Is Elfin thyme edible

Although the leaves are flavorful and aromatic, the tiny 1/8 to 3/8 inch (3 to 9 mm.) leaves are rather a pain to pick, so most people use other varieties of common thyme for their culinary herb uses and allow elfin thyme to play the role of an ornamental.

Are all thyme edible?

All thymes (and there are over 350 species in the genus Thymus) are edible and this includes varieties usually thought of as ornamental or medicinal. However, some are more popular in cooking than others.

Is all creeping thyme edible?

Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox) Although the thyme that’s grown commercially as an herb is a different species, creeping thyme is also aromatic and edible.

Which thyme plants are edible?

There are only about half a dozen considered suitable for cooking. Out of this group, I find four to be most useful: French thyme, lemon thyme, oregano-scented thyme, and caraway thyme. French thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is the one that most people know. The plant grows into an upright bush 12 in. to 18 in.

Can you cook with creeping thyme?

Creeping thyme might not be edible like its cousin, but it does produce a pleasant herbal fragrance that’s similar to the thyme you use in cooking. … The creeping thyme has foliage with a fine texture, and they spread out across the ground, producing flowers with different shades of color, depending on the type.

What is the most common thyme for cooking?

Though there are something like 300 varieties of this herb, the most common types used in cooking are Thymus vulgaris (common thyme), Thymus citriodorus (citrus thyme, Thymus herba-barona (caraway thyme) and Thymus serpillum (wild thyme) – which is often found in United States.

Is French thyme the same as regular thyme?

French thyme is a variety of English thyme that has narrower, grey-green leaves and a slightly sweeter flavor. It is often preferred by chefs, and is excellent for seasoning meat, fish, soup, and vegetables. Just remember that its English counterpart is not only more robust, but has better cold tolerance.

Are there two types of thyme?

Types of Thyme Plants Common thyme (T. vulgaris) – Common thyme has a prostrate form with yellow and variegated foliage available; used in cooking. Lemon thyme (T.

What are the side effects of thyme?

Possible Side Effects Commonly used for cooking, thyme is considered safe when used in normal food amounts. It also appears to be well-tolerated in dietary supplement forms. However, the overconsumption of thyme may cause upset stomach, cramps, headaches, and dizziness.

Do you use all the thyme or just the leaves?

Fresh thyme can be added to a recipe whole with the stem, or the leaves can be removed from the stem and then sprinkled into a dish. If a recipe calls for a “sprig” of thyme, the leaves and stem should be kept intact.

Article first time published on

Is Elfin thyme the same as creeping thyme?

The two species of thyme most often referred to as Elfin Thyme are Thymus serpyllum and Thymus praecox. … Traditionally, creeping thyme has been used as an evergreen ground-cover and often used in rock gardens and in between stepping stones.

Is creeping thyme poisonous?

Pick the Right Grass “The creeping thyme does well as a dog-friendly ground cover. Irish Moss, Labrador Violet, Miniature Stonecrop (although invasive, so be careful where you plant it) as well as snow in summer are rather dog-abuse-tolerant and are non-toxic.”

How do you eat creeping thyme?

Just like other thyme varieties, creeping thyme is edible with a flavor and aroma akin to mint when crushed or steeped for teas or tinctures. To harvest creeping thyme ground cover, either remove the leaves from the stems or dry them by snipping from the plant and hanging them upside down in a dark, well-aerated area.

What is creeping thyme good for?

They function as a living mulch by shading the soil, suppressing weeds, and conserving water. All of this helps to build topsoil and prevent erosion. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when selecting a ground cover. Cue creeping thyme!

Does creeping thyme repel mosquitoes?

Thyme. Thyme, including red creeping thyme (shown), possesses excellent mosquito-repelling properties. The secret is to crush the leaves to release the volatile oils. You can simply place crushed stems around outdoor seating areas or rub the leaves on skin or clothing.

Is Red creeping thyme edible?

