As little as thyme and marjoram get along in the garden, they harmonize better when you season meat, fish and vegetable dishes with them. The spice plants can be distinguished by the different leaves, aromas and flower colors.

Important distinguishing features between thyme and marjoram

  • Marjoram - slightly fragrant, almost sweet aroma
  • Thyme - very spicy, tart fragrance
  • Marjoram - Leaves larger and more rounded
  • Thyme - very narrow, pointed leaves
  • Marjoram - white and reddish flowers
  • Thyme - purple flowers

You can tell quite well whether you have thyme or marjoram by looking at the leaves in particular. Marjoram leaves are larger than thyme. They must be chopped up before consumption. The leaves of thyme, on the other hand, are very small and narrow. They're easy to grate off the style and don't need to be crushed.

Thyme is hardy and perennial

In German regions, marjoram is almost always only planted as an annual herb. The herb is not hardy.

Like oregano, thyme also tolerates sub-zero temperatures. The plant is quite robust and can be grown in the garden for several years.

Thyme and marjoram and their uses in the kitchen

Marjoram really comes into its own in combination with other spices such as thyme or oregano.

Thyme, on the other hand, can also be used very well as the only herb in a dish. Just like wild marjoram, oregano, it belongs in the herbal mixture "Herbes de Provence" and gives all Mediterranean dishes an unmistakable aroma.

Marjoram is also known as "sausage herb" in this country. It is very popular for the production of sausages and sausages. Marjoram, on the other hand, would be completely out of place on pizza.

Grow in the garden

It is worth sowing both herbs in the garden and harvesting them fresh. However, you should note that the two herbs are not directly next to each other.

Also, neither thyme nor marjoram should be planted in a spot where both spices have been in the past three years.

tips and tricks

Unlike marjoram, thyme is often used as a bath additive for colds. Either dried leaves or thyme oil are added to the bath water.

Category:

Herbs