Ingredient: Thyme

Thyme is a Mediterranean aromatic herb that belongs to the same family as mint. It is characterized by an intense green color that turns pale and yellowish when dried, an intense, spicy aroma, and a sharp, earthy taste with hints of slightly sweet, peppery, and floral flavors.

Thyme is used as an aromatic and a condiment. It adds flavor to beverages such as soda, tea or lemonade, and savory foods such as poultry, eggs, potatoes, tomatoes, and cheese. Its small leaves are often used in cooking, medicine, or decoration.

Thyme is often paired with other herbs like rosemary and oregano and/or with lemon to season dishes such as lamb chops, salmon, grilled chicken, roasted shrimp, spaghetti, rice, and steamed vegetables. It can be used to make vinaigrette, marinade, and glaze as well.

Thyme can be obtained dried or fresh. If dried, you can find it in the dried herbs and spices section of the supermarket; as for fresh, it is available, in packages, at any time of the year, at the refrigerated produce section, or in bunches, in spring and summer, straight from the plant.

You can easily plant thyme at home. It requires drained soil and substantial amounts of sunshine as the latter helps accentuate its flavor. After it has been harvested, fresh thyme would last no longer than two weeks.

That is why it is recommended to dehydrate or freeze the excess thyme to extend its shelf life. Frozen thyme lasts up to 6 months, while dried thyme can last for four years.