The Most Popular Type of Thyme, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the type you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 9, 2024 06:54
Gardeners often face the challenge of selecting the best herbs for their gardens, leading many to appreciate insights into the preferences of others in their community. With a plethora of thyme varieties available, each offering distinct flavors and growth habits, it can be quite beneficial to have a clear understanding of which type is favored by most. This not only aids in making informed planting decisions but also in culinary applications where specific flavors are desired.
This dynamic ranking provides a real-time view of which types of thyme are currently capturing the attention and appreciation of gardeners and cooks alike. By participating in the voting process, users contribute to a broader community knowledge base. This valuable feedback assists all users in their future selections and enhances their overall gardening or cooking experience by ensuring that favored varieties are highlighted and easily accessible.
What Is the Most Popular Type of Thyme?
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141votesCommon Thyme - also known as Garden Thyme, it is the most popular type of thyme used in cooking and is known for its strong, earthy flavor. It is also used in herbal medicine and has antiseptic properties.Common Thyme is a widely cultivated herb known for its aromatic leaves and delicate purple flowers. It belongs to the genus Thymus and is scientifically known as Thymus vulgaris. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family and is native to the Mediterranean region.
- Type: Perennial herb
- Height: Up to 30 centimeters
- Leaves: Small, gray-green, and highly aromatic
- Flowers: Small, lilac to purple in color
- Fragrance: Strong, earthy, and slightly minty
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223votesLemon Thyme is a type of thyme with a citrusy flavor and aroma, it is popularly used in seasoning fish, chicken, and vegetables. Its essential oil is also used in aromatherapy.Lemon Thyme is a variety of thyme (Thymus citriodorus) that is known for its lemony fragrance and flavor. It is a perennial herb with small, oval-shaped leaves and tiny lavender-colored flowers. The fragrance of Lemon Thyme is released when the leaves are crushed or bruised, giving off a refreshing lemony scent. This versatile herb is widely used in culinary preparations, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine, to add a citrusy twist to dishes.
- Scientific Name: Thymus citriodorus
- Fragrance: Lemon-scented
- Flavor Profile: Citrusy, aromatic
- Leaves: Small, oval-shaped
- Flower Color: Lavender
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321votesCaraway Thyme is a type of thyme with a strong, spicy flavor, it is commonly used in German and Austrian cuisine, particularly in sauerkraut and meat dishes. It is also used in herbal medicine for its digestive properties.
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416votesWoolly Thyme is a type of thyme with hairy, silver leaves, it is popularly used as a ground cover in landscaping due to its attractive appearance and low maintenance. It is also used in herbal medicine for its antiseptic and antifungal properties.Woolly Thyme, or Thymus pseudolanuginosus, is a popular type of thyme known for its fuzzy and compact growth habit. This perennial herb is native to Europe and is widely cultivated for its ornamental appeal. The name 'Woolly Thyme' refers to the soft, wool-like appearance of its leaves, which are grayish-green in color.
- Growth Habit: Compact and spreading
- Height: Around 5-10 cm
- Width: 30-60 cm
- Leaf Color: Grayish-green
- Leaf Texture: Soft and fuzzy
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516votesCreeping Thyme is a type of thyme with small, delicate leaves that spread easily, it is commonly used as a ground cover and in landscaping. It is also used in herbal medicine for its antiseptic properties.Creeping Thyme is a popular variety of thyme known for its low-growing and spreading habit. It is a perennial herb with aromatic leaves and tiny, colorful flowers.
- Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading
- Plant Type: Perennial herb
- Leaf Characteristics: Aromatic
- Flower Characteristics: Small, colorful flowers
- Hardiness Zones: 4-9
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611votesFrench Thyme is a type of thyme with a mild, sweet flavor, it is popularly used in French cuisine, particularly in soups, stews, and sauces. It is also used in herbal medicine for its antiseptic properties.French Thyme, also known as Thymus vulgaris, is a popular culinary herb that is widely used in French cuisine. It is characterized by its delicate, yet distinctive flavor and aroma. The small leaves are grayish-green in color and have a slightly woody texture. French Thyme is an essential ingredient in classic French dishes such as bouquet garni, herbes de Provence, and fines herbes.
