Hardly any other herb can be used in as many ways as thyme. Its unmistakable aroma seasons numerous dishes, in natural medicine leaves and flowers are used primarily to treat respiratory diseases. Thanks to its dense growth and lush flowers, the aromatic plant in the garden is also suitable for edging beds, for ground-covering scented lawns or in perennial beds.
origin and occurrence
Thyme originally comes from the hot and dry areas around the Mediterranean, where it still grows wild on sandy or stony subsoil in the maquis that characterizes the landscape. The popular herb is cultivated primarily in Western Europe - southern France, Italy and Spain - but also in North Africa, Turkey and Croatia. Today it is at home in many countries around the world and thrives best in a Mediterranean to continental climate.
systematics
Thyme belongs to the mint family and is therefore closely related to other Mediterranean herbs such as lavender, rosemary and sage. However, thyme is not the same as thyme, because the genus is very species-rich. About 214 different types of thyme are known, which can differ greatly in appearance, growth habit and taste.
Look
Thyme is a perennial subshrub that - depending on the variety - grows either upright or creeping and develops shoots of different lengths. The short leaflets are called needles and vary in color and leaf thickness. The lush flowers can usually be seen between June and October, whereby thyme can bloom purple, pink or white. The seeds are in the spherical, brown nuts.
use
Thyme plants are a pretty sight in sunny gardens. There are a variety of different varieties with special scents and tastes. Thyme can be used both fresh and dried as a herb in the kitchen and as a medicinal plant. Since ancient times, the plant has been used in natural medicine, for example against diseases of the respiratory organs or against complaints of the gastrointestinal tract. Dishes seasoned with thyme are easy to digest because the essential oils contained stimulate digestion. Thyme is mostly used to prepare sausages and to flavor vegetable, fish and meat dishes.
tips and tricks
Thyme blossoms are rich in nectar and are therefore very popular as pasture for bees, bumblebees and butterflies. Its honey is considered a rare delicacy.