What is the history of the seasoning thyme?!
Answers:
Thyme is indigenous to the Mediterranean with many species coming from an area that encompasses southern Europe, western Asia and North Africa. Thyme sailed to the New World with the first European settlers, and today it grows wild in a few areas of North America.
The name comes from the Greek thymos meaning spirit or smoke. Properties attributed to thyme by the Greeks included the giving of valour and restoring vigour. The Romans also attributed these qualities, their soldiers bathing in it before battle to gain vigour, strength and courage.
Later, in the Middle Ages, Knights would have a sprig of thyme embroidered on their scarves by their lady as a sign of their bravery.
Its use is recorded yet earlier ( 3000 BC ), by the Sumerians who used it as an antiseptic. The Egyptians used it their mummification brew.
The sweet smell of thyme was enjoyed by the ancient Greeks and Romans to whom it was a compliment to “smell of thyme”. It was recorded by the Greeks that it produced the best honey in Athens
Sprigs of thyme were placed on coffins of the dead. It was thought that the spirit would then take up residence in the flowers of thyme plants.
At various periods in history, Thyme has been used to treat melancholy, reproductive system ailments, and to improve digestion. In the 18th century, it was recommended as a cure for a hangover.
While there are over 100 varieties of thyme, all of which are fragrant to some extent, there are three that have a special place in the kitchen: lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus), caraway thyme (Thymus herba-barona), and common thyme (Thymus vulgaris).
http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/thyme…
http://www.theherbaltouch.com/iha/thyme.…
http://www.global-garden.com.au/gardenhe… Thyme
Thyme's earliest mention in english literature was in a " Pictoral Vocabulary" in the year 1440. later in 1913 or so another definition was made (Knolik.com). Egyptians used it in mummification. Greeks and romans used it in bathing. Wikipedia ( Thyme History).
Knolik.com
Wikipedia and several other references.
