It prefers the dry, rocky soils of the Mediterranean. Thyme has been used for centuries as a culinary herb or herbal medicine.

What does the Bible say about thyme?

Nov 15, 2021 · Thyme is native to Eurasia and is cultivated throughout the world. Where is thyme commonly grown? It is most commonly cultivated for its culinary uses. Wild thyme is found growing on heaths, in sheep pastures, and mountainous areas in temperate regions. It was probably introduced to North America by European colonists, and has escaped cultivation.

What does thyme symbolize?

Where does the herb thyme come from? Today the plant is common throughout North America, but it originated in the southern Mediterranean. Experts in language tell us that thyme's name was derived form the Greek word thumus, or courage. In Medieval times, knights wore sprigs of thyme on their armor as a sign of courage. Click to see full answer.

What is the spiritual meaning of thyme?

Mar 08, 2022 · Thyme. This is because thyme’s distinct savory pungency brings an agreeable depth of flavor to soups, stews and casseroles an almost any dish containing meat.Thyme is indigenous to the Mediterranean with many species coming from an area that encompasses southern Europe, western Asia and North Africa.The botanical suffix for wild thyme ...

What are the benefits of using thyme?

Originating in southern Europe and the Mediterranean thyme is a member of the mint family. The name thyme is derived from the Greek themus meaning courage. There are many varieties of the herb, including, english, french and lemon, the most common being garden thyme.

image

Where is thyme herb from?

thyme, (Thymus vulgaris), pungent herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae) known for the aroma and flavour of its dried leaves and flowering tops. Thyme is native to Eurasia and is cultivated throughout the world.

Why is thyme good for you?

Thyme also contains a variety of minerals and vitamins that promote good health. Thyme is full of vitamin C for immune support, potassium for healthy cells, and manganese for bone development and blood clotting.Nov 17, 2020

What can thyme cure?

Thyme contains chemicals that might help bacterial and fungal infections. It also might help relieve coughing and have antioxidant effects. People commonly use thyme for cough, patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), dementia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Is thyme from the Old World or New World?

Garden thyme, Thymus vulgaris, is the most used type of thymus and is an Old World low shrub with gray-green leaves and a pungent, minty, light-lemon aroma (Herbst 2001).

Can I eat raw thyme?

Thyme (thymus vulgaris) is an herb that can be consumed fresh or dried. Like other herbs and spices, it's packed with disease-fighting nutrients and antioxidants.Jan 17, 2020

Is thyme the same as rosemary?

Definition. Thyme is a low-growing aromatic plant of the mint family while Rosemary is a small evergreen of the mint family with both culinary and medicinal uses.Oct 10, 2020

Can I drink thyme tea daily?

Apart from this, it has been reported in another study that drinking thyme tea regularly reduces the risk of breast cancer in women. By drinking this tea in this way, you can avoid cancer. In a nutshell, thyme is a powerful herb and good for health. Drinking thyme tea helps in many ways to boost health.Nov 8, 2021

Is thyme good for blood pressure?

Thyme is a flavorful herb packed with numerous healthy compounds. Rosmarinic acid is one such compound. Research has linked it to many benefits, such as reduced inflammation and blood sugar levels, as well as increased blood flow. It may also help reduce blood pressure ( 25 , 26 ).Nov 18, 2020

Is thyme good for kidneys?

Thyme is very good for blood circulation; it also protects memory, and memory recall. 10. Last but not least, thyme helps cure urinary tract infections and renal colic - a pain caused by kidney stones, and eventually it dilutes the kidney stones.Dec 27, 2015

What cultures use thyme?

Thyme is indigenous to the Mediterranean region Wild thyme grows in the Levant, where it might have been first cultivated. Ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming. The ancient Greeks used it in their baths and burnt it as incense in their temples, believing it was a source of courage.

What country grows the most thyme?

Thymus zygis is indigenous to Portugal and Spain. Thymus serpyllum and Thymus pulegioides also grow in the wild in all European countries. Thyme is now grown in many countries around the world....1. Product description.Combined Nomenclature NumberProduct0910 99 31Wild dried thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.)2 more rows•Oct 20, 2020

Is thyme native to the United States?

