Thyme or Thyme is a mint-flavored herb used in savory and sweet dishes. Thyme is an herb used both fresh and dried. You can combine it with other ingredients to make sauces for meat dishes. Or you can make it into butter to spread on dishes. In addition, thyme is also used to flavor soups or stews…. Thyme is also a food with many health benefits. Let’s learn about thyme with thucphamkho.vn in the article below!
Thyme is an herb commonly used in culinary, medicinal and ornamental purposes. They are native to southern Europe, from the western Mediterranean to southern Italy. In Vietnam, the tree is grown mainly in temperate climates such as Sapa and Da Lat.
Thyme plant is about 30 – 70cm tall, grows in gray or green-white bunches. Stem woody, much branched. Small leaves 5 – 9mm spear-shaped, edges rolled, underside hairy. The flowering season is around June to October. The type commonly grown and used for culinary purposes is Thymus vulgaris. The most used part is the top of the plant that bears flowers and leaves.
Thyme is one of the four important spices when marinating turkey (a typical Thanksgiving dish). It has a slightly spicy, pungent and salty taste. Usually added at the end of the cooking process because the high heat destroys the inherent flavor of the dish.
However, users who do not pay close attention will easily confuse thyme and rosemary. Both of these leaves have a strong aroma. Rosemary is 2.3 times longer than thyme leaves and feels stiffer to the touch.
Health benefits of thyme leaves
Helps reduce blood pressure
The methanol extract present in thyme leaves has the ability to regulate heart rate in people with arrhythmias. In addition, this extract also helps reduce blood pressure when suffering from high blood pressure as well as lower cholesterol in the blood.
Relieve sore throat and cough
Using thyme essential oil for cough is known as a natural remedy. The essential oil extracted from thyme leaves combined with ivy leaves will help soothe coughs and symptoms of acute bronchitis.
Boost immunity
In addition to containing minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium…, thyme also contains a large amount of vitamin A, vitamin C. If you have a cold and appear symptoms such as hot flashes, lethargy, sore throat,. .. the addition of vitamin C will help minimize the possibility of disease development.
Kills insects and mold
Thyme can be used as an antiseptic to kill insects and mold. Thanks to its active ingredient Thyme. In addition, the scent of thyme can repel mosquitoes and insects from entering the house. You can grow thyme in the garden.
Thyme is effective in killing fungi and insects
Thyme is also known as an antiseptic. It is found as the main ingredient in some natural, alcohol-free hand sanitizers.
The outside is used to flavor dishes. Thyme is also used in the perfumery industry for its seductive scent.
Improve mood
The active ingredient Carvacrol in thyme has the ability to stimulate the brain’s happy hormone. That is why when using thyme you feel happy and optimistic.
The most effective way to use thyme
For medicinal use, you can use fresh or dried thyme to make a decoction, tincture, or tea. Besides, it is possible to use medicinal preparations such as essential oils extracted to cure diseases very conveniently.
In addition, using it directly in dishes also has positive effects on health.
Make tea: Use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves or 2 tablespoons of fresh leaves steeped in 300ml of boiling water. You can add a little honey to make it more delicious.
Decoction: Can be used alone or in combination with other herbs.
Extract thyme essential oil: Add 2-3 drops of aromatic essential oil to the lamp, steamer, humidifier, etc. Or you can also make your own by adding 2-3 twigs to the old hot roasted salt. fragrant.
Soaking: Soak a few stalks of thyme in white wine for a few weeks to be used.
How to use thyme in cooking
In Western cuisine, thyme leaves are used a lot to enhance the flavor of dishes and to decorate dishes more eye-catching.
For European dishes, chefs often prefer to use thyme leaves as a popular condiment. Often used to make Bouquet garni – a condiment consisting of thyme leaves and other vegetables. Added when making stews.
Thyme is not picky about ingredients, so it is very easy to prepare with vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, carrots … or different types of meat and seafood.
More specifically, thyme can also be used in desserts. Mainly baked fruit dishes or dishes cooked with cream and milk. It sounds strange, but its fragrance will make you “addicted” immediately.
Some recipes using thyme in cooking
Mixture of musk and rosemary
Combine 1/3 cup salt (42.5g), ¼ cup dried rosemary, 2 tablespoons dried thyme, 2 tablespoons dried oregano leaves, 2 tablespoons black pepper powder, 2 tablespoons crushed dried garlic, and 1 tablespoon dried oregano. tablespoons dried sage leaves in a bowl, mix well. Drizzle this mixture over the chicken or ribs and press gently to let the seasonings soak into the meat before cooking.
