A Gardener's Guide to Thyme Varieties, Part 2: The Scented Wonders
Small Leaves, Big Variety
Thyme is one of the most hardworking herbs in the kitchen. It is essential for classic savory dishes like roast chicken, stews, and traditional stuffing. But this modest plant, with its tiny leaves and woody stems, hides an incredible world of variation in scent and flavor.
Here in Part 2 we will be discussing the Scented Wonders!
These varieties are prized not for a generic savory punch, but for their highly fragrant leaves and unique flavor profiles derived from non-thymol essential oils (like citral and geraniol). These types add a delicate layer of brightness to food and drinks and are generally best used fresh or added near the end of cooking to preserve their volatile aromatics.
Be sure to check out Part 1 where discussed cullinary classics!
Lemon Thyme
Scent/Flavor: Strong, bright citrus aroma and flavor derived from high levels of the compound citral. The scent is released instantly when the leaves are crushed.
Use: A brilliant substitution for lemon zest. Excellent for seasoning fish and poultry, making herbal butter, or adding brightness to fresh summer teas and cocktails.
Growing: Lemon Thyme is exceptionally vigorous and can even be used to provide ground cover between paving stones!
Orange Balsam Thyme
Scent/Flavor: A milder, softer, and sweeter citrus scent than Lemon Thyme, with distinct orange-peel notes.
Use: Because of its delicate aroma, it is best used fresh as a garnish, in delicate vinaigrettes, or mixed into fresh summer salads.
Caraway Thyme
Scent/Flavor: A powerful, unmistakable caraway seed aroma when the leaves are rubbed or crushed.
Use: Highly specialized. Fantastic for flavoring homemade dense breads, hearty cheese dishes, or root vegetables that benefit from the caraway/rye flavor profile.
Growing Tips for Optimal Thyme Health
Sun & Soil: Thyme demands full sun (at least 6 hours) and excellent drainage. It is native to dry regions and despises wet feet, which quickly leads to root rot. Use a lean, sandy soil mix.
Watering: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially if grown in containers. Thyme handles drought far better than it handles excess moisture.
Pruning & Rejuvenation: Thyme is naturally a woody shrub. To keep the plant productive and prevent it from becoming a tangled stick bundle, shear the plant back by about one-third immediately after it finishes flowering.
The Golden Rule: Never cut back into the old, brown, woody parts of the stem. Always cut above new green or emerging growth; cutting old wood can kill the plant entirely!
A Herb for Every Kitchen
Thyme is a hero of the herb world—dependable, perennial, and intensely flavorful. By moving beyond the single, generic variety, you gain access to an aromatic palette perfect for seasoning every dish, from savory roasts with French Thyme to sparkling summer drinks with Lemon Thyme.
Its hardiness means it can stay in your garden year-round in most temperate zones, offering continuous culinary excellence. Start exploring this world of scent today, and find the perfect thyme for every corner of your kitchen!