There are dozens of selections of thyme. The basic difference between them is that some are grown for culinary use and others are used primarily in landscaping. Both types are edible, but creeping thymes are usually small and tedious to harvest and are therefore more valuable as ground covers.
Can you eat the whole thyme plant?
Fresh thyme can be added to a recipe whole with the stem, or the leaves can be removed from the stem and then sprinkled into a dish. If a recipe calls for a “sprig” of thyme, the leaves and stem should be kept intact.
Is there non edible thyme?
All thymes (and there are over 350 species in the genus Thymus) are edible and this includes varieties usually thought of as ornamental or medicinal.
Can you eat Common thyme?
The aromatic foliage of thyme will fill the air with scent on a warm sunny day, while its flowers are a magnet to wildlife. Its edible leaves are used fresh or dried to flavour soups, stews, fish, meat, sausages, stuffings and vegetable dishes.
Are thyme branches edible?
The stems of thyme are edible but are typically too woody to enjoy. The leaves are really what you are after, but leaving the leaves attached to the stem saves prep time. You can just remove and discard the stem and any attached leaves after cooking.
What parts of the thyme plant are edible?
The leaves of this perennial evergreen are highly aromatic and have a woodsy flavor that pairs well with meat, fish and many other common herbs. Those leaves are the part of the plant you want to eat, though the stems have some culinary value too.
Which part of the thyme plant do we eat?
Fresh thyme can be used with or without its stem. However, if a recipe calls for a “sprig,” the stem should be left on. The leaves will fall off in cooking, and then the stem can be removed prior to serving. If a recipe calls for a “sprig” of thyme, the leaves and stem should be used together, intact.
How do I know what kind of thyme I have?
How to Identify Different Types of Thyme
- Notice the height of the plant. The low-creeping types of thyme grow 4 to 6 inches high.
- Observe the leaves for their shape and color.
- Check the stems and branches.
- Pick a few leaves and rub them between your fingers.
- Look for flowers.
What is the difference between thyme and wild thyme?
Wild Thyme is a perennial, more thickset than the Garden Thyme, though subject to many varieties, according to the surroundings in which it grows.
What’s the difference between thyme and English thyme?
The main differences between German thyme and English thyme is the appearance of their foliage and their tolerance of the cold. English thyme spreads outwards while German thyme grows upright. German thyme is also hardier than English thyme.
Can you eat raw thyme leaves?
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.
Can you still use thyme after it flowers?
Thyme’s tiny flowers are pretty and white. Though you can pinch the flowers off to allow the plant to produce more leaves, the flavor of thyme really isn’t compromised by letting the plant bloom.
Are there different varieties of thyme?
There are over 300 thyme varieties in the mint family of Lamiaceae, of which thyme is a member. All have been prized for centuries for their fragrance, flavor, and ornamental habit. With this dizzying array of thyme varieties, there is a possible specimen for nearly every climate and landscape.
Can you cook with Mother of Thyme?
Mother of thyme may be added to stews and soups for flavoring purposes. Despite its fragile appearance, this vigorous herb does best in average soil. In fact, too much fertilizer or water can harm the plant by making it grow too quickly, risking damage from winter freezes.
Is Wild Thyme the same as creeping thyme?
Thymus serpyllum, known by the common names of Breckland thyme, Breckland wild thyme, wild thyme, creeping thyme, or elfin thyme, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to most of Europe and North Africa.
When should I harvest thyme?
If the thyme is at least 4-5 inches across in diameter, it has matured and is ready for harvest! You can harvest fresh thyme periodically throughout the growing season, spring and summer. For the most flavor from your herbs, trim cuttings right before or as the plant flowers.
Whats the difference between English and French thyme?
French thyme is a variety of English thyme that has narrower, grey-green leaves and a slightly sweeter flavor. It is often preferred by chefs, and is excellent for seasoning meat, fish, soup, and vegetables. Just remember that its English counterpart is not only more robust, but has better cold tolerance.
What kind of thyme is used for cooking?
Though there are something like 300 varieties of this herb, the most common types used in cooking are Thymus vulgaris (common thyme), Thymus citriodorus (citrus thyme, Thymus herba-barona (caraway thyme) and Thymus serpillum (wild thyme) – which is often found in United States.
Should you cut back thyme?
Trim thyme back after it’s finished flowering to promote new growth. This will give you more leaves to harvest through autumn. If you don’t tidy them up, plants become woody and will need replacing after three years.
How do you harvest thyme so it keeps growing?
Leave at least 5 in (13 cm) of woody growth.
Thyme is a perennial plant, so it will grow back the following season if you leave some of the stems. As you’re harvesting, only remove up to a third of the growth and at least 5 inches (13 cm) of thick woody stems on the bottom.
How do you cut thyme so it keeps growing?
In late fall, after the first frost, select one-third of the oldest and woodiest stems on your thyme plant. Using sharp, clean shears, cut these stems back by half. Repeat the process the next year until your thyme plant has returned to growing younger, more tender stems all over the plant.