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.
How to Grow Thyme Thyme has been cultivated since the time of the ancient Egyptians and has been used for culinary, medicinal, and spiritual purposes for thousands of years. Thyme prefers a location with full sun and well-drained soil. It’s perennial, which means as long as a particular variety is hardy in your area, it will return to the garden year after year. Thyme is fairly drought tolerant and will suffer in wet or water-logged sites. It grows great in containers.
Varieties of Thyme Leafing through the seed catalogs each winter, we always get excited about all the possibilities when it comes to the offered selections of thyme. We tend to add too many to our seed list and then have to pare our selections down to the varieties we think will best suit our customers’ gardens. Here are a few of our favorites:
Thyme 101-Foods That Go With Thyme
FAQ
What is the best type of thyme for cooking?
What are the 3 types of thyme?
Can all thyme be used in cooking?
What kind of thyme is sold in grocery stores?
Which thyme is best for cooking?
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): This variety is often used as ground cover in gardens but can also be used in cooking. It has a milder flavor compared to common thyme. Caraway Thyme (Thymus herba-barona): It has a caraway scent and is used to flavor meats and vegetables, adding a unique taste to recipes.
How to use thyme?
Thyme can be used fresh or dried, and works well in soups, roasted vegetables, pasta, sauces, pizzas, chicken, stews, eggs, fish and seafood, lasagna, pork, lamb, or beef.
What does thyme mean in cooking?
Whatever your particular cooking specialty, thyme is one of those must-have herbs in the kitchen. Its pungent aroma and flavor, its versatility, and its overall utility in everything from pasta to soups to drinks to even desserts are essential for every chef. But did you know that “thyme” actually refers to a dozen or more varieties of the herb?
Can thyme be used as a seasoning?
Thyme is used to season all kinds of dishes, either by itself or as part of a blend or bouquet garni alongside other common herbs like rosemary, sage, and marjoram. Fit for every diet and very rarely considered an allergen, thyme can be consumed by anyone looking to cook with fresh herbs.