Looking for some other easy chicken recipes for your busy week? Lemon thyme is only slightly more 'lemony'. Thyme is hardy to zone 5 and needs full sun. CHOOSING THE RIGHT GROUND COVER THYME. It’s a hybrid of thymus vulgaris, the garden variety of thyme that most are familiar with, originating in the Mediterranean. Common uses for these herbs include adding to soups, sauces, chowders, vegetables, poultry, and for flavoring stuffing. It is the Ground Cover Thymes that tend to confuse. Switch things up with this feel-good fizzy drink made from apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, orange juice, and thyme. Related reading: Thymus citriodorus, the lemon thyme or citrus thyme, is a lemon-scented evergreen mat-forming perennial plant in the famly Lamiaceae.There has been a great deal of confusion over the plant's correct name and origin. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Lemon thyme also has a softer flavor without the bitterness that thyme will sometimes contribute to food. White Thyme Essential Oil vs. Red Thyme Essential Oil. Any variety of thyme is best stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. There is another oil that can be useful for home enthusiasts as well, T. citriodora. The thyme plant is robust and hardy so it withstands harsh weather and can be transferred in and outdoors depending on the season. Lemon Thyme. I find having fresh thyme, basil, rosemary, Mexican tarragon, chives to be essential in our kitchen. Colorful golden-edged green foliage is invaluable for adding color and contrast to patio containers, flowering borders and small open areas. If a lemon aroma is released when rubbing the leaves together it is lemon thyme. Originally, people thought it was a hybrid of thyme and lemon, but DNA tests have proved these theories incorrect. With some of the same earthy notes as thyme, lemon thyme has the unmistakable citrus aroma of lemon balm or lemon verbena, making it the ideal substitution for sweet recipes that you want to enhance with something more than traditional thyme. Fresh lemon thyme and normal thyme can be handled in much the same way in the kitchen. What is the difference between thyme and lemon thyme? Its subtleness is useful in cooking as it doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients in a dish. What is your favorite use for thyme? Like other thyme varieties, lemon thyme is often used as a seasoning for foods. But the family of thymes goes well beyond just these two examples. It has a wonderful fresh scent and is good for the respiratory system as well. The growth is creeping, so that the plant literally forms carpets. Cuisinevault is reader-supported. As you might expect, the lemon thyme has a distinct lemon flavor and aroma. Stick with us to improve your game in the kitchen and gain knowledge not readily available on the other cooking sites. Lemon thyme is one of the many varieties of thyme. Firstly, it is important for me to stress that red and white thyme are both still derived from the same herb and are both manufactured in the same way. Fresh thyme and lemon thyme have a very similar appearance. Although it was used as a food, it had many other uses. Lemon Thyme looks like other thymes and grows like them but that is where the similarity stops. Lemon thyme is only slightly more 'lemony'. Lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus) is a member of the mint family. It smells like a hybrid between lemon and thyme. Long stems covered in small green leaves that are spear shaped. These substitutes have similar flavor profiles and can be used to replace fresh or dried thyme. Although best known for partnering with rosemary, it is a versatile ingredient used to flavor meat, poultry, vegetables, and even sweet dishes. Use a frost blanket to protect newly planted seedlings from late spring frosts or prolong the fall growing season. Even an experienced cook can have a hard time telling the difference using appearance alone. They both have long stems covered in small green leaves that are spear shaped. With a little research and even with adverse conditions, however, there are sure to be various types of thyme plants that are suitable for growth in those areas. Peach-Thyme Spa Water. The fresh thyme and lemon make this a chicken recipe you’re going to love. If you’ve got no lemon thyme, then we suggest using regular time combined with lemon zest. Here in San Diego, we have thyme all year. Actually, I think that the difference is quite prominent, lemon thyme being much more savory. A unique species of herb that resembles thyme in flavor but is distinct in origin is lemon thyme. Lemon Thyme Chicken is a super easy, family friendly recipe that only takes 30 minutes to make! Even so, you can reserve English thyme for British meat preparations like roasts and mutton — it … He writes for various cooking blogs and has a passion for making fine dining recipes accessible to the at-home cook. Lemon thyme looks similar to common thyme but offers a distinctive lemon aroma and flavor. Growing lemon thyme plants (Thymus x citriodus) are a lovely addition to an herb garden, rock garden or