We have a new herb for you to try this month: thyme. Thyme provides a subtly earthy, almost minty flavor to any dish. Try to expand your palate with this herb and incorporate it into a recipe.
Nutritional Content
One teaspoon of thyme provides 3 calories, 0 grams of protein, 0 grams of fat, and 1 gram of carbohydrate. It has a trace amount of minerals such as 7% of the daily requirement of iron. However, it provides 21% of the daily requirement of vitamin K [i].
Health Benefits
Thyme may hold antioxidant and medicinal properties. Antioxidants inhibit free radicals, which cause damage to cells, from forming. Thyme has antibiotic properties, in addition to having shown antiseptic and antimicrobial benefits, specifically in protection against Salmonella and Staphylococcus. It also has antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects [ii]. So much value in a teaspoon!
How To Use
Thyme is a very savory herb that is often used in Italian cooking in meats, soups, and stews. It is also used in marinades and dressings like the one below. As a promotional partner for the American Institute for Cancer Research’s 2020 “Check in With Your Health” campaign we are featuring their delicious Green Goddess Buddha Bowl recipe [iii]. We hope you enjoy it!
- 1.5 Tbsp almond milk
- ¼ ripe large avocado
- ¼ cup diced cucumber
- 3 Tbsp fresh herbs (thyme, dill, parsley)
- 1 stalk green onion
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 pinch white pepper
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/3 box baby arugula
- ¼ cup canned white beans, strained and rinsed
- ¼ cup cooked whole grain sorghum
- 4 stalks blanched asparagus
- sliced cucumber
- ¼ avocado
- 1 Tbsp of pumpkin seeds
- Combine all dressing ingredients in blender, and pulse until smooth.
- To blanch the asparagus: bring a shallow pot of water to a boil, drop in the asparagus gently, and remove after 30 seconds to a minute. Then immediately place them in iced water to stop the cooking process.
- Assemble your bowl, add Green Goddess Dressing, and enjoy!
References:
[i] Spices, Thyme. Retrieved from: https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/spices-and-herbs/211/2
[ii] Dauqan EMA & Abdullah A. Medicinal and functional values of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). (2017). Herb. J App Biol Biotech 5(02): 017-022. DOI: 10.7324/JABB.2017.50203. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/02cb/1a62c0714765ed5dee2ef2db16433b617c26.pdf
[iii] Recipe: Green Goddess Buddha Bowl. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzGoCDOTrmg