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Seed | Common Thyme
  • Seed | Common Thyme
Seed | Common Thyme

Seed | Common Thyme

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Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a perennial herb prized for its culinary and medicinal qualities. These seeds produce robust plants with small, gray-green leaves that give off a distinctive aroma.
A LITTLE HISTORY

Common thyme, scientifically known as Thymus vulgaris, is a perennial shrub native to the western Mediterranean regions of Europe. This aromatic and medicinal plant is closely associated with the dry, sunny, and stony terrain typical of the Mediterranean scrubland. Here's an in-depth exploration of its history and importance through the ages:

  • Origin and Meaning of the Name:
    The exact origin of the name "thyme" is subject to various interpretations. It could derive from the ancient Greek word "thyo," meaning "I perfume, I burn perfumes," or from "thymo," which translates to "smoke." The latter etymology refers to the use of thyme as incense in ancient rituals. Another possibility is the Latin word "thumus," meaning "courage," perhaps highlighting the virtues attributed to thyme in ancient medicine.

 

  • Use and Historical Significance:
    Thyme has been valued since ancient times as both a herb and a medicinal plant. In ancient societies, particularly among the Greeks and Romans, thyme was considered a sacred plant. It was burned during religious rituals and ceremonies to purify the air and invoke benevolent deities. This ritual use underscores the cultural and spiritual importance attributed to thyme throughout ancient Mediterranean civilizations.

 

  • Botanical Characteristics:
    Common thyme is a small shrub that can grow between seven and thirty centimeters tall. It has woody, cylindrical stems, often arranged in dense clumps or compact bushes. Its leaves are small, oval, and strongly aromatic, giving off a distinctive and pleasant scent when crushed. Thyme's flowers, which appear in summer, are usually white or pink and attract bees, making it also a popular plant for honey production.

 

  • Culinary and Medicinal Use:
    In addition to its role in religious rituals, thyme has been widely used as a condiment in traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Its leaves are added to dishes for their strong aroma and flavor, particularly in stews, sauces, and casseroles. Medicinally, thyme was considered a stimulant, tonic, and antiseptic. It was used to treat various ailments, including respiratory problems, infections, and digestive disorders.

In summary, common thyme holds a special place in Mediterranean history and culture, symbolizing both the aromatic richness of the garrigue and the medicinal virtues passed down through the centuries. Its continued popularity today in cooking and herbal medicine is a testament to its enduring importance and deep-rooted cultural heritage.
PROPERTIES

Medicinal Properties:

  • Broad-Spectrum Anti-Infective: Thyme is known for its powerful antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties. These qualities make it an effective ally in the fight against respiratory, skin, and digestive infections.
  • Immune Booster: It strengthens the immune system with its antioxidant compounds and vitamins, helping the body fight infections and maintain optimal overall health.
  • Digestive and Carminative: Thyme benefits the digestive system by promoting digestion, relieving intestinal gas (carminative) and stimulating the appetite (aperitif).
  • Antioxidant: It is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body, thus helping prevent cardiovascular diseases and other age-related conditions.

Source of Important Nutrients: Thyme is an excellent source of several essential nutrients:

  • Iron: Important for oxygen transport and red blood cell formation.
  • Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health.
  • Vitamin C: Key antioxidant, crucial for the immune system, skin and blood vessel health.
  • Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and other minerals: Contribute to bone health, muscle and nerve function, and electrolyte balance.

Traditional Use:

  • Thyme is widely used in cooking to flavor dishes, especially meats, soups, sauces, and marinades. In herbal medicine, it is often used in the form of infusions, decoctions, or essential oil for its medicinal properties. Additionally, its leaves can be dried and preserved for long-term use.

In conclusion, common thyme is not only a popular culinary herb but also a medicinal plant with multiple health benefits, ranging from its anti-infectious properties to its rich nutritional qualities. Its use dates back to ancient times, testifying to its continued importance in traditional and modern medicine.
HOW TO COOK?

In traditional cooking, thyme is often used to flavor various dishes, especially in Mediterranean cuisines. Here are some traditional recipes where thyme plays a central role:

  • Chicken with Thyme:
  • Provençal Ratatouille:
  • Roasted Potatoes with Thyme:
  • Provençal Tomatoes:
  • Thyme and Vegetable Soup:

These recipes showcase the distinct fragrance and flavor of thyme, which blends perfectly with Mediterranean dishes and adds an aromatic and savory dimension to every bite.

Thyme is a versatile herb that can be used not only in savory dishes but also in herbal teas and desserts. Here are some traditional ways to use it in these contexts:

Thyme herbal tea:

To make thyme tea, you can use fresh or dried thyme leaves. Here's how to do it:

  • Simple Thyme Herbal Tea:
  • Thyme Herbal Tea with Honey:
  • Lemon Thyme Herbal Tea:

Thyme Desserts:

Thyme can also be used to flavor various desserts, especially those that require a subtle hint of fresh herbs. Here are some ideas:

  • Thyme Ice Cream:
  • Lemon and Thyme Tart:
  • Thyme Cookies:

Thyme brings an interesting aromatic dimension to herbal teas and desserts, adding a subtle yet distinctive note to your culinary creations. Whether relaxing with a warm cup of herbal tea or enjoying a sophisticated dessert, thyme offers a welcome versatility in the kitchen.
HOW TO GROW?

Cold stratification:

  • Prepare the seeds: Clean them and, if necessary, soak them for a few hours.
  • Mix: Mix the seeds with a moist substrate (sand or vermiculite).
  • Condition: Put everything in an airtight bag.
  • Refrigerate: Place the bag in the refrigerator for 4 to 12 weeks.
  • Check: Make sure the substrate remains slightly moist.
  • Sow: After the stratification period, sow the seeds in prepared soil.

That's it! It helps the seeds germinate.

Caution: Dust seeds, mix sand with the seeds in a salt shaker or in the small plastic bag in your envelope, to have a bed.

Our seeds are vigorous, open-pollinated and adapted to the Quebec climate.

  • Species: Thymus vulgaris
  • Sowing: Early March-to April, or broadcast on the surface to be cultivated outdoors either in spring or towards the end of August
  • Seeds: 10-15 seeds per pot, final transplanting into an outdoor pot around mid-May
  • Sowing depth: 0.5 cm
  • Germination time: 15-30 days
  • Soil: Poor, humus-rich, loose and drained
  • Location: Sun and tolerates shade and cold very well
  • Spacing between plants: 25-30cm
  • Height at maturity: 35-45cm
  • Maturity: 85-90 days | Perennial
  • Seed per envelope: +/- 150
    Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.

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