It is most commonly cultivated for its culinary uses. Wild thyme is found growing on heaths, in sheep pastures, and mountainous areas in temperate regions. It was probably introduced to North America by European colonists, and has escaped cultivation.

Where is thyme found?

All thyme species are nectar sources, but wild thyme covers large areas of droughty, rocky soils in southern Europe ( both Greece and Malta are especially famous for wild thyme honey) and North Africa, as well as in similar landscapes in the Berkshire and Catskill Mountains of the northeastern US.

What is the family of thyme?

Thyme. Thyme ( / taɪm /) is the herb (dried aerial parts) of some members of the genus Thymus of aromatic perennial evergreen herbs in the mint family Lamiaceae. Thymes are relatives of the oregano genus Origanum.

What are the different types of thyme?

Important species and cultivars 1 Thymus citriodorus – various lemon thymes, orange thymes, lime thyme 2 Thymus herba-barona (caraway thyme) is used both as a culinary herb and a ground cover, and has a very strong caraway scent due to the chemical carvone. 3 Thymus praecox (mother of thyme, wild thyme), is cultivated as an ornamental. 4 Thymus pseudolanuginosus (woolly thyme) is not a culinary herb, but is grown as a ground cover. 5 Thymus serpyllum (wild thyme, creeping thyme) is an important nectar source plant for honeybees. All thyme species are nectar sources, but wild thyme covers large areas of droughty, rocky soils in southern Europe (both Greece and Malta are especially famous for wild thyme honey) and North Africa, as well as in similar landscapes in the Berkshire and Catskill Mountains of the northeastern US. The lowest growing of the widely used thyme is good for walkways. It is also an important caterpillar food plant for large and common blue butterflies. 6 Thymus vulgaris (common thyme, English thyme, summer thyme, winter thyme, French thyme, or garden thyme) is a commonly used culinary herb. It also has medicinal uses. Common thyme is a Mediterranean perennial which is best suited to well-drained soils and full sun.

What is the most abundant volatile component of thyme leaves?

Gas chromatographic analysis reveals that the most abundant volatile component of thyme leaves is thymol 8.55 mg/g. Other components are carvacrol, linalool, α-terpineol, and 1,8- cineole. Several are also found in basil. Some exhibit antioxidant properties. Thymol is the principal aromatic component of thyme.

How long does fresh thyme last?

The fresh form is more flavourful, but also less convenient; storage life is rarely more than a week. However, the fresh form can last many months if carefully frozen. Fresh thyme is commonly sold in bunches of sprigs. A sprig is a single stem snipped from the plant.

What is the antimicrobial properties of thyme?

Antimicrobial properties. Thyme ( Thymus vulgaris) essential oil. Oil of thyme, the essential oil of common thyme ( Thymus vulgaris ), contains 20–54% thymol. Thyme essential oil also contains a range of additional compounds, such as p -cymene, myrcene, borneol, and linalool. Thymol, an antiseptic, is an active ingredient in various commercially ...

How to measure thyme?

A recipe may measure thyme by the bunch (or fraction thereof), or by the sprig, or by the tablespoon or teaspoon. Dried thyme is widely used in Armenia in tisanes (called urc ). Depending on how it is used in a dish, the whole sprig may be used (e.g., in a bouquet garni ), or the leaves removed and the stems discarded.

What is the history of thyme?

A great deal of thyme history and folklore centers around Biblical and saintly references. “Our Lady’s bed-straw”, the manger where Mary gave birth to the infant Jesus, was said to have included thyme, woodroof, and groundsel. Thyme and rosemary were used on St. Agnes’ Eve with this verse:

Where did the name Thyme come from?

There are a number of theories as to the origins of the name thyme. Most agree that the name Thyme is derived from the Greek thumos and/or the Latin fumus which both mean smoke. After that, thyme history and the origins of its name get a bit muddled. The reference to smoke might be due its use in sacrifices or because of its fragrant odor;

How long does it take for thyme to expel a cough?