Red creeping thyme, he says, “has almost-red flowers and is a massive bloomer.” All thymes are edible, though the creeping varieties have such tiny leaves that they are more often used as ornamentals in rock gardens and to edge borders. … Thyme is one of the easiest herbs to grow.

How do you take care of French thyme?

Thyme (Thymus) is easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Prune away winter-killed stems in spring and then feed plants lightly with a balanced fertilizer. After bloom fades, shear back spent flowers, cutting 1–2″ into the leaves to keep plants compact and to encourage new growth.

Which is better German thyme or English thyme?

German Thyme has tiny leaves when compared to Common thyme. But the leaves are packed with more aromatic oils than many larger-leaved varieties. … English Thyme is a smaller low growing plant with tiny leaves and an intense flavor. Essential in chowders, and delicious sprinkled on potatoes for roasting.

Is winter thyme edible?

The standard winter-hardy thyme. Good flavor and yield. … Edible Flowers: The flowers are small, but have a mild thyme flavor. Use the flowers in potato dishes and salads.

What is French thyme used for?

Aside from its culinary value, French Thyme, like most other varieties of the Thyme family, is also prized for its preservative properties. Used to keep meats, ice cream and candies from spoiling, Thyme was also used in the embalming process by Ancient Egyptians.

Is thyme and lemon thyme the same?

Lemon thyme is one of the many varieties of thyme. … It looks just like regular thyme, with long, thin sprigs with tiny spear-shaped green leaves. You’ll notice a difference immediately when you crush a few of its leaves and breath in its sweet, lemony aroma.

Is all Rosemary edible?

Common rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is desirable for its beautiful spring blooms, hardy nature and versatility. … Because common rosemary is edible, all varieties are edible, but they do slightly vary in flavor and in their growth habits.

Who should avoid thyme?

Scientists have theorized that thyme can make hormone-sensitive conditions worse. 6 For that reason, women with breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids should be cautious about using thyme.

Can you drink thyme tea everyday?

Promotes Healthy Blood Pressure Levels In fact, thyme extract has helped reduce heart rate, lower cholesterol levels, and maintain healthy blood pressure levels in laboratory rats suffering from hypertension. You can either add thyme leaf powder to your meals, or drink thyme tea on a daily basis.

Is thyme good for lungs?

Thyme helps fight respiratory infections and is a natural expectorant that serves as an antiseptic and helps expulse mucus. It’s also good for soothing coughs and fighting nasal congestion. Prepare it as a tea.

What is the most popular thyme?

English thyme has dark green, oval leaves, and French thyme has narrow gray leaves. One of the most popular culinary thymes, lemon thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is known for its enticing lemon scent and taste. Sometimes listed in catalogs as Thymus x citriodorus, it is a hardy perennial that grows 4 to 12 inches tall.

Is silver thyme good for cooking?

This plant is an elegant addition to an herb or ornamental garden. It has lemon-scented green leaves edged in silver and produces lilac flowers in early summer. … Some thymes are used for cooking and making tea, and all species ornament herb gardens or formal areas.

Is Lavender thyme edible?

Lavender Scented Thyme is a perennial herb that is typically grown for its edible qualities, although it does have ornamental merits as well. It produces which can be harvested at any point. The have a savory taste and a pleasant fragrance.

Can you use dried thyme for tea?

Hot Thyme Tea Recipe Place fresh or dried thyme in a mug. If using dried thyme, place it in a tea infuser. Pour hot water over the thyme. Let steep for 15 minutes.

What's the difference between rosemary and thyme?

The main difference between thyme and rosemary is that rosemary has a strong and pungent flavour than thyme. … Both these herbs belong to the mint family and have a somewhat similar flavour profile. Moreover, they are often used together in cooking.

How do you store fresh thyme?

To maximize the shelf life of fresh thyme in the refrigerator, wrap the thyme in a damp paper towel, and then place it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. If properly stored, fresh thyme will usually keep well for about 10 to 14 days in the refrigerator.