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Description

Definition of thyme

1: any of a genus (Thymus) of Eurasian mints with small pungent aromatic leaves especially: a Mediterranean garden herb (T. vulgaris) 2: thyme leaves used as a seasoningMerriam-Webster

This is the dictionaries version but, it does not do it justice. Thyme is so much more than just an herb; it's a powerful healer.

For those of us who love natural living and Herb 'N Wisdom™, thyme is a must-have in our gardens and dried in our cupboards. For those of you, not familiar with its uses, please continue to read so you too may fall in love with this herb.

Table Of ContentsThyme in FoodRaspberry-Thyme VinegarLemon Water and ThymeFoodborne BacteriaHow to Use Thyme for Medicinal PurposesThyme Cough SyrupKilling the Tiger Mosquito With ThymolThyme Oil to Treat AcneA Cleanser for the SkinA Cleanser for Oily Type SkinHair Rinse All-Purpose CleanerRepel BugsDiffusing OilThyme Repels Garden PestsIt Attracts PollinatorsUse Thyme Oil To Repel MosquitoesDIY Mosquito Repellant Camping

Food Uses

Thyme in Food

Thyme is taken as an appetite stimulant and to flavor different foods. These foods include soups, sauces, potatoes, rice dishes, vegetables, and fresh bread.

Raspberry-Thyme Vinegar

This beautiful raspberry- and thyme-infused vinegar works well in vinaigrettes. Combine with walnut oil and a pinch of salt and toss with baby spinach and goat cheese for a quick salad. Or stir into a few raspberry preserves and use it as a glaze for pork tenderloin. The recipe makes enough vinegar, so you'll have extra to decant into a decorative bottle or two to give away as a simple homemade gift. Source: EatingWell Magazine, November/December 2012

Recipe Summary

Total: 40 mins Servings: 1

Ingredients

6 cups white-wine vinegar3 cups fresh raspberries12 sprigs fresh thymeAdditional fresh herbs for decoration (optional)

Directions

Step 1- Wash 3 pint-size (2-cup) heatproof glass canning jars (or similar containers) and their lids with hot soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with hot water. Fill a large, deep pot (such as a water bath canner) about half full with water. Place the jars upright into the pot; add enough additional water to cover by 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil; boil jars for 10 minutes. Add the lids to the pot, and then remove the pot from the heat. Let the jars and lids stay in hot water as you prepare the flavoring and vinegar. (Keeping the jars warm minimizes breakage when filling with hot liquid.)Step 2- Thoroughly rinse raspberries and thyme with water. Remove the jars from the water bath with a jar lifter or tongs. Divide the raspberries and thyme among the jars. Heat vinegar in a large saucepan to a bare simmer (at least 190 degrees F). Carefully divide the vinegar among the prepared jars, leaving at least 1/4-inch of space between the top of the jar and the vinegar. Remove lids from the water bath, dry with a clean towel, and screw tightly onto the jars.Step 3- Store the jars in a cool, dark place, undisturbed, for 3 to 4 weeks. Strain vinegar through cheesecloth into another container until the vinegar looks clear. Repeat as needed until all the sediment is removed and the vinegar is clear. Discard all solids and pour the strained vinegar back into the rinsed jars or divide among sterilized decorative bottles. Decorate with a few well-rinsed fresh sprigs of thyme or raspberries, if desired. (Decorative raspberries will begin to breakdown after a few weeks in the vinegar so, remove them once they begin to lose their shape and or color.)

Tips

Make-Ahead Tip: Refrigerate for up to 1 year.

Equipment: 3 pint-size (2-cup) glass canning jars; cheesecloth

Nutrition Facts 

Serving Size: 1 Tablespoon Per Serving: 3 calories; 1 mg calcium

Lemon Water and Thyme

Ingredients

1 lemon cut into thick slices6 sprigs of fresh thyme1 gallon of water

Directions

Fill your glass pitcher with 1/4 gallon of the waterNow,