“Thymus” meant “courage” in ancient Greek; the herb was associated with style and elegance. In the Middle Ages, thyme symbolized chivalry. A bed of thyme was also thought to be a home for fairies. In France, the herb was considered to be an outward indication of the Republican spirit that led the French people to stage a revolution and break away from their monarchy in 1789. Thyme’s strong antiseptic properties meant that it was used to medicate bandages on battlefields until the advent of modern-day antibiotics.
Thyme has been used to flavor liqueurs and cheeses for centuries, and it is still one of the main ingredients of the classic French bouquet garni. It is often used in Creole and Cajun cuisines–the latter employs it to make jerk seasoning. Chicken dishes often feature both thyme and rosemary.
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