Fresh thyme
Description
Fresh thyme is an aromatic herb with small, elliptical green leaves attached to woody stems, with a warm, slightly camphor-like flavor and hints of citrus and herbal-spicy notes. Its intense aroma comes from essential oils, primarily thymol, which gives it a characteristic, lasting fragrance. Nutritionally, thyme is low in calories and rich in vitamins A, C, and K, iron, manganese, as well as antioxidants and antibacterial compounds, which support immunity, the respiratory system, and digestion. In the kitchen, thyme pairs well with meat, poultry, lamb, fish, vegetables, soups, sauces, and roasting, and is often used in bouquet garni and marinades. To maintain freshness, store sprigs wrapped in a damp paper towel in an airtight container in the refrigerator or place them in a glass of water covered with a bag, changing the water; it can also be frozen in oil cubes or dried.
