Tantalizing Thyme

Thyme is a wonderful delicate-tasting herb with a penetrating minty fragrance and a quaint clove-like aftertaste.  It is one of the herbs which are highly favored by fine French cuisine and is also one of the key herbs in the French bouquet garni or special blend of herbs used to flavor soups, stews and poaching liquids. 

Thyme herb comes from the leaves of a shrub scientifically known as Thymus vulgaris.  This herb is generally used in seasoning blends for poultry stuffing and serves to flavor most soups, chowders and sauces.  Thyme blends especially well with tomatoes in either lamb, veal or egg dishes.

History

The world’s supply of thyme comes from Southern Europe, particularly France, Spain and Portugal where the herb also originated.  Here are some interesting details in the history of thyme:

• It is said that the straw bed on which the baby Jesus was laid by her mother Mary included dried leaves of thyme.
• The ancient Egyptian spices used to embalm pharaohs include thyme.
• In the Middle Ages, thyme is a symbol of valiantry and courageous sacrifice.  Brave knights would be honored by scarves embroidered with sprigs of thyme.
• In the 18th century, thyme was popularly used as a hangover fix.
• It was also once prized as an aphrodisiac.
 

Health Benefits

• The many volatile compounds in thyme perform many functions.  They relieve respiratory problems such as coughs, bronchitis and sinus congestion.
• The primary volatile oil in thyme, thymol, is found to increase the levels of DHA in brain, kidney and heart cell membranes.  This effect serves to enhance the functions of these vital organs.
• The wide array of antioxidants found in thyme coupled with its high manganese content make thyme one of the most active antioxidants.
• Studies published in Food Microbiology reveal that thyme has natural antimicrobial properties against many serious pathogens (disease-causing microbes).  Adding fresh thyme to salads ensures that germs which might be in lingering in raw salad greens would be eliminated.
• Thyme scores high in nutrition since it is classified as an exceptional source of iron, Vitamin K and manganese and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber.
 

Quick Cooking and Serving Ideas

• Add thyme to your pasta sauce for added depth.
• Mix in fresh thyme to omelets for a subtle fragrance.
• Use thyme in bean dishes and you will be surprised at how it enriches the taste.
• Flavor any soup with fresh thyme added in during the last minutes of cooking.