lemon thyme?

[twylyn]

Does anyone know of a source for dried lemon thyme?

I've looked everywhere, online and off, and can't seem to find it

Thanks for any help

[Papa]

Dear twylyn:

Lemon thyme is one of my most favorite herbs! I wish you had posted your question in the "Chef's Garden" forum because a lot of us gardeners treasure this herb not only for its taste but also because it is one of the best complements to a rock garden.

Although your question inquired about the existence of dried lemon thyme which I have not seen, I highly recommend buying your favorite variety of lemon thyme which can even be grown in colder climates, such as the northeastern part of the country,and drying the sprigs for culinary as well as aesthetic uses. In France, we always had fresh herbs drying in the house for practical as well as decorative use. There are several varieties of lemon scented thyme that you might find.

T. "Aureus" Golden lemon creeping thyme, is a creeper with pink flowers and golden-lemon leaves. (Ht.: 3 inches)

T. x citriodorus, is a shrub with pale lilac flowers and lemon-scented, bright green leaves. (Ht.: 12 inches)

T. "Doone Valley", is a creeper with pale purple flowers and lemon-scented, bright green leaves with gold splashes. (Ht.: 3 inches)

T. x citriodorus "Silver Lemon Queen", is a shrub with pale pink flowers and lemony, silver-splashed leaves. (Ht.: 12 inches)

T. "Lemon Curd", is a creeper with pink flowers, long wiry branches and narrow, sweet lemon-scented, green leaves. (Ht.: 2 inches)

T. "Citriodorus", is a creeper with pink flowers and large, strongly lemon-scented, green leaves. (Ht.: 6 inches)

As you can see from the list above, the most commonly used lemon thyme is the Citriodorus which has many varieties. This type of thyme is often used as an ingredient in sweet foods (Lemon thyme-flavored jelly), to flavor oils, vinegars, and table olives, and in potpouris. It is a favorite of ours in chicken dishes and even in yogurt spreads (made using yogurt "cheese" [i.e. yogurt with much of the liquid whey drained with a cheese cloth], salt and sugar to taste, a little extra virgin olive oil and chopped fresh lemon thyme and basil).

I hope that this helps.

[Kimmie]

Did you try here?

or at Penzey's
3028 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN

Tel: (612) 824-9777

Good luck Twylyn.



[ June 27, 2001: Message edited by: Kimmie ]

[mudbug]

twylyn,

I agree with Papa. You should pick up a starter plant for the same price you would pay for the dried version anyway.

Then you could use fresh or dried. If you're in a hurry, you can nuke them in the microwave to use them dried.

Did you know there is also:
lime thyme
orange spice thyme thyme

orange mint
pineapple mint
chocolate mint

pineapple sage
tangerine sage

Good sources for herbs:

The Herb Man

Horizon Herbs

Richters

Park Seed

If your really want the dried herb, browse these places (in no particular order)...

Tons of sources for you to browse.

Spices Etc.

Penn Herb

The CMC Company
All kinds of spices from around the world.

The Pepperer's Guild

Natural Treasures

DragonMarsh

Ethnic Grocer

Spicer

Herbie's Spices


[ June 27, 2001: Message edited by: cchiu ]

[twylyn]

Wonderful information and links...thanks so much, Papa, Kimmie and cchiu!

I didn't know there were so many varieties of lemon thyme, thyme and the other herbs mentioned...pineapple sage sounds interesting.

I found one source in Australia for dried lemon thyme...I need to call Penzey's in Minneapolis, yet; but even if I get the dried version I think I will still add a lemon thyme plant to my herb patch

I first started looking for dried lemon thyme for this "sweet herb mix" (which I've been mixing without the lemon thyme):

1/2 cup dried parsley
3/8 cup dried marjoram
3/8 cup dried chervil
1/8 cup dried basil
1-1/2 Tbsp. dried thyme
1-1/2 Tbsp. dried lemon thyme
1-1/2 Tbsp. summer savory
1 Tbsp. tarragon

(mix & store in airtight container)

But, I've since found many great-sounding recipes using lemon thyme, which I'm very anxious to try! Lemon thyme-flavored jelly sounds great, Papa

[ June 28, 2001: Message edited by: twylyn ]

[Kimmie]

What do you use your "sweet herb mix" for, twylyn?

[ June 28, 2001: Message edited by: Kimmie ]

[twylyn]

Kimmie,

I can't remember where I originally copied the "Sweet Herb Mix" from, but it was recommended for steamed veggies such as carrots and parsnips (I've only tried it with carrots)--and I've also used it on baked chicken breasts