Indeed, you know the teaspoon constantly measures the Thyme, but the herb itself is measured in springs. So what is a sprig of Thyme? It will be the question for many home cooks.
It is pretty disturbed; many newbies will ignore Thyme just as they do not know how much teaspoon is a sprig of Thyme. Now, I will help you find out the best answer.
What Is A Sprig Of Thyme?
Mostly we know what Thyme is, even if you are not a cook as we know that everything will come with their unit. For example, liquid uses litters, distance uses miles, and for the fragrant herbs, we use springs with just little twigs with the green leaves.
A Sprig of Thyme Size?
You might get a little disappointed as even the legit cookbooks can not define the exact size of a sprig of Thyme. However, as some experienced chefs, a sprig of fresh herb and a sprig of Thyme is a single stem around 4-6” in length.
However, what you need to be enlightened on is the amount of fresh sprig of Thyme that a recipe will require. Unfortunately, there is no way to get the clearest answer. Just estimate the amount you feel fit and toss in your food.
Thyme spring pack in any intense flavors so that you make it over, your meal’s flavor will not be destroyed. However, once plucked, the fresh Thyme of a single stem will equal ⅓ teaspoon.
Fresh & Dried Thyme Comparison
Dried Thyme
The dried Thyme is just a regular Thyme which is no longer lush green and full of life, even though it still tastes epic.
How long can I store dried Thyme?
With the proper storing condition without any air inside, dried Thyme’s flavor can be kept for up to 1 year. That’s impressive!
We might think that the best herbs stay most delicious in their finest and freshest state. However, it is different with Thyme. These herbs will be at their finest and give the best pleasant flavor in their dried form.
One everyday thing you should know, in cooking, the fresh Thyme and dried Thyme are similar with the same traits. That means you can substitute dried for fresh Thyme and vice versa.
How much-dried Thyme equals fresh Thyme?
One sprig of fresh thyme equals an estimated ¾ teaspoon of dried Thyme. Besides, you can also find the powdered Thyme on the market. Mostly, 1 tsp of powdered Thyme will be equivalent to 4 tsp of fresh Thyme.
Fresh Thyme
Green leaves with the greatest fragrance pleasing our senses are the most commonly used part of the Thyme. After picking from the plant, the sprigs will be refrigerated and wrapped in a plastic bag. The fresh Thyme will retain its flavor and freshness for 1-2 weeks when being stored well.
You can use the whole Thyme of just fresh leaves depending on your recipe requirements. For only leaves, you should remove the thyme leaves from the stem. However, if it helps, you leave this part when using the Thyme for non-liquid food. All thyme parts that can spice up your dish will fall off the stem when the temperature rises.
How To Use Thyme for Cooking?
Preparing
Mostly, you should remove the leaves from the stem first. Then chop the Thyme, as the leaves are small, pile the tiny green leaves into bunches, and gently slice it well. When you use the fresh Thyme, you should add it early when you begin to cook your food. It will help the herb give a much stronger taste.
Cooking
Thyme can make a perfect match for meats of different types, vegetables, soups, sandwiches, pate, marination, stuffings, and casseroles. Thyme also can be used in a variety of cooking styles from baking, sauteing, stir-frying.
What Can Substitute for Thyme in Cooking?
Imagine you are preparing for the best recipe ever, but search for thyme brand when you come to the shop. Unluckily, it is no longer in stock. What will you do?
Why don’t you replace it with other similar herbs?
Italian seasoning
It is fantastic. A mixture of culinary herbs in Italy can substitute for Thyme. It’s pretty easy to make, only requires the same faces of cooking herbs such as a sprig of rosemary, sage, marjoram, savory, and a basil sprig.
All the flavors will combine and bring out the best traits in each.
Oregano
If you do not have many herbs as above, you can use oregano sprig. It is aromatic, distinct in taste, and will enrich your meal’s flavors. However, it is not as gentle as other Thymes. Oregano can entirely smoke and punch the other elements of the dish when it is overused. Remember to follow the ration, ¾ tsp oregano for 1 tsp thyme.
Basil
Basil is the third candidate for thyme substitutes. You can use both versions of dried and plucked. If you use the fresh basil, sprinkle only half the amount you would use for Thyme on your dish. As for dried basil, the ratio will be 2:1.
Using Thyme Tips
Please don’t eat, drink or drop any thyme oils in your eyes or sensitive areas. Unfortunately, you have been exposed to the oil, and you should wash your eyes immediately with clean water and find medical attention.
Don’t apply oil into an open wound. You should ask the advice of a physician before using Thyme in cooking for under three years old children.
Sum Up
I am sure that you had the answer to the question of what is a sprig of Thyme. Hopefully, you can use the Thyme for the best delicious recipes.
Thyme is an excellent plant for food that is very healthy and contains nutrients to fight off all diseases. Besides, it also can reduce the risk of food poisoning. For the more potent punch in taste and aroma, you can use the fresh sprig of Thyme. For dried Thyme, store in a non-moisture environment is the best way to store and keep its fragrance.