Neovius, wrote in a Finnish Journal about the effectiveness of thyme in combatting whooping cough. He advocated giving fresh thyme with a little syrup to conquer symptoms within 2-3 days and completely expel the disease within 2 weeks.

Why do thyme flowers have male and female flowers?

Thyme is known to produce flowers that are male on the first day and female on the second along with flowers that are decidedly only female. Muller believed this was the plant’s way of attracting insects first to the more showy male pollen-bearing flower prior to visiting the less conspicuous female flowers.

Who suggested thyme and garlic?

This theory was mentioned by Neltje Blanchan in 1900, and as far as our research indicates, this theory remains unproven. Virgil, in his Eclogue, recommends the use of thyme to combat fatigue. Garlic and Thyme, strong smelling herbs, doth beat.”.

Is thyme oil a disinfectant?

Thymol, a primary component of thyme oil is valued for its disinfecting properties, as an affective treatment for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, as an inhalant to treat septic sore throat from scarlet fever and ringworm. The disinfecting properties of thyme is said to be up to 12 times as powerful as carbolic acid.

Description

Thyme is a herb from a woody stalk which is covered in small greyish-green leaves popularly found in Mediterranean dishes.

What does thyme taste like?

Thyme seasoning has a mild herbaceous flavor of pine and pepper with an aroma of lemon and mint.

Where does thyme come from?

Originating in southern Europe and the Mediterranean thyme is a member of the mint family.

Thyme Uses

Thyme is used throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, Creole, and Cajun cooking.

Thyme Compliments and Pairings

The light herbaceous flavoring enhances ingredients including poultry, pork, lamb, fish, game, duck, sage, rosemary, oregano, parsley, tomato, pepper, olive oil, onion, garlic, chili, basil, egg, carrot, mushroom, rice, potato, cream, cheese, tea, lentils, and beans.

Thyme Expiration and Storage

Fresh: wrap the stalks in a damp kitchen cloth and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Fun Facts About Thyme

Historically thyme has been used for purification and is the symbol of courage and bravery.

Can thyme survive winter?

Most selections of thyme (Thymus sp.) are hardy to USDA Zones 5 to 9 and marginally hardy to Zone 4 with added winter protection. In areas with cold winters, thyme is considered semi-evergreen, meaning that the plant will retain some of its foliage during winter but not all.

Are thyme perennials or annuals?

Thyme is a low-growing, woody perennial herb that will grow in any garden. It is available in both upright and trailing varieties, so there is one to fit almost any situation and design. Thyme grows well in areas that are too dry and poor for many other plants.

Is thyme a hardy perennial?

Here’s how to plant and grow thyme. A low-growing hardy perennial, thyme is a fragrant herb with small, fragrant leaves and thin, woody stems. Let some thyme plants flower, since the herb attracts the bees. While thyme is usually harvested in the summer months, we have harvested ours well into late fall!

How do you look after thyme in the winter?

Remove fallen leaves that settle on thyme plants in autumn to prevent rotting. Protect plants in pots from excessive winter wet by placing in a rain shadow or a dry, light position and raise onto pot feet to allow the compost to drain freely.

When can thyme go outside?

Thyme does best in full sun. Start from young plants set out in spring after the last frost. Be sure to choose strong young thyme plants from Bonnie Plants®, the company that has been helping home gardeners succeed for over 100 years. Plant in soil with excellent drainage and a pH of about 7.0.

Does thyme come back every year?

A majority of herbs are perennials throughout most of the United States. That means they come back year after year and usually get bigger or spread in territory each year. Some of our most-used cooking herbs are perennials, including sage, oregano and thyme.

Does thyme grow back after cutting?

Use small garden shears or scissors to remove only the soft, green stems from the plant. Do not cut past the woody parts of the herb—this is where it the new growth will occur. Cutting the thyme way back will allow the herb to better withstand the winter weather and encourages new growth in the following season.

What is Thyme?

