Growing and Using Fresh Thyme

Thyme (pronounced "time") is used in a number of cuisines, including European, British, Mediterranean, African, Latin and Central American, regional American and the Caribbean. Aside from a culinary delight, thyme also has antibacterial properties. And its pollinator friendly!

Common Thyme

How to Grow:

Minnesota hardy, great perennial groundcover. There are many varieties of thyme including Lemon and ornamentals such as Creeping Thyme, which is also hardy to Zone 4a.

• Plant in full sun (6 - 8 hrs).
• Fertilize once to twice a season.
• Water when top 1/2" of soil has dried.
• Plant less hardy varieties in pots.

Harvest:

• Harvest thyme just before the plant flowers by cutting off the top five to six inches of growth. Leave the tough, woody parts.
• It’s best to harvest thyme in morning after the dew has dried. Clean leaves should not be washed, because it removes some of the essential oils.
• If you keep trimming your thyme plant, it will keep growing (and also keep a compact shape). Leave at least five inches of growth so plant will continue to thrive.
• Trim thyme whenever it gets leggy.

This plant is very vigorous and will regrow quickly.

How to Enjoy:

Grilled Asparagus:

• Trim ends of 3lbs of asparagus.
• Coat with olive oil, salt to taste.
• Place on a hot (400˚) grill.
• Roll to char completely (place tips pointing toward grill edge).
• When asparagus is soft and well charred - remove from grill.
• Crush and chop
  two garlic cloves, add.
• Remove two tsp worth of thyme leaves from stems
• Add juice from 1/2 lemon.

Toss all together and serve.

Thyme Salmon:

• Cut 1 ½ lbs. salmon filet into 4" pieces.
• Toss with 2 Tbsp olive oil and 4 cloves of crushed garlic.
• Marinate in fridge for a half hour.
• Preheat grill to 300° - 325°.
• Remove fish from marinade - salt to taste and add 2tsp - 1Tbsp thyme leaves.
• Place on grill skin side down.

Cook to desired doneness. 2 minutes/side - usually = Medium rare.

Lemon Thyme

Brazilian Thyme:

• Bruise 2 oranges and 1 lemon wedge with 2 sprigs of thyme in a shaker.
• Add 2 oz of vodka and ice. Shake.
• Strain into glass and garnish with fresh thyme.

The experts at Gertens are always available to answer your questions!