Thyme is a common seasoning in meat dishes. In Cyprus, two species of this plant have long been collected, which are found here in large quantities. These are whole leaf thyme and capitate thyme.
Thyme allifolia, or livanitis, is a low and aromatic shrub. It grows on rocky and arid soils, mainly in the Troodos mountain range at an altitude of about 1700 meters. Most often found on the slopes of the hills of Stavrovouni, Kornos, Kakoradzhi, Macheras and Akamas. It blooms from March to June, producing many small, long and graceful flowers that are pink and white at the base.
Livanitis has healing properties. Its oil was used in ancient times as an antipyretic, for dysentery, diarrhea, etc. It is also a popular honey plant.
In Cyprus, capitate thyme is called trumbin. One of the characteristic plants of the Cypriot countryside, which grows independently in barren lands. It is a shrub reaching a height of approximately 45 centimeters, aromatic and medicinal. The branches are hard and covered with thorns. The leaves are tiny. It blooms from May to September, its flowers are a beautiful pink color, small in size but abundant in number.
Non-culinary use
A special oil is obtained from thyme by distillation, which is used in pharmaceuticals, in the production of soap and perfumes. In former times, Cypriots used thyme for various household chores. For example, small bushes were used to kindle fireplaces. Due to its aroma, thyme smoke was often used to smoke meat, especially lucanika sausages. The sausages were hung up, and thyme bushes were burned under them.
The plant was widely used in silkworm breeding. On their hard branches it was convenient for silkworms to form a cocoon.
In Cypriot society there was even a specialty - a thyme seller (“trumbopoulis”). The plant was sold in armfuls, which were carried on donkeys.
The text was prepared based on materials from “Polygnosi”
Read also
If you don’t know which plants to choose for planting in summer and autumn, our material will help you.
Read 732
