Hot to cut thyme. A simple guide for everybody

Thyme is a very aromatic herb used in many international cuisines, including ours. It is also an important medicinal plant. Thyme comes from the Mediterranean, but thanks to its great aroma it has gradually spread all over the world. Thyme likes warm weather so, if grown in colder climates, it must be protected. Thyme is a perennial shrub that loves the sun and a pretty dry soil.

Harvesting and drying

Pick thyme around noon, in a dry weather and the best time to do that is in June and July – before it blooms. So, when you collect thyme how should you do it? Well, you should cut the entire non-woody, soft tops. You may use fresh or dry thyme. Make a single layer and dry it in a dry and well-ventilated room. You may also tie twigs into bundles and hang them just like garlic. When the drying process is over, transfer the herb to sealed containers and store in a dark room. Remove leaves only before use. Keep in mind that the fresh herb is less aromatic than dried herb, so you need to reduce the dosage accordingly.

Photo: Pixabay

Using thyme in kitchen

Thyme is excellent in various spice blends, the most famous being the popular Provençal herb mix. Thyme is used to add flavour to cold and hot dishes, vegetables and potatoes. You can also make herbal salt or combine it with other herbs to make medicinal teas.

Thyme is also an essential ingredient in Ratatouille, which is a little piece of delicious France if you use the right recipe and have fully ripe thyme available. Rosemary and fresh basil are also used in the recipe. So, if you have these herbs at home, you should definitely try.

Source:

https://www.ceskatelevize.cz/porady/10744345634-kouzelne-bylinky/7629-recepty/3129-ratatouille/

https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tymi%C3%A1n_obecn%C3%BD

https://www.ceskatelevize.cz/porady/10744345634-kouzelne-bylinky/7669-bylinky/22778-tymian-obecny/

Preview photo: Pixabay