- Scientific Name: Thymus vulgaris
- Flavor Profile: Delicate, aromatic
- Aroma: Warm, earthy
- Leaf Color: Grayish-green
- Texture: Slightly woody
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79votesVariegated Lemon Thyme is a type of thyme with green and yellow variegated leaves and a citrusy flavor, it is popularly used as a decorative herb in gardens and in cooking.Variegated Lemon Thyme is a popular type of thyme known for its distinctive variegated leaves and citrusy aroma. The leaves are green with creamy-white edges, creating an eye-catching contrast. This herb is widely sought after for its ornamental value and culinary uses. It is a versatile plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors, making it suitable for various gardening preferences.
- Leaf Color: Green with creamy-white edges
- Aroma: Citrusy
- Growth Habit: Compact and spreading
- Height: 6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
- Hardiness Zones: 5-9
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83votesSilver Thyme is a type of thyme with silvery-gray leaves and a mild, sweet flavor, it is popularly used in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in meat dishes and sauces. It is also used in herbal medicine for its antiseptic properties.Silver Thyme is a popular variety of thyme known for its silver-gray foliage and aromatic scent. It is a low-growing perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. The plant produces small, lavender-colored flowers that attract pollinators. Silver Thyme is commonly used in culinary dishes, as its leaves have a strong and spicy flavor with hints of lemon and mint.
- Foliage color: Silver-gray
- Height: 10-15 cm
- Spread: 30-40 cm
- Flower color: Lavender
- Growth habit: Low-growing
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98votesOrange Balsam Thyme is a type of thyme with an orange scent and flavor, it is popularly used in seasoning fish, chicken, and vegetables. Its essential oil is also used in aromatherapy.Orange Balsam Thyme is a variety of thyme known for its delightful citrus aroma and flavor. It is a perennial herb with small, oval-shaped leaves that are green in color with a hint of purple. This thyme plant typically grows up to 6 inches tall and spreads about 12 inches wide. It is commonly used in culinary applications due to its aromatic properties, which can enhance the taste of various dishes.
- Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading
- Fragrance: Citrusy, aromatic
- Flavor: Citrusy, slightly sweet
- Leaf Color: Green with a hint of purple
- Plant Height: Up to 6 inches
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103votesWild Thyme is a type of thyme with small, dark green leaves and a strong, earthy flavor, it is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in meat dishes and stews. It is also used in herbal medicine for its antiseptic properties.Wild Thyme is a popular type of thyme that is known for its strong aroma and distinct flavor. It is a perennial herb that grows in the wild across various regions around the world. The plant typically has small, oval-shaped leaves and produces clusters of tiny pink or purple flowers during the blooming season.
- Scientific Name: Thymus serpyllum
- Origin: Global distribution, found across Europe, Asia, and North America
- Height: Usually around 3 to 8 inches (7.5 to 20 cm) tall
- Aroma: Strong and aromatic, with hints of lemon, mint, and earthy undertones
- Flavor: Intensely herbal and slightly peppery
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Ranking factors for popular type
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FlavorThe flavor of thyme is a crucial factor in determining its popularity. Thyme has a unique, earthy taste with hints of mint and lemon. Some varieties of thyme have stronger, more intense flavors than others.
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AromaThe aroma of thyme is another important factor that plays a role in determining its popularity. The pleasant, herbaceous fragrance of thyme is cherished by many.
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VersatilityThyme is used in a wide range of dishes, from soups and stews to salads, marinades, and sauces. A versatile thyme variety can be used in more recipes, making it more popular.
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AvailabilityThe availability of thyme varieties can influence their popularity. Some types of thyme may be more readily available to consumers in certain regions or stores.
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Medicinal propertiesThyme has several health benefits, including aiding digestion and acting as an anti-inflammatory. Thyme varieties with stronger medicinal properties can also be more popular among health enthusiasts.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular type of thyme. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or type is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1566 views
- 150 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each type once every 24 hours. The rank of each type is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular type of thyme
Thyme is a popular herb that's been used for centuries in cooking, medicine, and aromatherapy. It's a versatile herb that comes in many different varieties, each with its distinct flavor and aroma.
When it comes to popularity, the most common type of thyme is Thymus vulgaris, also known as English thyme. This variety is widely used in Western cuisine and has a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. It's often used in soups, stews, and marinades, and pairs well with poultry and vegetables.
Other popular types of thyme include lemon thyme, which has a bright citrusy flavor, and caraway thyme, which has a slightly spicy taste. French thyme is also a popular variety, known for its delicate and floral flavor.
No matter which type of thyme you choose, there's no denying that this herb adds a unique and delicious flavor to any dish. So next time you're in the kitchen, consider adding some thyme to your recipe and see how it enhances the flavors!
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