Thyme is an aromatic perennial evergreen herb from the genus Thymus. It is closely related to origanum, another aromatic perennial herb.

What Does Thyme Taste Like?

There are several different types of thyme, and each one has its own distinct taste. Common thyme is the most common, with the lemon variety having a more distinctive flavor.

What Flavor Does Thyme Give Food?

Thyme is a herb commonly used to enhance the flavor of food. It can be bought fresh from the grocery store or dried and stored in the refrigerator.

How to Use Thyme in Food?

The first step in using thyme is to learn how to chop it. The leaves and stems of thyme are easily pried out, but you can also cut the sprig into chunks.

What Do You Use Thyme For?

Fresh thyme is great in salads and sauces. It’s a great accompaniment to the typical pasta sauces of southern Italy. It also goes well with many vegetables. In addition, thyme complements rosemary, sage, and lemon.

image

Overview

Thyme is the herb (dried aerial parts) of some members of the genus Thymus of aromatic perennial evergreen herbs in the mint family Lamiaceae. Thymes are relatives of the oregano genus Origanum, with both plants being mostly indigenous to the Mediterranean region. Thymes have culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses, and the species most commonly cultivated and used for culi…

History

Thyme is indigenous to the Mediterranean region Wild thyme grows in the Levant, where it might have been first cultivated. Ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming. The ancient Greeks used it in their baths and burnt it as incense in their temples, believing it was a source of courage. The spread of thyme throughout Europe was thought to be due to the Romans, as they used it to pur…

Cultivation

Thyme is best cultivated in a hot, sunny location with well-drained soil. It is generally planted in the spring, and thereafter grows as a perennial. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or dividing rooted sections of the plant. It tolerates drought well. The plant can take deep freezes and is found growing wild on mountain highlands. It grows well on dry slopes and is propagated by cuttings. It can be pruned after flowering to keep from getting woody.

Aroma components

Gas chromatographic analysis reveals that the most abundant volatile component of thyme leaves is thymol 8.55 mg/g. Other components are carvacrol, linalool, α-terpineol, and 1,8-cineole. Several are also found in basil. Some exhibit antioxidant properties.

Culinary use

In some Levantine countries, and Assyria, the condiment za'atar (Arabic for both thyme and marjoram) contains many of the essential oils found in thyme. Thyme is a common component of the bouquet garni, and of herbes de Provence.
Thyme is sold both fresh and dried. While summer-seasonal, fresh greenhouse thyme is often available year-round. The fresh form is more flavourful, but als…

Antimicrobial properties

Oil of thyme, the essential oil of common thyme (Thymus vulgaris), contains 20–54% thymol. Thyme essential oil also contains a range of additional compounds, such as p-cymene, myrcene, borneol, and linalool. Thymol, an antiseptic, is an active ingredient in various commercially produced mouthwashes such as Listerine. Before the advent of modern antibiotics, oil o…

Important species and cultivars

• Thymus citriodorus – various lemon thymes, orange thymes, lime thyme
• Thymus herba-barona (caraway thyme) is used both as a culinary herb and a ground cover, and has a very strong caraway scent due to the chemical carvone.
• Thymus praecox (mother of thyme, wild thyme), is cultivated as an ornamental.

Further reading

• S. S. Tawfik, M. I. Abbady, Ahmed M. Zahran and A. M. K. Abouelalla. Therapeutic Efficacy Attained with Thyme Essential Oil Supplementation Throughout γ-irradiated Rats. Egypt. J. Rad. Sci. Applic., 19(1): 1-22 (2006).
• Flora of China: Thymus
• Flora Europaea: Thymus

Thyme History – Name Origins

Image
(Thymus vularis) There are a number of theories as to the origins of the name thyme. Most agree that the name Thyme is derived from the Greek thumos and/or the Latin fumuswhich both mean smoke. After that, thyme history and the origins of its name get a bit muddled. The reference to smoke might be due its use in sacrifi…
See more on ourherbgarden.com

History of Thyme – Folklore

  • A great deal of thyme history and folklore centers around Biblical and saintly references. “Our Lady’s bed-straw”, the manger where Mary gave birth to the infant Jesus, was said to have included thyme, woodroof, and groundsel. Thyme and rosemarywere used on St. Agnes’ Eve with this verse: Thyme was a key ingredient of a favorite vision-inducing love potion. On St. Luke’s Da…
See more on ourherbgarden.com

Thyme History – Natural & Medicinal Uses of Thyme.

