What is rubbed thyme?

Rubbed thyme is a technique used to release the essential oils of thyme, intensifying its flavor and aroma. Here's how to rub thyme:

Pinch the thyme sprigs near their base to gather them together.

Using your hands, gently rub the thyme sprigs between your palms, moving them back and forth.

As you rub, the essential oils from the leaves will be released, filling the air with their fragrance.

Continue rubbing for a few seconds until the leaves appear slightly bruised and the aroma becomes stronger.

Rubbing thyme can enhance its flavor and make it more versatile for culinary purposes. It can be used in marinades, sauces, soups, stews, and various meat and vegetable dishes.

Remember that rubbed thyme has a more concentrated flavor compared to whole sprigs, so use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

Here are some additional tips for rubbing thyme:

Remove any woody stems from the thyme sprigs before rubbing.

Rub the thyme sprigs in a circular motion to release the oils more effectively.

Avoid crushing the leaves completely as this can release bitterness.

Rubbed thyme can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container for future use.

Experiment with rubbing different varieties of thyme to discover subtle variations in flavor and aroma.