Thymus vulgaris

Fun Facts

In English folklore, it was believed that thyme attracted fairies to gardens. This may be based on the fact that thyme attracts butterflies to gardens. Beach Picture provided with permission from Wikipedea Commons.

Other plants make products like alkaloids, gums and steroids during secondary metabolism.  

Phenols are found in tanning lotion. They increase photosensitivity, more UV rays are absorbed,
giving you a wonderful summer tan.

Common thyme is a versatile herb for cooking. The leaves can be used dried or fresh.
It can be used in vegetable dishes, stews and soups, pot roasts and goes well with chicken or pork.

To make the perfect meal:
Sautéed Asparagus Recipe (http://culinaryarts.about.com)
1 bunch fresh asparagus
½ large onion, finely chopped
1 lemon
1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, stripped from their stems
1 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp dry white wine
Kosher salt, to taste

Preparation:
Squeeze the juice of the lemon and set it aside. Trim off the bottom 1½ to 2 inches of woody stems at the bottom of the asparagus and discard them. Then cut the asparagus stalks into pieces ½ to 1 inch in length. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until it turns slightly translucent. Add the wine and let it simmer for a minute or two until it reduces by about half. Add the asparagus and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until it's bright green and tender but firm to the bite. Add the thyme and half the lemon juice and cook for a minute. Season to taste with Kosher salt, add more lemon juice if needed, and serve right away. Makes 4 servings.

Chicken Marengo Recipe (http://culinaryarts.about.com)
4 chicken breast filets, boneless & skinless
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium onion, peeled and sliced
1 cup grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes), sliced into halves or thirds
1 cup dry white wine
 ½ cup Kalamata olives (or other black olives), pitted and chopped
¼ cup fresh thyme leaves, stripped from their stems
 Kosher salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparation:
Season chicken breasts with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a heavy-bottomed sauté pan over medium-high. Add olive oil and heat for another minute. Add chicken to pan and cook 2-3 minutes on each side until the breasts are lightly browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Add some butter to the pan and heat until it foams. Then add the onions and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add wine and bring mixture to a boil. Return the chicken to the pan and add the tomato wedges. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer 10 minutes or until chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove chicken and plate it. Add the chopped olives and thyme to the pan and cook for another minute, then top the chicken with the sauce and serve immediately.


A finish to the perfect meal. Used with permission of Wikipedia Commons.For Dessert
Have cheesecake or find a another recipe

 

 

 

 

 

 


What else do we use thyme for?
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