All About Thyme | Know Your Spice Ajwain Ke Phool (Thymus vulgaris)
What are the other names of Thyme?
| Indian Languages | Other Languages | |
| Hindi: Ajwain Ke Phool, Banajwain Bengali: Thā’ima Gujarati: Ajmo Kannada: Dodda Elle Patre Malayalam: Thottathulasi Marathi: Owaa Punjabi: Marizha, Masho, Rangsbur Sanskrit: Ajagandha Tamil: Vinji Telugu: Maruvam | Latin (Botanical): Thymus vulgaris Arabic: Satr, Zatr Chinese: Baak leih heung Dutch: Tijm, Keukentijm, Wintertijm English: Garden thyme French: Thym German: Thymian, Römischer Quendel, Kuttelkraut Italian: Timo Spanish: Tomillo Swedish: Timjan, Trädgårdstimjan |
What exactly is Thyme?
Spice Card – All About Thyme | Know Your Spice Ajwain Ke Phool (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a small, perennial, evergreen shrub in the Lamiaceae (Mint family).
The thyme plant has an erect or ascending growth habit and possesses many woody, branching stems.
The leaves of the thyme plant are linear or elliptical and are arranged alternately on the stems.
The leaves are densely covered in minute hairs and have numerous red-brown oil glands on the surface which take the appearance of small dots. The leaves can be green or variegated.
he plant produces whorls of tiny pink, lilac or pale purple flowers on a terminal spike and tiny brown fruits, each with one seed.
Thyme can reach a height of up to 50 cm (20 in) and can be grown as an annual or a perennial. Thyme may also be referred to as common or garden thyme and originates from the Mediterranean.
What is the nutritional value of Thyme?
Thyme herb is packed with numerous health benefiting phytonutrients (plant-derived compounds), minerals and vitamins that are essential for overall wellness.
Its leaves are one of the richest sources of potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and selenium.
The herb is also a rich source of many important vitamins such as B-complex vitamins, β-carotene, vitamin-A, vitamin-K, vitamin-E, vitamin-C, and folic acid.
Thyme leaves offer significant levels of quality phytonutrients profile.
Just 100 g of fresh leaves provides 38% of dietary fiber, 27% of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), 266% of vitamin-C, 158% of vitamin-A, 218% of iron, 40% of calcium, 40% of magnesium, and 75% of manganese.
What is the chemical composition of Thyme?
The major constituents of commercial Thymus vulgaris essential oil are thymol (23%–60%), γ-terpinene (18%–50%), p-cymene (8%–44%), carvacrol (2%–8%), and linalool (3%–4%).
Thymus vulgaris oil as well as thymol have shown antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects, accounting for the medicinal uses of Thymus vulgaris.
What is the history of Thyme?
The useful herb has straddled the epochs of human history because it is easy to grow, easy to propagate and as tough as old boots.
The name Thyme, in its Greek form, was first given to the plant by the Greeks as a derivative of a word which meant ‘to fumigate’.
This can be either because they used it as incense, for its balsamic odour, or because it was taken as a type of all sweet-smelling herbs.
Others derive the name from the Greek word thumus, signifying courage, the plant being held in ancient and mediaeval days to be a great source of invigoration, its cordial qualities inspiring courage.
The antiseptic properties of Thyme were fully recognised in classic times, there being a reference in Virgil’s Georgics to its use as a fumigator, and Pliny tells us that, when burnt, it puts to flight all venomous creatures.
Lady Northcote (in The Herb Garden) says that among the Greeks, Thyme denoted graceful elegance; ‘to smell of Thyme’ was an expression of praise, applied to those whose style was admirable.
It was an emblem of activity, bravery and energy, and in the days of chivalry it was the custom for ladies to embroider a bee hovering over a sprig of Thyme on the scarves they presented to their knights.
In the south of France, Wild Thyme is a symbol of extreme Republicanism, tufts of it being sent with the summons to a Republican meeting.
