Are thyme and thyme the same thing? Where to add the magic herb?

To improve the taste and add an appetizing aroma to dishes, there are a considerable number of seasonings. Thyme occupies an exceptional position among spices, as it goes well with most foods.

Description

Thyme is a perennial subshrub native to the world. It has more than 400 varieties, but only a few types are used as seasoning:

• fragrant, or French - the most versatile option;
• lemon – good for complementing desserts and fish dishes;
• Siberian – especially aromatic, goes well with meat dishes.

Young branches of the plant with leaves are used as raw materials. They are collected before the flowering period and frozen or dried.

The seasoning has a distinct, specific aroma with notes of citrus. Fresh thyme is especially aromatic; the dry version has a less pronounced odor.

Thyme is often called thyme. In fact, thyme is one of the varieties of thyme, and the most common.

Use in cooking

Thyme is widely used in cooking as an aromatic seasoning. This spice is especially popular in Mediterranean cuisine. Dry or fresh herbs are added to dishes in small doses so that the spice does not drown out the taste of the main ingredients.

Thyme is often used mixed with other spices. This aromatic seasoning is included in the Herbs de Provence mixture along with basil, rosemary, sage, and oregano.

Where to add fresh and dried thyme?

Dishes that will benefit from thyme seasoning:

• meat dishes, especially stewed or fried lamb;
• vegetable stews;
• potato dishes;
• lentil or pea puree;
• egg dishes;
• rice and pasta.

Thyme can be added when preparing sauces, marinades for baking meat or fish, and homemade canned vegetables. Thyme is sometimes added to baked goods and desserts, such as apple confiture or orange jelly. Thyme is also added when preparing aromatic tea.

How to use it correctly?

Thyme is used in small quantities. Typically, spices are added to food at the very beginning of the cooking process so that it has time to fully develop its aroma. If the dish requires prolonged cooking or stewing, then add thyme half an hour before it is ready.

Fresh thyme is added with a whole sprig (it is then removed from the finished dish, since the spice has already lost its taste and aroma). You can only put leaves. To separate them, just run your fingers along the branch. Sometimes you need to add chopped fresh thyme. In this case, you need to remove the leaves from the stem onto the board and chop them with a knife.

Dry spice is sold in powder form. When preparing it yourself, dry thyme sprigs should be ground in a coffee grinder or ground well in a mortar. Add a small pinch at the beginning of cooking.

Proportions for using fresh and dry thyme: 2 fresh sprigs can replace a quarter teaspoon of dry powder (about 1.25 grams).

Storage

To preserve fresh thyme for as long as possible, it is recommended to place the sprigs in a glass of water, like flowers in a vase. Before this, it is advisable to trim them by making a diagonal cut with a knife.This bouquet should be stored in the refrigerator and the water should be changed every other day. Fresh herbs can be stored this way for 7-10 days.

Another option for storing fresh herbs: take a clean linen napkin, moisten it with water and squeeze well. Wrap a bunch of greens in this napkin, put it in a container and put it in the refrigerator, in the vegetable storage compartment.

It is better to store dry ground thyme in a glass container; it is not advisable to use plastic. The ideal storage container is a dark glass jar with a tight lid. If there is no such container, then you can take a regular jar, but do not leave the seasoning in the light for a long time, since ultraviolet radiation destroys essential oils.

You can store dry thyme in a kitchen cabinet or pantry. It is advisable that the storage location be cool. There is no need to place a shelf with aromatic herbs above the stove. It is also not recommended to store dry seasoning in the refrigerator, as sudden changes in temperature and humidity destroy its flavor.

Spice mixtures

Thyme goes well with various spices. You can make your own seasoning mixtures.

• Lemon. This mixture is good for baking fish or frying steak. You need to mix finely grated lemon zest (15 g), dry ground thyme (15 g), ground pepper mixture (15 g) and salt (10 g).
• With rosemary. The seasoning goes well with chicken and grilled ribs. Mix equal parts dry rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic powder and ground black pepper.
• With chili. Spicy lovers will love this seasoning. You need to grind two dry chili peppers in a coffee grinder, add 20 g of dry thyme and 20 g of dry finely grated lemon zest. The mixture is used to prepare meat dishes.

To season potato, rice or pasta dishes, you can prepare aromatic oil with thyme. To prepare you need:

1. remove thyme leaves from the branches and chop them - you will need 30 g of chopped herbs;
2. add 5 g of salt and ground black pepper and 100 g of softened butter to the leaves;
3. mix everything well, roll into sausages, wrap in foil.

The aromatic oil can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months and added to ready-made dishes as a dressing.

How to replace thyme in a dish?

Cooking is an art that allows for improvisation. Therefore, if a recipe uses thyme twigs or leaves, but you don’t have it on hand, you can replace it in the dish with other spices:

• The easiest option is to buy ready-made Herbs of Provence seasoning, which harmoniously balances the flavors and aromas of herbs.
• Rosemary or basil can be used as a substitute; these herbs have a strong flavor.
• In recipes for marinades for meat, thyme can be replaced with coriander.

Thyme is a spicy plant whose taste and aroma perfectly complement the taste of various products. Proper use of spices will make the taste of dishes more original.