Lemon peel, musk and pepper
In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (15g), 1 teaspoon pepper, and 2 teaspoons salt. Before cooking meat, use this mixture to spread evenly over the meat. Can be used for steak or pork chops … to enhance the flavor.
Thyme and chilli blend
Put 2 dried chili peppers in a spice grinder or coffee grinder, puree into a powder. Mix paprika and small bowl with 4 teaspoons coarse sea salt. Then spread 4 teaspoons of finely ground lemon zest on foil and microwave for 1 minute.
Next, put 4 teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme in the foil along with the previous lemon zest. Then microwave for about 90 seconds to help the lemon zest and thyme dry.
Take the lemon zest and thyme to cool, then mash them together. Then add them to the salt and pepper mixture and mix well.
Use this mixture to season grilled dishes or chicken.
Butter and musk blend
To soften butter before cooking, take ½ cup of butter out of the refrigerator and let it sit for about 2 hours. While waiting for the butter to soften, separate the thyme leaves. Finely chop when you have about ¼ cup of thyme (32g).
If you don’t have time, you can microwave the butter for about 15 seconds. Or until butter is soft enough to use.
Next, put the softened butter in a bowl along with 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt and the previously prepared musk. Mix the ingredients together into a homogeneous mixture
Pour the mixture into a tray and store in the refrigerator. Can be used within 2 weeks, if frozen, can be stored for 3 months.
Thyme butter can be spread on bread, steak, potatoes or depending on your preference.
Combine ½ teaspoon dried thyme and ½ teaspoon each of marjoram, rosemary, sage, and bay leaf in a square cloth. Tie the corners with string to form a herb pack. Add this packet to chicken soup or beef stew. Or add it to roast pork while it’s grilling for extra flavor.
Use fresh musk with chicken
Add 3-4 sprigs of thyme and rosemary to the inside of the chicken before grilling for extra flavor. When the chickens are cooked, take them out.
Thyme is an indispensable spice in Western grilled chicken
Things to know before using thyme
Many people believe that thyme is a medicinal herb used in cooking, so it is very safe. Anyone can use it and there are no side effects. But in fact, each person has a different body, different health status. And not everyone should use it. Before using you must note the following:
Possible side effects
Experts recommend consuming thyme only in moderation.
Using male drugs in high doses or taking them continuously for too long. May cause gastrointestinal side effects such as gastrointestinal upset.
Some people are sensitive or allergic to any of the ingredients in herbal medicines. Possible symptoms of rash, itching, redness, difficulty breathing In this case, you must stop using it immediately. Monitor whether the patient’s condition is serious or not before taking him to the hospital.
The following objects must be used with caution
This medicine is very safe, even for children. However, for the following groups of people, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using.
Pregnant and lactating women. Children over 2 years old can be used in moderate and correct doses. Particularly for pregnant women, taking too much can cause miscarriage.
Patients who are on medication, have dysarthria syndrome. Or have a history of allergy to oregano leaves, herbs of the Lamiaceae family or any other subject should consider consulting a doctor.
People preparing for surgery should not use it 2 weeks before surgery to limit the risk of heavy bleeding.
Notes when using thyme leaves
People with coagulopathy should not take it. Herbs can slow blood clotting. Increased risk of bleeding when large amounts are used.
People who are sensitive and have a hormone-sensitive location such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids, uterine cancer, endometriosis should not use it.
In addition, experts warn, thyme can interact with some drugs such as anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs. When used together may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising under the skin.
Some drugs that may interact include: aspirin, clopidogrel, dalteparin, diclofenac, enoxaparin, ibuprofen, naproxen, warfarin, etc.
Notes on using and processing thyme
In the process of using musk as medicine or cooking. You need to note the following to ensure that you do not lose your medicinal properties and are safest:
Medicinal herbs should not be processed at too high a temperature. If drying, it should only be dried at 60 degrees Celsius.
Do not let the extracted essential oil touch delicate, sensitive skin such as eyes, open wounds.
If essential oils get into eyes, rinse immediately with clean water, monitor and seek medical attention if necessary.
If you buy a lot but haven’t used it all, cut the thyme branches diagonally. Then put in a cup of water like when putting flowers in a vase to preserve. Place the cup in the refrigerator and change the water daily. Thyme can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Store dried musk in a glass bottle
Spices and herbs are better preserved in glass or metal than in plastic. However, the glass bottle will not affect the flavor of the herbs. While plastic and metal can. You should also choose dark glass bottles. Because it can protect spices from sunlight better than clear glass bottles.
Above are the shares about thyme, also known as Thyme. Add this flavorful yet healthy spice to your dishes. Please visit Dung Ha Agricultural Products website to learn more useful information.
Tiếng Việt
