Épices Rœllinger Herbs | French Spices<Thym sauvage à linalol (Wild linalol thyme)

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an aromatic herb that spreads in fragrant mats over sunny, dry scrubland areas (garrigues, in French). In the garrigues of Southern France, wild thyme is harvested by hand in the early spring using small sickles, a technique that is in keeping with traditional, sustainable, organic farming practices. Once harvested, the leaves are subjected to gentle drying methods to retain all of their aromatic properties.
Wild thyme varieties have evolved to adapt to different climates by altering their essential oil compositions. This results in the the wide range of scents and flavors found in different types of thyme.
Ancient Egyptians and Greeks were familiar with thyme and used it extensively. Thyme has also been called ‘the secret ingredient in French cooking’ by foreign food writers. The herb is found in many traditional French recipes, including pot-au-feu (French pot roast), boeuf bourgignon (beef stew with red wine), and cassoulet. Thyme is also an essential component of the French ‘bouquet garni.’