Corsican Thyme - Thymus herba-barona

Herba-barona Thyme (Thymus herba barona) or Corsican Thyme is a creeping variety with dark green leaves that emit a fragrance with hints of cumin. Its leaves flavour many dishes and its scent is particularly suitable for meats and vegetables. Thyme thrives in most types of soil, including rocky soil, but is sensitive to excess moisture. Plant it in spring or autumn and harvest all year round.

Native to Western and Southern Europe, where it is sometimes found in the wild, Thyme is a perennial undershrub that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Hardy, it forms small fragrant clumps with persistent greyish-green foliage. This honey-producing plant offers pretty little flowers in summer, ranging in colour from white to pinkish-purple depending on the variety.

Its leaves with a Mediterranean fragrance are greatly appreciated in cooking. Used alone or in a bouquet garni, combined with Bay Leaf, Parsley, and Rosemary, Thyme leaves flavour stews, sauces, marinades, and court-bouillons. They are also used in infusion, renowned for relieving digestive ailments.

Thyme is a resilient and easy-to-grow herb that thrives in poor, light, or even rocky and well-drained soils. If your soil is rather damp and clayey, we recommend growing it in a pot where it will thrive.

Harvest: Thyme can be harvested throughout the year as its leaves are evergreen. Preferably pick in the morning. Thyme is most fragrant during its flowering period in summer. Since it is advisable to prune it to maintain a compact shape, take advantage of this time to stock up for the winter months!

Preservation: Thyme is traditionally preserved by drying. After washing and drying the stems, hang the bouquets upside down in a dry and airy place. This is a simple and quick process that you can replace with freezing if you find it more convenient.

Gardener's tip: In the garden, don't hesitate to mix things up by planting some herbs like Thyme in the middle of your perennial flower beds or even in rock gardens. They will integrate beautifully and the sometimes strong scents of aromatic plants often have the ability to repel insects that may attack more sensitive plants such as certain roses.