The affection of bees for Thyme is well known and the fine flavour of the honey of Mount Hymettus near Athens was said to be due to the Wild Thyme with which it was covered (probably T. vulgaris).
Though apparently not in general use as a culinary herb among the ancients, it was employed by the Romans to give an aromatic flavour to cheese (and also to liqueurs).
What are the uses of Thyme?
- It adds savoury flavour to meats, soups and stews.
- According to the German Commission E (part of the German government’s counterpart to the FDA), thyme is an approved treatment for coughs, respiratory infections, bronchitis and whooping cough.
- A herbal rinse with thyme keeps hair feeling great, and promotes a clean, healthy scalp.
- Thyme’s natural antiseptic properties make it great for cleaning skin.
- The essential oil is an effective disinfectant and natural preservative that is used in many skin preparations
- Aromatherapy of the essential oil of thyme has been used to boost the mind, body, and spirit.
- Burning thyme can repel insects and a dilution of thyme oil can be used externally as a deodorant and antiseptic that will prevent mildew.
What does Thyme taste like?
There are many different varieties of thyme that all have subtle differences in flavor. Generally, thyme will have a sharp, almost minty flavor.
It is earthy with floral hints and is a little bit sweet and a little bit peppery.
How Much Thyme Should I Use?
You will need to use more thyme if it’s fresh for your recipes. The general rule is to use as much as eight times more fresh thyme vs dried.
The longer thyme is cooked, the more flavour it provides. Keep this in mind when deciding when to add this herb to your recipe.
Gin & Tonic with Strawberries & Thyme
What are the ayurvedic properties of Thyme?
Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)
Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Tikshna (Sharp)
Veerya (Potency): Ushna (Hot)
Vipaka (Taste conversion after digestion): Katu (Pungent)
Karma (Actions): Pacifies Kapha and Vata dosha.
What can I use Thyme for?
- Use for your savoury dishes like braised or roasted meat, vegetables, or fish.
- Use it to add flavor and depth to marinades, soups and stocks, cocktail elements, and teas.
- Dried thyme added right at the end of cooking to lentils and split pea enhance their flavour.
- Leaves without the stem work great in salads.
- Add a couple pinches of dried thyme to the flour to make an herb bread.
- When you have made your favourite pasta sauce, add a pinch of dried leaves to enhance your sauce.
- Fresh thyme leaves can be used to decorate desserts, like soufflés and custards.
- Preserve your fresh thyme harvest by making a simple vinegar or oil infusion.
- In soups, the herb pairs well with potato, roast mixed vegetables, chicken, mushrooms, and leafy greens.
- Use thyme in everything from refreshing detox waters to cocktail party favourites.
- Infuse the dried herb in a carrier oil like jojoba or olive for three to six weeks to make your own thyme oil.
- Thyme tea can act as an expectorant, clearing the lungs of congestion. It is also said to settle the stomach, soothe a sore throat and relieve aches and pains.
- Massage thyme oil into your scalp to kill the bacteria and fungi that contribute to unhealthy scalp conditions like dandruff.
How do I prepare Thyme for food?
Wash, then either use the whole sprig or remove the leaves and discard the stalk.
To strip the leaves from the stems, hold a stalk at the top and then firmly run the thumb and forefinger of your other hand along the stalk from top to bottom – the leaves should break off as you go.
Dried thyme retains much of the flavor of fresh thyme and is a suitable substitution for fresh.
When substituting dried thyme for fresh, however, use roughly one-eight of the volume of fresh thyme called for in the recipe as the flavour of dried thyme is much stronger than fresh.
How long does Thyme last?
As with most herbs, fresh thyme can be stored in refrigerator for a few days (one or two weeks) if it is warped in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag.
For long term storage the fresh thyme should be washed, trimmed/ chopped and dried properly before placing it in freezer bags and frozen.
Dried thyme retains the best quality for about six months to a year, but you can use it for months or even years longer.
How do I store Thyme?
- Fresh thyme can be placed in a sealed zip-top bag and stored in the refrigerator where they will last for a week or two.
