Herb of the week - Thyme
As with all plants/flowers/herbs, you are responsible for your own well-being, so research yourself and consult a professional herbalist etc before taking anything new, especially if you have illnesses and are on pharmaceutical medication
Get to know Thyme
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is native to the Mediterranean region, including parts of Southern Europe and Northern Africa. It has a long history of cultivation and use in these areas, dating back to ancient times. The plant's natural habitat includes rocky hillsides, dry slopes, and coastal regions, which has contributed to its ability to thrive in well-draining and sometimes challenging environments.
Thyme's aromatic leaves and essential oils make it a valuable culinary herb, a medicinal plant, and an ornamental addition to gardens. There are around 300 different varieties of Thyme each with its own unique characteristics, growth habits, and uses. Thyme is a diverse herb with variations in leaf color, flavor, and growth patterns, here are some of the most common ones:
Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): This is the most widely cultivated and used thyme variety. It has small gray-green leaves and a strong, earthy flavor. Common thyme is often used in cooking and for medicinal purposes.
Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus): Lemon thyme has a citrusy aroma and flavor due to its higher concentration of essential oils. It's a popular choice for culinary use, especially in dishes that benefit from a hint of lemony fragrance.
Caraway Thyme (Thymus herba-barona): Caraway thyme has a unique scent reminiscent of caraway seeds. It's often used as a ground cover and for its aromatic properties.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): Creeping thyme, also known as wild thyme, is a low-growing variety often used as ground cover in gardens. It has small leaves and produces delicate pink or purple flowers.
Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus): Woolly thyme is known for its fuzzy, silver-gray leaves. It's a drought-tolerant variety and is often used as an ornamental ground cover.
