Thyme is a highly aromatic herb from the Lamiaceae family, commonly used in a variety of cuisines around the world for its distinctive, earthy, and slightly minty flavor. Known for its strong yet delicate scent, thyme has been a staple in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and European cooking for centuries. It is often used to flavor meats, vegetables, soups, stews, and sauces, either fresh or dried, and is a key ingredient in many seasoning blends like Herbes de Provence and bouquet garni.
Thyme grows as a small, woody shrub with small, ovate, and aromatic leaves that are typically green, though some varieties may have purple or golden tinges. Its tiny flowers, usually purple or pink, bloom in late spring or early summer, attracting pollinators like bees.