Whole Thyme
Inventory, 10 oz : 8.00
This item was last sold on : 04/24/24
Description/Taste
Dried Thyme is comprised of whole, dried leaves measuring 3 to 5 millimeters in length. The leaves have an ashy, olive-green to tan hue and a rough and brittle texture, easily crumbling when crushed. Dried Thyme has a subtly earthy aroma with a hint of mint. Its flavor is also earthy and slightly sweet with minty nuances and warm peppery undertones.
Seasons/Availability
Dried Thyme is available year-round.
Current Facts
The variety of Thyme most often harvested for drying is Thymus vulgaris, a perennial, shrubby herb related to mint. There are 350 known varieties of Thyme, though Thymus vulgaris, also known as Garden Thyme, is the most common variety. Two other popular types include Wild Thyme and Citrus or Lemon Thyme. This hearty herb is incredibly well known and is utilized in many different cuisines, including Italian, French, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern. Beyond its culinary significance, the leaves, stems, and flowers of Thyme have been used since antiquity for medicinal and ceremonial practices, including the embalming of mummies in Ancient Egypt and as a token of courage and luck for Greek and Roman soldiers. Today the essential oils derived from the plant are used in the manufacturing of perfumes and dentifrices.
Nutritional Value
Dried Thyme is a significant source of vitamins A and C, two nutrients that help boost the immune system, protect against cardiovascular disease, and support the reproductive system. Thyme also contains high levels of essential minerals needed within the body, like copper, iron, manganese, and dietary fiber. Some studies have shown that volatile oils within the herb can help support respiratory health and reduce symptoms of bronchitis and laryngitis. The herb has also been used to treat bad breath by decreasing bacteria within the mouth.
Applications
Thyme is one of the most used culinary herbs in the world. It is an essential ingredient in Spanish, French, Italian, American, Turkish, and Persian cuisines and is widely used in Lebanese and Caribbean cooking. Thyme retains its flavor when dried and can be substituted for the fresh herb in any recipe. Although the taste of Thyme does not easily overpower other ingredients, the flavor does become concentrated when the herb is dried, so less of it is needed in recipes that call for fresh leaves. Dried Thyme is added to many spice mixes, including bouquet garni and Herbes de Provence in France and za’atar in Middle Eastern cuisine. Combine the herb with olive oil and vinegar for a delicious salad dressing or dip for bread, or add it with lemon and garlic into butter and use it to finish a grilled steak. The aromatic herb can be added to soups, stews, sauces, and marinades, or it can be sprinkled over roasted potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, squash, and other vegetables. The dried leaves have a particular affinity for lamb, where the earthiness brings out the meat's natural flavors. Dried Thyme is also delicious when added to stuffing, pasta, cheeses, poultry, and fish. The dried herb will need to be rehydrated for its full flavor to be released. This can be done by blooming it in cooking liquid or adding it early in the cooking process. Store Dried Thyme in a cool and dry place in an airtight container. Dried Thyme will remain fresh for up to three years if stored properly.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
As Thyme spread from the Mediterranean throughout Europe, the herb's folklore evolved within the cultures it was introduced to. During the Victorian era, the herb was reimagined as a doorway and guide into the mystical world of the Fae. Many scholars believe these folk tales stemmed from the famous play A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, which said that the queen of fairies slept on “a bank where the wild Thyme blows.” Patches of the wild herb found in the woods soon became signs that fairies had danced the night away on that spot, and gardeners would plant patches of Thyme to serve as a resting place for the mischievous forest beings. During this time, amulets and potions containing the favored herb were also sold with claims that they could give one a glimpse into the realm of the Fae and walking with a sprig of Thyme in one’s pocket in the woods would reveal the hidden creatures.
Geography/History
Thyme is indigenous to the Mediterranean, with popular species originating from Western Asia, Northern Africa, and Southern Europe. The herb was used extensively by ancient cultures in mystical, culinary, and medicinal practices. The herb became a famous symbol of courage in Ancient Rome and was believed to cure poisons, being fed to emperors before meals. Thyme was also spread throughout Europe by Romans who planted it in their royal gardens. The tradition of giving a sprig of Thyme to soldiers as a farewell gift continued through the Middle Ages in Europe, where it also gained in popularity as a cooking ingredient and as a treatment for the plague. Thyme was introduced to the New World with European settlers, where it quickly naturalized and now grows both wild and as a cultivated crop throughout the region. Today, Thyme grows freely throughout Europe, North America, and parts of Western Asia and North Africa. Dried Thyme can be easily found in the spice aisle of any grocery store or supermarket.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Fish Guts | San Diego CA | 619-888-0081 |
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-232-1234 |
Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
Miss B's Coconut Club | San Diego CA | 858-381-0855 |
Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
Toast Cafe | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
Deeply Nourished | San Diego CA | 808-489-7366 |
Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
Park Commons - ARE | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
Virtue Coffee & Juice | San Diego CA | 619-485-0485 |
Gravity Heights Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-384-5993 |
The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
Salt and Lime | Del Mar CA | 858-926-8582 |