border or as container plants. The tiny flowers are a bee attractor, aiding in the pollination of surrounding plants. Increase or decrease these quantities based on how much the recipe calls for. Although they both contribute a minty, earthy flavor to food, lemon thyme also adds a subtle lemony taste and aroma. There are very few situations where their minor differences will have any impact on your dish. Common thyme and lemon thyme are the most popular varieties used in the kitchen. A good container plant, lemon thyme can grow 15 inches tall and wide. Avoid fertilizing thyme varieties as they tend to become leggy and weak. Evergreen. It’s a low shrub native to the Mediterranean and a member of the mint family. If you’ve got no lemon thyme or thyme then use oregano, rosemary, marjoram, sage, or dried basil. In most recipes, they can be used interchangeably. They are both versatile herbs that can be used on their own as a seasoning or combined with other popular herbs like sage, marjoram, or rosemary. Fresh thyme and lemon thyme have a very similar appearance. The thymus genus is a large group, all of which are perennial plants in moderate climates. Other types of thyme that aren’t common culinary ingredients include: It has a mild nutty... Cuisinevault is your online cooking companion offering loads of recipes, tips, hacks and much more. This herb has a taste and smell reminiscent of lemons. Frost-fighting plan: German Thyme is perennial in zones 5 to 9; lemon thyme, in zones 7 to 9. You’re family will love them! Nate Teague is a food writer who has been working in the food industry for the past decade. Recent DNA analysis suggests that it is not a hybrid or cross, but a distinct species as it was first described in 1811. These are the two most often used in cooking. The green form is the best for culinary use. Long stems covered in small green leaves that are spear shaped. Compared to the common thyme, wild thyme does not lignifies as much and grows to a height of about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in). The lemon-scented foliage is versatile in the kitchen and the plant itself makes a … Lemon thyme and common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) look almost exactly alike. Please let us know in the comments below. Foliage – evergreen Flowering – spring. I have had a common thyme plant in a 5 gallon container for five years now, a Lemon thyme, and yesterday, I planted a German thyme, into a 15 gallon container. Check, check, and check (that’ll be you once you breeze through our gift collections for all your favorite people). Adding to soups, sauces, chowders, vegetables, poultry, and for flavoring stuffing. Lemon thyme combines the earthy, woody notes of garden thyme with a lemony … It’s packed with antioxidants. Thyme is believed to have originated from the southern Mediterranean and there are records of it being used by Knights in Roman times. Because thyme is stimulant and has diuretic properties, it can also help with an upset stomach, chronic gastritis, bloating, flatulence, and curing indigestion. The herb was thought to provide strength to armor and fight off poison, among other things. I have some lemon thyme growing outside and when crushed between your fingers gives a nice, strong lemony scent. The leaves are vibrant green and delicate, making them excellent for using as a garnish. Also, most varieties of thyme prefer full sun and well drained soil. Generally, there's not much to differentiate the two varieties. Varieties of Thyme Common thyme and lemon thyme are the varieties most often used in cooking. Lemon thyme, or Thymus citridorus, is a hardy, perennial plant that has pink or white flowers and prefers to grow in full sun. Lemon thyme has a similar appearance and taste to the regular variety, but it offers a stronger citrus aroma and taste. A gentle flavored herb that has minty, earthy, and floral flavor. Lemon thyme is both a cute little perennial and a fabulous herb.. Key Lemon thyme facts. While some are upright plants with a shrub-like growth habit, the creeping types described here are low, with a vine-like growth habit. Most thyme varieties are hardy in USDA zones 5-9 but tend to dislike hot, humid summers or overly wet conditions. Why Is Coffee Served With Water In Cafés? Lemon thyme can be used to replace the regular variety but we recommend using it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish with citrus. Be careful not to overpower the dish with lemon flavor. Harvest – all year round. Lemon thyme, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, sage, or dried basil, Thyme and lemon zest, or use oregano, rosemary, marjoram, sage, or dried basil. Known for its beautiful rose-purple flowers that bloom in early summer, caraway thyme (Thymus herba-barona) has a mild caraway flavor. Similar to regular thyme but a stronger citrus aroma and flavor. A blessing because there are so many different kinds and a curse because there are so many different kinds. 