COOKING TIPS AND HINTS SECTION

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THYME

One pound of thyme = 8 cups
1 ounce = 1/2 cup

Description
   Thyme, a low-growing evergreen with small bunches of leaves, is native to the Mediterranean where it grows wild between the cracks in rocks. This highly aromatic herb has a spicy taste with hints of cloves and mint. There are hundreds of varieties of thyme with flavors ranging from lemon to lavender.

Culinary Uses
   Thyme’s flavor and fragrance is not adversely affected by long, slow cooking and works well in soups, stews and casseroles. Add it in limited quantities to stocks, marinades, stuffings, sauces and soups. Combine white wine with thyme and slow cook chicken, rabbit and shellfish for a flavorful dish. Bread is also complimented by this versatile herb.

   Fresh thyme sprigs and leaves are used whole or minced. Like many other herbs it turns black when cooked in an acid based recipe such as tomato sauce.

Other Uses
   Whole thyme plants are grown for low hedging and as a fragrant creeping ground cover.

Storing
   Thyme will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks if it is dry and in a plastic bag.
Florida Dept of Agriculture