The big difference between each of these Thyme plants is not so much the flavor or the look, but rather the hardiness. There are subtle differences in flavor which is why I like to use the English in my vinegar and the German fresh in cooking.
What type of thyme is best for cooking?
Dozens of varieties are available, but those interested in the best culinary thymes have only a handful of choices. Those best for flavor, as well as ease of use, are the low-growing, shrubby ones known as English, French, lemon, or winter thyme.
What is German thyme good for?
German Thyme produces dainty, flavorful leaves that are excellent used for cooking or for tea. Harvest as needed and cut back to about 3″ (1cm) two or three times per season to encourage thicker growth. Easily dried for long-term storage. Plant is perennial in regions with mild winters.
What is the difference between thyme and English 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.
What is English thyme used for?
English thyme is a low-growing plant with fragrant leaves. This herb goes well with just about everything. Add it (fresh or dried) to blended herb mixtures, or use in soups, sauces, beans, meat dishes, and more. It’s also a great addition to potpourri or homemade soap.
What type of thyme is used in Jamaica?
Jamaican thyme is also known as Indian Borage. Jamaican thyme is very similar to plain English Thyme but it’s flavour is much stronger.
Is German thyme regular thyme?
French thyme is also called summer thyme and it offers a flavor that is slightly subtler than that of English thyme. German thyme has smaller, slightly rounded leaves than the other varieties, but the foliage is packed with lots of flavor. German thyme is also called winter thyme because it is very cold hardy thymes.
How do you use Jamaican thyme?
I use it to season meat and to add flavour to everything from soup to rice. I like using dried thyme leaves, but I always have sprigs of dried thyme handy to throw into a pot. I use fresh thyme, too.
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 German thyme a ground cover?
Thymes are versatile, colorful, and fragrant plants, offering masses of delicate, starlike flowers. Tuck a thyme into a dry wall, stone walkway, or rock garden. Use it as a ground cover or as an edging for a perennial border. These hardy little plants add swaths of color and fragrance in unexpected places.
Where does German thyme grow?
Outdoors, German thyme is perennial in zones 5 to 9, lemon thyme in zones 7 to 9. Easy to grow, thyme needs little care except for a regular light pruning after the first year. Do this after the last spring frost, so that the plants do not get woody and brittle.
What is German winter thyme?
German (Winter) Thyme is a perennial from the Mediterranean region. Plants grow to 15 inches tall and develop woody stems when they mature. Thyme prefers sunny locations and light, well-draining soil. The leaves are small and linear, and the flowers attract honey bees and wild bees.
Does German thyme have flowers?
Due to uneven germination, it is difficult to propagate thyme from seeds. The flowers are small, tubular, white to pinkish-lavender blooms. They appear in late spring to early summer. The whorled evergreen leaves are tiny grayish-green in color and very fragrant.
Where does English thyme grow?
Thyme thrives in full sun and loves heat. If you are growing in a pot indoors, plant near a sunny window. Soil needs to drain well so there aren’t “wet feet.” In the garden, plant with other drought-tolerant perennials.
Is English thyme invasive?
I must mention that most members of the mint family will become quite invasive if left to their own devices. Mint, oregano, pennyroyal and even thyme will spread through underground runners and can quickly take over the garden. They can be hard to remove as small bits of roots left behind can grow into full plants.
