Thyme Tea

What Is Thyme Tea?

Thyme tea is a sharp, spicy herbal tea brewed from the dried stems and leaves of the thyme plant (Thymus species), a member of the mint family. Native to the Mediterranean, thyme grows widely in the mountainous regions of Turkey.

The leaf of the same plant is also used as a spice in cooking; when brewed as tea, it gives an intense, herbaceous, and slightly sharp aroma. It is traditionally consumed especially in the cold months.

Nutritional Values of Thyme Tea

Unsweetened brewed thyme tea is practically calorie-free and contains no notable macronutrients; therefore, no numerical nutrition table is given. Its aroma is determined by thyme's essential oils (especially thymol).

What Are the Benefits of Thyme Tea?

Thyme tea is an herbal tea traditionally consumed in cold months and for throat comfort; research into its compounds continues, but these findings have not translated into a definitive health recommendation.

This information is general; thyme tea is an herbal tea, not a substitute for medical treatment. Consulting a doctor before regular high consumption or during pregnancy and breastfeeding is recommended.

How Is Thyme Tea Selected?

Quality dried thyme should be gray-green in color, with leaves still attached, and strongly aromatic; products with a weakened scent that have turned powdery have lost their freshness.

• The leaves and stems should be gray-green, whole, and aromatic
• It should give off an intense, herbaceous scent when rubbed
• Products that have absorbed moisture or smell musty should not be bought

How Is Thyme Tea Stored?

Dried thyme retains its aroma for about 1 year in a sealed jar in a cool place away from light; moisture and light quickly weaken its aroma.

Using Thyme Tea in the Kitchen

Thyme tea is mainly brewed as a hot beverage; the same dried thyme is also used as a spice in meat, vegetable, and baked dishes.

How Is Thyme Tea Brewed?

A teaspoon of dried thyme is added to a glass of boiling water and steeped for 5–7 minutes; it is strained and drunk with honey and lemon if desired. Since thyme is intense, a small amount is enough.

What Is Added to Thyme Tea?

Honey, lemon, or a slice of fresh ginger can be added to balance its sharp taste; in winter tea blends it is also mixed with linden and sage.

What Recipes Is Thyme Tea Used In?

Hot thyme tea, honey-lemon thyme tea, and winter herbal tea blends are the most common uses of thyme tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does thyme tea contain caffeine?

No; thyme tea is an herbal tea and contains no caffeine, so it can be consumed in the evening as well.

How should thyme tea be brewed?

A teaspoon of dried thyme is steeped in a glass of boiling water for 5–7 minutes; since thyme has an intense aroma, using too much makes the tea overly sharp.

Are culinary thyme and tea thyme the same?

Generally the same Thymus species are used; dried thyme sold as a spice can also be brewed into tea, but care should be taken that it is additive-free and cleanly dried.

Is thyme tea drunk every day?

Moderate consumption is common; consulting a doctor before regular high consumption and during pregnancy is recommended.

Why is thyme tea's taste sharp?

Essential oils in thyme, especially thymol, give it an intense, spicy aroma; this is why brewing it in a small amount and softening it with honey and lemon is recommended.