Lemon Thyme
Everything You Need to Know about Lemon Thyme
In this guide, we are going to cover all the need-to-know details about lemon thyme, including health benefits, recipes, and facts that you can share with your friends and family.
What is lemon thyme?
What does lemon thyme pair well with?
Recipes that use lemon thyme
What are the health benefits of lemon thyme?
What is lemon thyme?
Lemon thyme is a herb that belongs to the mint family and is a type of thyme. Lemon thyme gets its name from the citrusy scent and flavor of its leaves, which are rich in essential oils.
It’s known for its bright green leaves and small, pale pink or purple flowers and can grow to over 12” tall. Lemon thyme is an easy-to-grow plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases.
Lemon thyme is a low-maintenance plant just happy to be part of the party.
Lemon thyme to learn:
Lemon thyme is a favorite among gardeners, as it is easy to grow, attractive, and a fragrant addition to any garden.
In addition to its culinary uses, lemon thyme has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin conditions.
Lemon thyme was believed to have been a favorite herb of Thomas Jefferson, who grew it in his garden at Monticello.
The ancient Greeks and Romans used thyme as a symbol of courage and bravery, and soldiers would often bathe in thyme water to prepare for battle.
Lemon thyme is often used in natural insect repellents due to its strong scent, which mosquitoes and other insects find unpleasant.
In medieval Europe, lemon thyme was believed to ward off evil spirits and was often used in herbal sachets and incense.
Lemon thyme, like other herbs, can also be dried and used in a variety of ways, instead of consumed fresh. To do so, rinse and dry the herbs and then bundle them together with a band or elastic and hang them upside down to dry for a few days or weeks.
What does lemon thyme pair well with?
Lemon thyme is a versatile herb that pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are some examples:
Poultry
Fish: Lemon thyme is also a great seasoning for fish dishes, particularly salmon, trout, and cod.
Vegetables
Potatoes
Soups and stews
Salad dressings
Bread
Cocktails
Recipes that use lemon thyme
Lemon thyme can sweeten up dinners and cocktails or add a zesty flavor to any meal.
Try lemon thyme with your weeknight veggies; it adds a bright, citrusy flavor to vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, and green beans.
Lemon thyme is a popular seasoning for chicken, turkey, and other poultry dishes. It pairs well with both grilled and roasted meats. Lemon thyme is also a great seasoning for soups and stews, particularly those with chicken or vegetable broth.
Lemon thyme can even be used as a garnish for cocktails, particularly those with a citrusy or herbal flavor.
What are the health benefits of lemon thyme?
In addition to its culinary uses, lemon thyme has several potential health benefits due to its nutritional content and active compounds. Here are some of the potential health benefits of consuming lemon thyme:
Contains anti-inflammatory properties: Lemon thyme contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Contains antioxidants: Lemon thyme is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants may also help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Promotes digestive health: Lemon thyme has traditionally been used to aid digestion and soothe digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion. Some studies suggest that the herb may have antispasmodic effects on the digestive tract.
Supports respiratory health: Lemon thyme has traditionally been used to treat respiratory issues such as coughs and bronchitis. Some studies suggest that lemon thyme may have antiviral properties that could be useful in treating respiratory infections.
Helps oral health: Lemon thyme has antibacterial properties that may help to reduce the growth of bacteria that cause dental plaque and gum disease.
Promotes skin health: The antioxidants in lemon thyme may help to protect the skin against damage from UV radiation and pollution. Some studies also suggest that lemon thyme may have anti-aging effects on the skin.
This Week’s Harvest
This Week’s Harvest is a one-time purchase to taste the season's goodness. It includes vibrant greens, fragrant herbs, crisp microgreens, and hearty root vegetables, all freshly harvested and delivered to your front door.
Taste This Week’s Harvest for yourself, and then let us know your thoughts. Or, come by for a tour. We are always eager to meet the families we feed and to show off exactly where our food came from.
And we can do so all season long.
Area 2 Farms offers different harvest subscription options to meet your family’s needs. Check out the 4-Week and the 10-Week Farm Subscriptions to choose what works best for you.
