It is a fact that herbs like thyme are associated with immense health benefits. However, if thyme is not available, you can search for the best thyme substitute in the market.
The plant gets its name from the Greek word “thymus” which means to heal. While this may not be exactly what you’re looking for, it is still an excellent herb to use in a variety of recipes.
There are many great-tasting herbs out there, but for many, thyme is one of the best. For centuries, it has been used for cooking and aromatherapy. You can find this herb in different cuisines, though it’s most commonly used in French cooking.
What is Thyme?
Thyme is a plant with aromatic leaves and young stems. Thyme has been a popular spice and aroma ingredient for many years. It is an ancient herb, and it is related to mint and Rosemary.
Thyme is also related to ginger and nutmeg. Its flavor is most closely associated with Rosemary, as it has a similar flavor with a hint of lemon.
Also Read: 6 Best Cardamom Substitute
This herb is one of the most famous herbs from the beginning of recorded history. Today, you can buy fresh herbs in dried form to add flavor to your cooking, as well as to adorn your home with its wonderful aroma and flavors.
5 Best Thyme Substitute That Will Surprise You
1. Basil
Basil is one of the best thyme substitutes and culinary spices available today. For one teaspoon of thyme, you can use 3/4 teaspoon of basil as a substitute.
The main components of basil are similar to those of oregano and mint and contain caprylic acid, carotene, chlorophyll, and vitamin C, among other things.
The herb is traditionally used in the production of medicines and in treating various health problems. However, as an anti-inflammatory, the scientific community has known for some time that basil can also have anti-aging properties.
Use basil as a thyme substitute in chicken salads and other tomato-based dishes like avocado pesto spaghetti or lasagna.
2. Rosemary
Rosemary is most famous for being one of the most powerful natural antibiotics known to man. It has been used both as a healing herb and as a culinary herb.
This is the reason why rosemary is the best thyme substitute. For one teaspoon of thyme, you can use 3/4 teaspoons of rosemary to substitute thyme.
You can add rosemary to any dish to add flavor, aroma, and color. You can use rosemary to flavor baked potatoes, hamburgers, sausages, beef stew, sausage, eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and fruit.
3. Dill
The plant is a perennial herb that is closely related to broccoli. It grows widely in wetland areas. It has small feathery green leaves, that are also called the dill weed or dill grass herb.
The flavor is often described as aromatic and varies with the variety. The base of the herb is marjoram and tarragon that can be used fresh or preserved in brine, vinegar, or salt for a long time.
Dill is also one of the best thyme substitutes and for one teaspoon of thyme, you can substitute with 3/4 teaspoon of dill herbs.
Dill is the main ingredient in pringles and is added to bread dough and yeast bread. It can add a hint of sweetness to soups and stews.
4. Tarragon
To use tarragon as a thyme substitute, you can add one teaspoon of tarragon herbs.
In ancient times, tarragon was used as a digestive aid for those with diarrhea and vomiting. Fresh leaves of tarragon were chewed for calming the stomach.
In modern times, the dried flowers and leaves are added to tea, or used as a spice. This herb has been recommended by alternative health practitioners for hundreds of years. The herb has a high concentration of iron, making it an excellent source of dietary iron.
For cooking, the flavor of tarragon is quite tasty and adds a pleasant hint of spiciness to any recipe. As an added bonus, the flavor of this herb blends well with many other recipes, making it an excellent addition to a wide range of dishes.
5. Sage
Sage is also considered the best thyme substitute. To replace one teaspoon of thyme, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of sage as a substitute.
Sage is an evergreen shrub found in the eastern part of the United States. It is used for various medicinal purposes, but most commonly it is used as a spice or for adding flavor to food. It has a pungent taste that resembles mint leaves. In addition to its flavor, sage has a unique smell that some find aromatic.
If you want to spice up your cooking and add a nice thyme flavor to your food, you should try using sage. You can either use fresh sage leaves or dried sage leaves that can be bought at your local grocery stores or from a health food store.
How to substitute dried thyme for fresh?
If you’ve grown tired of buying “dried” thyme in the grocery store and are ready to make your own, don’t worry. You can still get the same great taste, and you won’t have to pay a lot of money.
If you have plant thyme in your kitchen garden, make sure to freeze it during its season and use it later. To freeze thyme, follow the steps mentioned below:
- lay thyme clippings on a sheet
- flash freeze the thyme clippings
- transfer to a freezer bag after fully frozen
Note: You don’t need to remove leaves from the thyme stem while freezing. You can do this later when you are ready to prepare any recipes.
How to use thyme?
Let’s take a look at just how to use this dried herb.
For starters, thyme is commonly used as a spice. Though not a commonly used herb when it comes to cooking, it does have a unique and intriguing flavor that makes it stand out.
Spices are most commonly used as ingredients in savory dishes, but thyme can also be used with a wide range of cuisines. It even pairs very well with the classic Cajun style of cooking.
You should be aware that two types of flavor can be extracted from using the dried herb. The first type is called alpha-santal and contains a high level of tannins. The second flavor is called beta-santal and has a milder level of tannins.
Both are commonly used as flavoring agents, though some people will leave the alpha-santal flavor behind when using the dried herb. For example, fresh thyme will have a lot more flavor than dried.
Q1. What does thyme taste like?
The flavor of thyme is still as vibrant and delightful as in ancient times, and many recipes have been developed using this herb as well as many other types of spices and flavors. Thyme has an earthy, woodsy taste with some notes of citrus and mint.
Q2. Can parsley replace thyme?
Parsley alone won’t be able to replace thyme. To replace thyme, you should use a combination of marjoram and parsley. Add one teaspoon of marjoram and one and a half teaspoon of parsley to substitute one teaspoon of thyme.
Conclusion
When shopping for thyme substitute herbs, it is best to purchase them from a reputable supplier. Make sure that the dried herb is 100% pure and that it was harvested using sanitary methods.
If the recipe calls for thyme only in small quantities, and you have other herbs or spices to replace it, then feel free to leave out thyme. Remember that the amount of substitution required depends on your preference in taste, so it’s a matter of personal choice!
By using this thyme substitute, you can enjoy savory dishes, as well as sweet ones, without worrying about harming the quality of your beloved taste buds. With just a couple of simple steps, you will soon be enjoying mouthwatering food while at the same time improving your health.
