Herb of the Month: Thyme

Thyme is a favorite herb of mine. This herb smells and tastes so good! And, because of the holidays, I thought I would feature thyme this month. I do not make a steak or turkey without it.

Health Benefits

Thyme is probably one of the better herbs to help you when you are sick. The essential oils from thyme helps to control coughing and boost your immunity. Thyme is full of Vitamin C and potassium, and contains the highest antioxidant levels among the herbs. So when you are feeling a bit under the weather, try making some thyme tea.

Simple Thyme Tea

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Ingredients

• 3 springs of thyme
  (or more if you’d want a stronger flavor or thyme)

• 1 lemon wedge

• 1 cup of water

• 1 tsp honey

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Directions

• Boil water in a small pot, then turn off the heat.
• Squeeze the juice from the lemon wedge into the hot water and add the lemon rind, as well.
• Add the sprigs of thyme and let steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Strain the liquid into your favorite tea cup or coffee mug.
• Add the honey and enjoy!

Uses

As you already guessed, one use for thyme is to make tea! Such a tasty drink, and you can add just about anything to make the tea. I personally make the Simply Thyme Tea, but you can add other types of fruit or herbs along with it.

Thyme can be used in many culinary dishes to add a nice savory flavor to any dish. I grow both a common thyme and a lemon thyme in the garden. The lemon thyme is perfect for fish or chicken, and the common thyme is fanastic for steak. There is nothing better than salt, pepper, butter, garlic, and thyme to flavor a steak.

For turkey, I love to bundle thyme along with rosemary and sage, and add it my my brine. And, I make an herb butter of rosemary and thyme to put under the turkey skin and to rub all over the turkey before roasting.

Did you know…

Some varieties of thyme are part of the mint family, while others are related to oregano. All are tasty in a delicious beverage.