What is broadleaf thyme?
Broadleaf thyme is a super cool herb that grows easily and smells amazing. It’s also known by other names like Cuban Oregano, Spanish Oregano, and Indian Borage. This herb has big, soft, velvety leaves that are so fragrant you’ll notice their lovely smell as soon as you pick them.
Broadleaf thyme is not just tasty, it’s healthy too! It has Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and even Omega-6 Fatty Acids, which are great for your body. It’s a perfect herb to grow at home, especially because it can survive indoors even in the winter.
Why should you grow broadleaf thyme?
- It’s easy to grow: This herb doesn’t ask for much. It grows happily in a pot or garden with just a little care.
- It’s healthy: Eating broadleaf thyme gives you important nutrients like vitamins and fatty acids.
- Adds flavour to food: Broadleaf thyme makes dishes taste extra special.
- It can grow indoors: Broadleaf thyme is one of the few herbs that can grow inside during winter. No matter the season, you can have fresh herbs if you grow broadleaf thyme.
How to grow broadleaf thyme
Broadleaf thyme is super easy to grow, so even beginners can do it!
- Propagate from a cutting: You don’t need seeds to grow broadleaf thyme. Just take a small stem cutting and place it in a jar of water. After a few days, roots will start to grow!
- Choose the right pot:Use a pot that’s at least 6-8 inches wide and deep, with drainage holes at the bottom. This helps prevent overwatering.
- Plant it in soil: Once the roots are long enough, plant the cutting in soil. Make sure the soil drains well because broadleaf thyme doesn’t like to sit in water.
- Water sparingly: Water it only when the soil feels dry. Too much water can harm the plant, so be careful not to overwater.
- Give it sunlight: Broadleaf thyme loves a bright, sunny spot, but it can also grow in partial shade.
Tips for success
- Trim regularly: Prune the plant often to keep it bushy and healthy. Plus, you can use the trimmings in your cooking!
- Fertilize lightly: Use a small amount of organic fertilizer every few months to keep the plant thriving.
- Finding a cutting: Look through facebook marketplace, you may be lucky and find someone local that is selling a cutting!
Guyanese garlic pork recipe using broadleaf thyme
One traditional Guyanese dish that uses broadleaf thyme is Garlic Pork. This dish is very popular during Christmas time and is packed with flavour.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of pork, chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
- 1/4 cup of lime juice
- 1 head of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of chopped broadleaf thyme (or Guyanese fine thyme)
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 hot pepper (optional, if you like it spicy)
Instructions:
- Wash the pork pieces with the lime juice and rinse well.
- In a bowl, mix the garlic, chopped broadleaf thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add the pork pieces and rub the mixture all over the meat.
- Pour the white vinegar over the pork and mix everything together. If you’re using hot pepper, chop it up and add it to the bowl.
- Let the pork marinate in the fridge for at least 2 days or longer
- After marinating, fry the pork pieces in a pan until they’re golden and crispy.
- Serve and enjoy! Garlic pork is usually eaten with bread or rice.
Broadleaf thyme is an herb that makes everything better, your garden, your kitchen, and your meals. It’s easy to grow, delicious to eat, and full of history and health benefits. So, why not start growing your own broadleaf thyme today?