  • According to the writings of Horace (65 BC – 8 BC), the Romans grew thyme extensively for bee culture. Thyme is known to produce flowers that are male on the first day and female on the second along with flowers that are decidedly only female. Muller believed this was the plant’s way of attracting insects first to the more showy male pollen-bearing flower prior to visiting the less …
See more on ourherbgarden.com

Additional Thyme information.

  • Our Herb Garden also has information on Growing Thyme and a Thyme Companion Planting Guide. We also have an extensive article on the different varieties of creeping thyme.
See more on ourherbgarden.com

1.Quick Answer: Where does the herb thyme come from? – …

Url:https://theinfinitekitchen.com/faq/quick-answer-where-does-the-herb-thyme-come-from/

28 hours ago Nov 15, 2021 · Thyme is native to Eurasia and is cultivated throughout the world. Where is thyme commonly grown? It is most commonly cultivated for its culinary uses. Wild thyme is found growing on heaths, in sheep pastures, and mountainous areas in temperate regions. It was probably introduced to North America by European colonists, and has escaped cultivation.

2.Thyme - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thyme

35 hours ago Where does the herb thyme come from? Today the plant is common throughout North America, but it originated in the southern Mediterranean. Experts in language tell us that thyme's name was derived form the Greek word thumus, or courage. In Medieval times, knights wore sprigs of thyme on their armor as a sign of courage. Click to see full answer.

3.Videos of Where Does The Herb Thyme Come from

Url:/videos/search?q=where+does+the+herb+thyme+come+from&qpvt=where+does+the+herb+thyme+come+from&FORM=VDRE

3 hours ago Mar 08, 2022 · Thyme. This is because thyme’s distinct savory pungency brings an agreeable depth of flavor to soups, stews and casseroles an almost any dish containing meat.Thyme is indigenous to the Mediterranean with many species coming from an area that encompasses southern Europe, western Asia and North Africa.The botanical suffix for wild thyme ...

4.Origins and History of Thyme - Our Herb Garden

Url:http://www.ourherbgarden.com/herb-history/thyme.html

17 hours ago Originating in southern Europe and the Mediterranean thyme is a member of the mint family. The name thyme is derived from the Greek themus meaning courage. There are many varieties of the herb, including, english, french and lemon, the most common being garden thyme.

5.What is Thyme Herb?

Url:https://nerdyfoodies.com/what-is-thyme-1562.html

25 hours ago Nov 15, 2021 · Thyme – Evergreen & Hardy to Zone 4 Thyme is a popular culinary herb valued for its versatile use in the kitchen. Common thyme (T. German Winter Thyme is the most popular winter hardy variety that is a perennial in zone 4. It is a low growing spreading in form, so give it a larger space in the perennial herb garden.

6.Is the herb thyme a perennial? – Kitchen

Url:https://theinfinitekitchen.com/faq/is-the-herb-thyme-a-perennial/

1 hours ago Dec 27, 2021 · This herb comes from the mint family and has a long history. It was once a symbol of bravery among Greeks and was used to help with plague symptoms. It was also widely used in European cooking as a flavoring for meat and poultry. The flavor is subdued but refreshing, with a mild lemony brightness and earthiness.

7.What Does Thyme Taste Like? – The Ladie

Url:https://theladie.com/what-does-thyme-taste-like/

21 hours ago Mar 11, 2022 · Originating from the Mediterranean, the herb portrays some of the best attributes this abundant growing region has to offer.What sets thyme apart from other members of the mint family is being bushy and having a strong lemon scent.It’s because thyme develops a defense mechanism by growing woody stems and evergreen leaves.Bonus tip: To make the plant grow …

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9