I am doing a repost today because I have been so busy the past few days I've not had time to pen you an updated post. I do hope you enjoy this bit I wrote back
in March of last year.
Do you like to grow your own herbs? When you think of thyme, perhaps you only think of it as a cooking ingredient. It is a little plant of wonder and I would like to share some of it's history with you.
If you are lucky enough to be able to grow your own, keep in mind that thyme leaves are sweetest if picked just as the flowers appear. When cooking with thyme, be aware that as with all herbs, using fresh is a little different than using dried. One fresh sprig equals the flavoring power of one-half teaspoon of dried thyme.
Thyme's best use medicinally is as an antiseptic, but it also has expectorant, antispasmodic, and deodorant properties.
Herbal medicinists use thyme in infusions, extracts, teas, compresses, bath preparations and gargles. Did you realize distilled thyme oils are used commercially in the production of antiseptics, toothpaste, mouthwash, gargle, hair conditioner, dandruff shampoo, skin cleanser, various toiletry items, potpourri, and insect repellent? It is also an ingredient in commercial expectorants and antispasmodics prescribed for whooping cough and bronchitis.
Did you know there are more than 100 varieties of thyme or that the ancient Egyptians used it in the mummification process?
Thyme has been associated with courage since ancient times. The Greeks, the Romans, the Scottish Highlanders, and the knights of the Middle Ages all thought thyme brought one strength and courage.
The ancient Greeks sprinkled thyme in their baths.
When the Greeks said that someone "smelled of thyme" it meant that the person was elegant, refined, and stylish.
The Greeks burnt it as incense in sacred temples.
The Romans used thyme in the treatment of depression.
Thyme was placed in coffins to ensure passage to the next world.
Thyme was sacred to the Druids, who used it to treat depression and ward off negativity.
In the Middle Ages, people placed it under their pillows to prevent nightmares and aid sleep.
Fairies are said to love thyme. In France and England, people often created a bed of thyme to attract fairies and make them feel at home in the garden. A nice reason to plant it in your spring garden this year. Oberon, the king of the fairies in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, says, "I know a bank where the wild thyme blows," referring to the bed of thyme in which Titania, the fairy queen, sleeps.
A 17th century recipe with thyme as one of the main ingredients claims to enable people to see fairies.
Hymettus honey from Greece is made from bees who gather pollen from wild thyme on Mount Hymettus.
Thyme was once used on bandages to prevent infection.
The essential oil of thyme is called thymol. It was isolated in 1725 by the German apothecary Neuiuiann. The active ingredient in Listerine mouthwash is thymol.
I hope you are inspired to incorporate thyme into your herb garden this year. What a wonderous little herb. Here is a great summer recipe using your little herb...
Zucchini with Thyme
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 pound fresh zucchini, cut into 3-by-1/2-inch sticks
1 beef bouillon cube, crumbled (use vegetarian bouillon for vegetarian option)
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter on medium heat. Add the onion and parsley and cook until soft, but not browned.
Add the zucchini sticks, crumbled bouillon cube or vegetarian cube, thyme and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently stir to coat the zucchini. Cover and cook until tender, 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how tender the the raw zucchini is, and how small you have sliced the pieces. Check and stir every few minutes. Be careful not to overcook.
Serves 4.
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