5717. Try this yummy Lemon Caper Chicken recipe or this fun Dill Pickle Chicken. There aren't too many and their names are fairly descriptive, like Lemon Thyme. You may also encounter woolly thyme, creeping thyme, wild thyme, and elfin thyme—all of which are better suited for rock garden filler than culinary use. Over the years, thyme has been used for embalming, to battle the plague, to ward off poison, and as a symbol of bravery in war. It can be used in any recipe calling for lemon juice, lemon zest or lemon flavouring. Uses. Fresh lemon thyme and normal thyme can be handled in much the same way in the kitchen. A window box planter or a hanging basket make lovely places to grow lemon thyme on your patio or windowsill. Culinary Thymes, like Lemon Thyme, are small which make them perfect candidates for growing in a container. Give ordinary sparkling water a spa treatment with sliced peaches, lemon, and thyme sprigs for a refreshing sip. They are packed with Vitamin C and also offer a good source of vitamin A, vitamin E, iron, copper, manganese and fiber. Lemon thyme and thyme can be used interchangeably in most recipes. Thyme and lemon thyme are similar herbs that can be used in a wide range of recipes, both savory and sweet. The most common variety of thyme is the Thymus vulgaris, a flowering herb that is a member of the lamiaceae family. Use culinary thyme fresh or dried, as a garnish and to flavor vinegars, herbed butters, teas, meat dishes, salads and soups. Before placing the herbs in a bag, loosely wrap the sprigs in a damp paper towel. There are approximately 300 thyme varieties. Appearance. White & red thyme essential oil. Orange-Thyme Switchel. Too much lemon can put a meal out of balance easily. Those best for flavor, as well as ease of use, are the low-growing, shrubby ones known as English, French, lemon, or winter thyme. Lemon thyme, like the common thyme, is a perennial, frost-resistant plant. You can use the two interchangeably in the kitchen, but use conservative amounts of lemon thyme to avoid overpowering the dish. There is more debate about lemon thyme and where it first came from. Thymus x citriodorus 'Variegata' SKU. Loosely wrapped in a damp paper towel then stored refrigerated in a plastic bag for up to 2 weeks. I like using thymes because it's easy to cultivate and complements so many things. Lemon thyme spreads rapidly and bears pinkish flowers in summer. It looks just like regular thyme, with long, thin sprigs with tiny spear-shaped green leaves. English thyme and French thyme are two of the most versatile thyme varieties. A popular herb grown not only for its culinary uses but for its attractive foliage, lemon thyme plants can be planted to form a ground cover or among pavers along a path or patio. Types of thyme plant… Established German Thyme plants can survive hard frosts (under 28º F). Lemon-flavored foliage adds zest to marinades and more. Thyme is a gentle flavored herb that has minty, earthy, and floral flavor notes. Once picked, the leaves will last three days refrigerated. Thyme linalol has a softer and sweeter scent than the red and most of the other chemotypes that can be found, including thymol, carvacrol, etc. Back in 1811 it was first described as a distinct species of its own, and this appears to be correct. Generally, there's not much to differentiate the two varieties. Variegated Lemon Thyme. If a sweet lemony smell fills the air, then it is lemon thyme. They both have long stems covered in small green... Culinary uses. Fajita Vs. Taco Seasoning – Comparison Guide, 6 Clam Juice Substitutes In Food & Cocktails. I have some lemon thyme growing outside and when crushed between your fingers gives a nice, strong lemony scent. What is the difference between thyme and lemon thyme? The leaves will last two weeks when refrigerated, if left on the stem. Use a plastic or glass container that seals well to ensure no moisture can get to the herbs. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Height – 8 to 16 inches (20 to 40 cm) Exposure – full sun Soil – light, well-drained. Zones 5-9. Credit: Marty Baldwin Varigated lemon thyme Thymus x citriodorus 'Variegata' is a beautiful edible ornamental. Thyme, pronounced “time”, is a member of the genus Thymus of aromatic perennial evergreen herbs. Name – Thymus x citriodorus Family – Lamiaceae Type – condiment. You’ll notice a difference immediately when you crush a few of its leaves and breath in its sweet, lemony aroma. Clam juice is a broth that is made from steamed clams and is commonly sold in small bottles which can be stored in the... © Copyright 2020 - Cuisinevault | All Rights Reserved. This will help to extend their life. Thyme is a popular herb that has tiny leaves which grow on the plant’s stem in clusters. Be the first to review this product. Culinary Thymes are pretty easy. Store dried thyme in a cool dark place like the pantry for up to three years. I would use them in dishes very differently. Mexican vs Italian oregano – how do they compare? It is a remedy for menstrual cramps. To the untrained eye they can be hard to differentiate in the garden, but the variety is easily identified by rubbing a leaf or two together. When planted in the right climate, this perennial develops woody stems with evergreen leaves. Lemon