time to grow thyme
Thyme is commonly found in the kitchen herb cabinet...
Like several other aromatic kitchen herbs, thyme was used as a meat
preservative in ancient times. It was sprinkled on sacrificial animals to
make them more acceptable to the gods. Thyme was introduced into cooking as
an offshoot of its meat-preserving action.
Charlemagne ordered thyme grown in all his imperial gardens.
Thyme is an aromatic, perennial, many-branched, ground cover shrub that
reaches about 12 inches. It has small, opposite, virtually stalk less leaves
and lilac or pink flowers that bloom in midsummer.
This hardy herb can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, and root divisions.
Seeds require a temperature around 70F to germinate and often do best when
started indoors. For cuttings, snip 3-inch pieces from stems with new growth
and place them in wet sand. Roots should appear in about two weeks. The best
time for root division is in spring. Uproot a plant carefully preserving as
much of its roots oil as possible. Divide it in half or thirds and replant
the divisions 12 inches apart in moist soil.
Once established, thyme requires little care. It prefers well-drained soil
on the dry side. Clumps tend to become woody after a few years. To prevent
this, roots should be divided periodically. Wetting thyme leaves during
watering reduces their fragrance. Thyme survives frost, but in areas with
cold winters, use mulch. Thyme may be killed if winter temperatures drop
below 10F.
Harvest the leaves and flower top just before the flowers bloom. Dry and
store them in airtight containers to preserve the herb's oil.
Formulas & recipes
Recipes using thyme leaf
Thyme leaf powder can be used in a variety of ways. There are many health benefits of thyme leaf tea and thyme leaf extract which are listed below. The benefit of using thyme leaf powder as opposed to fresh thyme is the shelf life and versatility. Not only can thyme leaf powder be used for teas and seasoning, but is also commonly added to cosmetic recipes for the incredible peppery aroma.
Thyme-infused olive oil recipe
Ingredients:
-2 cups olive oil
-4 cups of thyme, stems, and leaves removed
Add ingredients to a food processor or blender and pulse until completely soon. Be sure not to over blend as the motor can wilt the herb. Once blended, take the thyme and oil mixture and put it into a saucepan over medium heat. Let simmer for 45 seconds. Take the oil off the heat and pour it into a cheesecloth or another fine strainer. Pour the infused oil into a container and store it in the refrigerator.
Thyme leaf tea recipe
-Blend 1 teaspoon of thyme leaf herb with tea of choice
-Pour boiled water over tea bag
-Let steep for 5-7 minutes
-Enjoy with added sweetener
Health benefits
How to use thyme leaf
Thyme has a long history. The herb was traditionally used to flavor wines and other foods as well as treat nightmares. Thyme’s culinary appeal remains today and is one of the go-to herbs for chicken seasoning. Thyme leaf powder can also be added to natural salves and other cosmetic products.
Aside from adding flavor, thyme leaf has many great health benefits. Thyme leaf is anti-inflammatory, lowers blood pressure, promotes the immune system, and provides the body with much-needed vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin C.
