Pennyroyal Thyme

Dried broad-leaved thyme, botanically Thymus pulegioides, is a true culinary thyme and a close relative of common garden thyme. Despite its name it is a genuine thyme with the classic warm, savory aroma, not toxic pennyroyal mint. The loose whole leaves are ready to measure straight into the pot for everyday cooking. Warm, earthy and lightly peppery with a soft lemony note, this variety has a rounder, less sharp taste than standard thyme. The leaves are more tender than most thyme, so they rehydrate quickly and blend smoothly into sauces, dressings and spice rubs without a woody texture. Use these dried leaves to season roast chicken, lamb and pork, hearty soups, stews, tomato sauces and bean dishes. The flavor holds up well in slow cooking and pairs naturally with garlic, rosemary, bay and oregano across Mediterranean and Provencal style meals. Add it early so the taste has time to develop. A little goes a long way. Start with about half a teaspoon of the dried herb per four servings, crumble it between your fingers to release the oils, then adjust to taste. As a rough guide, one teaspoon of dried thyme stands in for roughly one tablespoon of the fresh herb. Packed as pure loose leaf with no salt, filler or additives, so you control the seasoning in every dish. Keep it sealed in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat and steam to protect the fragrance. Handy for homemade herb blends, poultry and vegetable dishes, breads and infused vinegars.