Thyme
Thyme is an aromatic culinary herb from the mint family, made from the dried aerial parts of plants in the genus Thymus.
Thyme is an aromatic herb from the mint family, used widely in cooking and traditional medicine. It is made from the dried aerial parts of plants in the genus *Thymus*, most commonly *Thymus vulgaris*.
What it is
Thyme is a perennial herb or small shrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It has small leaves on thin, woody stems and is native to the Mediterranean region, including southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Levant.
Key details
The most common culinary species is *Thymus vulgaris*, often called common thyme. It is used as a seasoning in soups, stews, sauces, and meat or fish dishes. Notable compounds include thymol and carvacrol.
Why it matters
Thyme is a staple in Canadian home cooking and restaurant cuisine, especially in herb blends, roasted meats, soups, and stews. It is also grown in Canadian gardens during warmer months.
In short
- Thyme is an aromatic perennial herb from the mint family.
- The most common culinary species is *Thymus vulgaris*.
- It is native to the Mediterranean and widely cultivated.
- Used in cooking, traditional medicine, and ornamental gardening.
Thyme is widely used in Canadian home cooking and restaurant cuisine, especially in herb blends, roasted meats, soups, and stews. It is also commonly grown in Canadian gardens and herb pots during the warmer months.
Quick questions
What family does thyme belong to?
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Where is thyme native to?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ThymeSupports: Thyme as a culinary herb in the genus Thymus; native range; common culinary species Thymus vulgaris.
- McCormick Science Institute — https://www.mccormickscienceinstitute.com/resources/culinary-spices/herbs-spices/thymeSupports: Thyme as dried leaf from Thymus vulgaris; plant family; growth form; native range; culinary use.
- European Medicines Agency — https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-summary/thyme-summary-public_en.pdfSupports: Thyme as common name for leaves and flowers of Thymus vulgaris or Thymus zygis.
- University of Florida IFAS — https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/nassauco/2017/05/28/fact-sheet-thyme/Supports: Thymus genus description, family Lamiaceae, and native range.
- ScienceDirect — https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924224421006105Supports: Culinary and medicinal uses; aromatic herb; compounds such as thymol and carvacrol.