Thyme is native to the Mediterranean, growing wild in Greece, Southern France, Italy, Spain, and parts of Northern Africa. It was also used to treat skin lesions caused by the Black Death and was believed to help protect against infection thanks to its natural antiseptic properties. In medieval Europe, legends abounded that wild thyme could attract mythical fairies, especially on midsummer's eve, as was supported by Shakespeare himself in A Midsummer Night's Dream. The Romans used thyme to symbolize bravery and strength by pinning it to their garments before battle or adding it to bathwater to impart vigor.

Thyme has served a function in many fields throughout its long history, from the galley to the battleground and medicine to mythology. Dried Lemon thyme will keep for up to six months in an airtight container. If the fresh leaves have been removed from the stem, they will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store fresh sprigs of Lemon thyme loosely wrapped in a damp paper towel and sealed inside a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can be used in any recipe calling for lemon juice or lemon zest and pairs exceptionally well with chicken, fish, and roasted vegetables. Lemon thyme can be used as a garnish or to add a bright, citrusy flavor to vinegar, herbed butter, sauces, teas, salads, soups or stocks, and even savory baked dishes like shortbread cookies or scones. Fresh Lemon thyme leaves can be added whole or chopped at any stage of cooking, however, the fibrous stems will not break down during cooking, so be sure to remove the leaves from the stems beforehand or pick out and discard the stems before serving. Lemon thyme is a popular culinary herb that can be used fresh or dried and can shine by itself or as part of a blend alongside other common herbs like rosemary, sage, and marjoram. The compound, thymol, has also historically been used in food preservation methods, especially for meat, thanks to its pleasant flavor and natural antibacterial properties. Lemon thyme has been used for centuries in herbal medicine, often prescribed as a respiratory aid to strengthen the lungs and expel phlegm, such as by drinking a decongesting and relaxing Lemon thyme tea. The essential oil in Lemon thyme contains natural compounds that provide antioxidant and antiseptic properties, notably a compound called thymol, which also gives the herb its citrusy flavor. Lemon thyme is rich in iron, as well as vitamins C, D, and B-complex. Outside the kitchen, Lemon thyme is also known to be an effective mosquito repellent when crushed, thanks to its essential oils, which are also used for commercial products like deodorants, disinfectants, and more. Lemon thyme and common thyme are the two most often used in cooking, and while they closely resemble each other, Lemon thyme cultivars are distinguished by their lemony aroma and taste. It is one of hundreds of thyme varieties in the Lamiaceae, or mint family, only a few of which are suited for culinary use. Lemon thyme was long thought to be a hybrid, however, recent DNA testing has determined it to be its own species, botanically classified as Thymus citriodorus. As the name implies, Lemon thyme offers a lemon-like flavor that cuts some of the bitterness typical of common thyme. The dark green, narrowly-ovate leaves are extremely small, measuring only 1 millimeter in size, and they have a bright citrus scent that reaches its peak aroma just before the plant flowers. Its tiny leaves grow in clusters along thin, tender, light green, upward-branching stems that, when mature, become woody at the base and sprout whorls of small lilac flowers at the end. *Steep in newly boiling water (212✯) to best release the health benefits.Lemon thyme is an aromatic shrubby herb with a rampant spreading habit, growing 15 to 30 centimeters tall and up to 45 centimeters wide, if not more, forming a ground cover. Root and seed-based tisane teas - Steep 6-8 minutes Loose leaf tisane teas - Steep 3-5 minutes Ground tisane teas and tea bags - Steep 2 to 5 minutes It even has positive mood-boosting effects. Lemon thyme's powerhouse of nutrients supports the immune, digestive, and respiratory systems to name a few. It is packed with vitamin C and is also a good source of vitamin A, copper, fiber, iron, and manganese.

Lemon thyme contains potent antioxidants and is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Lemon thyme can be excellent in dishes including poultry, fish, salads, vegetables, soups, and pasta. It is a great replacement for English thyme when you desire citrus undertones in your dish.

Lemon thyme is an aromatic herb in the mint family and it looks and grows like English thyme, but that is where the similarities cease. It has a soft herbal thyme flavor without the bitterness, along with a subtle essence of lemon and it can be used in any recipe calling for lemon juice, lemon zest, or lemon flavoring.

Lemon thyme benefits