An herb with mint-like leaves used for flavoring.
Although they were once spelt the same, thyme the herb and time the dimension are not related. Whereas time evolved from an Indo-European source meaning to divide, the aromatic herb acquired its name from the Greek thumos, meaning breath or spirit, because thyme was once burnt as a fragrant sacrifice to the gods (further back, the Greek thumos developed from the same Indo-European source as the English fume and perfume). The name of the herb appeared in English at the beginning of the fifteenth century as thyme, but was often respelt as time during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, thus allowing authors like Shakespeare to make puns on wild time. In the eighteenth century, the time spelling of the spice name again fell out of favour.
An aromatic, woody perennial herb with small pink flowers.
Thyme is a frequently utilized herb, belonging to the mint family, and is characterized by grey-green leaves and dainty lavender flowers. Possessing a warm and inviting aroma that is reminiscent of sage, thyme is native to the Mediterranean region, but is now cultivated all over Europe and North America for a multitude of culinary uses. This herb is especially popular for use in stuffings, mixed herb seasonings for meats, and sauces. There are as many as sixty distinct varieties of thyme, including lemon-scented thyme, wild thyme, and a mountainous plant known as mother of thyme.
Enter the realm of delightful garden herbs, where we encounter a captivating culinary gem known for its distinct flavor. This remarkable herb, sought after for its aromatic essence, gracefully enhances a wide array of culinary creations including soups, sauces, and hearty stews. Its versatility knows no bounds as it effortlessly elevates the flavors of various dishes, lending its characteristic taste to the symphony of ingredients. Notably, within this herb’s diverse repertoire, we find the esteemed variety called lemon thyme. Renowned for its unique citrusy twist, it becomes an exquisite choice when preparing veal stuffing, infusing the meat with a tantalizing burst of flavors. Allow this garden herb to weave its magic into your culinary endeavors, creating moments of gustatory delight and transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.