What it looks like:
The appearance of thyme differs slightly depending on whether it's English, French or German thyme. Both English and French thyme have leaves that are tiny, green and pointed, which are attached to a reddish stem. German thyme, on the other hand, is completely green in color and has rounded leaves.
How it tastes:
The flavor profile of thyme is typically described as minty, earthy and lemony—much like rosemary, but slightly less potent. Nevertheless, the sharp, woodsy taste of thyme is strong enough to make an impression when used on its own or in conjunction with other herbs.
How to use it:
Thyme is an essential ingredient in two popular French seasoning blends (i.e., herbs de Provence and bouquet garni), an important component in Middle Eastern favorites like za’atar, and a go-to herb for adding flavor and depth to a wide range of savory recipes from any region. When cooking with thyme, you can pick the dainty leaves from the thick, twig-like stem and chop them up, or opt to use whole sprigs instead—either way, the finished dish will be infused with the herb’s signature flavor.