- Dried thyme can be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry, and dark spot, such as the spice cabinet or pantry; they will last up to two years before losing their aroma.
Is there a substitute for Thyme?
- Fresh or dried, oregano makes a great thyme substitute. The flavours are very similar.
- Marjoram is very similar to oregano, and in turn, also very close to thyme, so it’s another excellent 1:1 substitute.
- Rosemary is slightly stronger in flavour so you’ll want to use a bit less of it.
- Basil can be an excellent thyme substitute in some circumstances.
Where do I buy Thyme from?
You will find it in the spices and herb isle of Indian grocery stores and most Asian grocery stores. To buy online, simply click here.
What are the health benefits of Thyme?
The following are health benefits of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) or Ajwain Ke Phool
- Health Benefits of Thyme as an Antioxidant – Fresh Thyme herb has one of the highest antioxidant levels among herbs. It is packed with minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.
- Health Benefits of Ajwain Ke Phool as an Anticancer Agent – There are several preclinical studies pointing to the anticancer potential of T. vulgaris.
- Health Benefits of Thyme as an Anti Inflammatory – thyme oil and thymol have been shown to exhibit strong antioxidant activities. Moreover, the contained flavonoids were shown to prevent the release of superoxide anion and to protect erythrocytes from oxidative stress.
- Health Benefits of Ajwain Ke Phool as an Antimicrobial Agent – Essential oil extracted from TV and its principle component thymol possess a wide range of activity against different types of bacteria and fungi compared with the other oils both in vitro and in vivo studies.
- Health Benefits of Thyme for Cough – Thyme has long been used as a home remedy for cough, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.
- Health Benefits of Thyme for Oral Care – Thyme oil mixed with water has long been used as a remedy for bad breath and the prevention of gingivitis and gum disease.
- Health Benefits of Thyme for Menstruation – Thyme has long been touted for its analgesic (pain-relieving) and antispasmodic (spasm-relieving) properties. The evidence supporting these claims is often mixed, but there have been some promising findings.
- Health Benefits of Ajwain Ke Phool for Your Mind – Thyme is believed by practitioners of aromatherapy to exert anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, a property supported by a 2014 study in the Journal of Acute Disease.
- Benefits of Thyme for Skin – Application of thymol to the skin of people with atopic dermatitis has a direct physiological response. In addition to inhibiting inflammatory compounds known as cytokines, thymol helps shrink the swollen dermal and epidermal skin layers characteristic of dermatitis.
Thyme Tea Recipe | Ajwain Ke Phool ki Chai Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Cup Water
- 4 Piece 3 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 sprig of dried thyme
Instructions
- Place the thyme sprigs into a sauce pan.
- Pour 2 cups of boiling water on the leaves.
- Cover, and let it steep for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the sprigs before drinking.
Notes
- Compounds in a cozy cup of thyme tea can help protect the body from germs.
- Thyme is packed with antioxidants and polyphenols.
- Thyme tea supports the immune system in dealing with viral pathogens.
- You can add a 1/2 small lemon or other citrus fruit for an additional flavour.
- To sweeten it, simply add 1 tsp of your favourite honey.
Tools & Equipment Used For This Recipe
FInally! To Sum It Up
Spice Card – All About Thyme | Know Your Spice Ajwain Ke Phool (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a small, perennial, evergreen shrub in the Lamiaceae (Mint family).
The thyme plant has an erect or ascending growth habit and possesses many woody, branching stems.
The leaves of the thyme plant are linear or elliptical and are arranged alternately on the stems.
The leaves are densely covered in minute hairs and have numerous red-brown oil glands on the surface which take the appearance of small dots. The leaves can be green or variegated.
The plant produces whorls of tiny pink, lilac or pale purple flowers on a terminal spike and tiny brown fruits, each with one seed.
Thyme can reach a height of up to 50 cm (20 in) and can be grown as an annual or a perennial. Thyme may also be referred to as common or garden thyme and originates from the Mediterranean.
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