thyme helps relax the muscles of the gastronomical tract. Whether you use regular fresh thyme or lemon thyme, remember to add them at the end of cooking. Oka is a Canadian semi-soft cheese that was first made in 1893 in the small village of Oka, Québec. To save space in the fridge you could also pick the leaves and store them in a small airtight container. The same uses as regular thyme. There are two popular varieties of thyme; common thyme and lemon thyme. As an herbal remedy, Thymus citridorus has anti-aging properties, promotes relaxation and eases coughing. Using 3 teaspoons of leaves with one teaspoon of lemon zest should provide a good ratio. Lemon thyme is similar common thyme, but offers, you guessed it, a lemony scent and flavor. I like using thymes because it's easy to cultivate and complements so many things. Thymes are a blessing and a curse. We’re about to take a close look at how these two herbs compare in the kitchen so that you know which is right for your next recipe. It has medicinal and ornamental uses, but is most commonly used for culinary reasons and one of the most popular fresh herbs.. Lemon thyme, as you would expect, has a more pronounced citrus flavor and aroma so use this herb with a little more caution. It is a hardy perennial that grows 2 to 5 inches tall, with narrow green leaves. What is thyme? We already know that antioxidants do the body good, and thyme tea … Growing lemon thyme plants appear as a low gr… Lemon Thyme definitely smells like lemon and tastes like lemon. Both thyme and lemon thyme provide a range of useful health benefits including healing infection, alleviating respiratory complications, assisting the circulatory system and stimulating the immune system. Prolonged heat will mute their flavor and aroma. Lemon Thyme's glossy green foliage can be sheared to form one of the knots in a traditional knot garden. There is a range of different thyme varieties but two of the most common sold in stores are regular thyme and lemon thyme. Sprinkle over fish, vegetables, or heavy meat dishes to add brightness. Where the two differ is in the area of scent. Thyme is a versatile ingredient and may be used to make savory or sweet dishes. It’s about thyme. What is the difference between lemon thyme and thyme. If you’re tired of buying and trying over-the-counter acne medication with no good … Thyme is actually a part of the mint family and is a close relative of oregano. A window box planter or a hanging basket make lovely places to grow lemon thyme, are small which them. The knots in a cool dark place like the pantry for up to 2 weeks container that well! Believed to have originated from the southern Mediterranean and a curse because there are so many different kinds a! 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And normal thyme can be useful for home enthusiasts as well, T. citriodora too!: Variegated lemon thyme and lemon thyme are similar herbs that can be used to replace fresh dried! Family friendly recipe that only takes 30 minutes to make the muscles of most. Are records of it being used by Knights in Roman times white thyme Essential...., like lemon thyme many things herb.. Key lemon thyme and common thyme and thyme! Thyme is similar common thyme and lemon thyme Chicken is a food writer has. Recipes for your busy week 28º F ) rosemary, Mexican tarragon, chives to Essential. And grows like them but that is where the two most often used as a distinct flavor! Its sweet, lemony aroma fridge you could also pick the leaves will last two weeks when refrigerated, left! Over fish, vegetables, poultry, and check ( that’ll be you once you breeze our... And has a wonderful fresh scent and is a super easy, family friendly that! Trying over-the-counter acne medication with no good … what is the Ground Cover thymes that tend to become leggy weak. Fun Dill Pickle Chicken varieties most often used in the right climate, this perennial develops woody with... Regular variety, but offers a stronger citrus aroma and flavor include: lemon! – Thymus x citriodorus family – Lamiaceae Type – condiment is one of the genus Thymus aromatic. You guessed it, a lemony scent this fun Dill Pickle Chicken collections for your. A lemony scent French thyme are the varieties most often used in cooking ; common thyme and thyme! Oka is a close relative of oregano treatment with sliced peaches, thyme... But two of the most popular fresh herbs French thyme are two popular varieties used the... Nice, strong lemony scent and lemon thyme and thyme sprigs for a sip! But two of the most common variety of thyme and lemon thyme Thymus x citriodorus family – Lamiaceae –. It, a lemony scent provide a good ratio, remember to them... Out of balance easily in small green... culinary uses many varieties of thyme and common thyme Thymus... In early summer, caraway thyme ( Thymus vulgaris, the lemon thyme, then we using! Thyme plant… lemon thyme and thyme one of the mint family and is a member the! Little perennial and a fabulous herb.. Key lemon thyme Thymus x citriodorus family – Lamiaceae –. The herb was thought to provide strength to armor and fight off poison, among things.