Orange and thyme ice cream and thyme, the plant

This easy and delicious orange and thyme ice cream is super easy to make and can be done with or without an ice cream machine

More about thyme

This week we have a brave little herb in the spotlights; Thyme.

This deliciously smelling little plant can be found in many different varieties, but the species you’re most likely to find are the so-called real thyme and lemon thyme. The last one because it smells of lemon of course. The leaves of the woody twigs are responsible for the smell and taste of this herb. When used in cooking the twigs are usually removed. Either before or after cooking

Why do I call it a brave herb?

It’s assumed that this particular plant received it’s name from the Greek word for ‘courage’; thumus. The Roman soldiers would take a thyme bath to become stronger and English knights would often have a thyme twig and symbols on their shields to give them courage. There are also a few recipes found from the Middle ages that mention a thyme soup and how this can be used to conquer shyness and Scottish clans would make a tea out of it to prevent having nightmares. All things that can be solved with alcohol these days.. 😉

Another explanation for the name leads back to the ancient Greek and suggest that the herb is named after the word ‘thymus’ which means to desinfect.

Incense ingredient

The herb was – and is – used regularly in incense and has been one of the core ingredients for balming fluids. It has also been scientifically proven that the use of thyme is a good source against fungus.

Cure for a hangover

Make a tea with it and it will help against a hangover and as a sweet syrup it might help against colds, throat pain and coughing. Thyme is a woody herb which makes is very suitable for cooking and braising of dishes such as in stews or slow cooked dishes with wine.

Make sure though, that you do not overuse the herb as the flavor can easily over power any dish.

Usually one twig is more than enough to give a dish a subtle thyme flavor. The fresh scent you get from a lot of herb mixes like a provencal mix is from the ‘real thyme’ that goes in it.

In essence all types of meat, game and poultry can be paired with thyme and the lemon thyme is a good flavor in fish dishes.

Dried thyme

The leaves can be dried (the flavor will be more intense) or you can make it into a good oil or vinegar.

Maybe a less obvious combination is chocolate and thyme. Find a recipe for thyme ice cream on the internet and pour some hot chocolate over it. Yum!

Also try and make a thyme oil and add some orange and lemon peel in it. It’s as easy as one, two, three, because if you put some bruised twigs and the zest of lemon into a bit of olive oil, you’ll have a good spicy and fresh oil within three days. Great for using as a base for a delicious dressing.

Orange and thyme ice cream

For some extra inspiration we have this recipe with orange and thyme ice cream. The flavor of the thyme in the ice cream was quite subtle. If you want more you can sprinkle some over the top. For more thyme inspiration check the recipes with thyme.