Thyme, Powdered Dried Leaves (herbs by weight)

Thyme, Powdered Dried Leaves

Sold by and ships from Little Red Farmhouse in Lewis County, Washington.
Sold by weight. Approximately 0.34 cups per 1 ounce.
Produced or packaged in a facility which has not been government-approved for food production.

• Buy 1 ounce (~0.34 cup) for $2.00 ($2.00 per ounce)
  
• Buy 2 ounces (~0.68 cup) and save $0.20 (5%)  ($1.90 per ounce)
  
• Buy 4 ounces (~1.36 cup) and save $0.80 (10%)  ($1.80 per ounce)
  
• Buy 8 ounces (~2.72 cups) and save $4.00 (25%)  ($1.50 per ounce)
  
• Buy 16 ounces (~5.44 cups) and save $16.00 (50%)  ($1.00 per ounce)

Key Characteristics

• Origin: Common thyme is a perennial herb native to the western Mediterranean region of Europe. It has been cultivated for centuries for its culinary and medicinal uses and has naturalized in other parts of the world.
• Patent Status: As a widely naturalized species and older cultivated forms, Thymus vulgaris is not patented. Specific, more recently developed cultivars for enhanced traits might have plant variety protection in some regions, but the base species is not patentable.
• Leaf Production: Common thyme is primarily grown for its small, highly aromatic leaves. The leaves are typically gray-green, narrow, and elliptical, ranging from 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. They are covered in tiny hairs and contain essential oils that give thyme its characteristic warm, earthy, and slightly pungent flavor.
• Growth Habit: It is a low-growing, woody-based perennial subshrub that typically reaches a height of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) and can spread to form a mat up to 18 inches (45 cm) wide. It has slender, branching stems that become woody with age.
• Flowering Time: Common thyme typically flowers in late spring to early summer, producing small, tubular flowers in clusters at the ends of the stems. The flowers are usually pink, lavender, or white and are attractive to bees.
• Hardiness: Common thyme is generally hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9. It is a perennial in these zones, with its woody base surviving the winter and new growth emerging in the spring. It prefers well-drained conditions, especially in winter.
• Pollination: The flowers are primarily pollinated by bees and other small insects.
• Growing Conditions:
  • Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) for the best flavor and growth. Insufficient sunlight can result in leggy growth and reduced aroma.
  • Soil: Thrives in well-drained, even poor, soil. It prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral pH (6.0-8.0). Good drainage is crucial, especially in areas with wet winters, as thyme is susceptible to root rot in overly moist conditions.
  • Watering: Once established, common thyme is relatively drought-tolerant. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of problems.
  • Fertilizing: Generally does not require heavy fertilization. In fact, overly rich soil can diminish the intensity of its flavor. A light application of compost in the spring is usually sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
  • Spacing: Space plants 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart to allow for air circulation and spreading. For container growing, ensure good drainage.
  • Pruning: Regular harvesting of the leaves helps to keep the plant compact and bushy. Prune lightly after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too woody. You can cut back up to one-third of the growth at a time.
  • Propagation: Easily propagated by seeds, cuttings, layering, or division of the woody base in spring or fall.
• Uses: Common thyme is a versatile herb with numerous culinary and other uses:
  • Culinary: A staple herb in many cuisines, used to flavor meats, poultry, fish, vegetables, soups, stews, sauces, and stuffings. It is a key ingredient in many classic herb blends.
  • Medicinal: Traditionally used for its antiseptic, expectorant, and antispasmodic properties, often in remedies for coughs and respiratory ailments. (Note: Consult with a healthcare professional for medicinal use).
  • Aromatic: The fragrant leaves can be used in potpourri and herbal sachets.
  • Ground Cover: Some low-growing varieties can be used as a fragrant ground cover in sunny, well-drained areas.
  • Gardening: Attracts beneficial insects and is relatively pest-resistant.
• Wildlife Value: The flowers are attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, supporting garden biodiversity.
• Ornamental Value: With its low, spreading habit and attractive foliage and flowers, common thyme can be an appealing addition to herb gardens, rock gardens, and along pathways.
• Cultivars: Numerous cultivars of common thyme exist, offering variations in leaf color (e.g., 'Golden Thyme', 'Silver Thyme'), growth habit, and aroma (e.g., 'Lemon Thyme', 'Orange Thyme').