Bunch of Cretan thyme

These are bunches of Cretan thyme (Thymus capitatus) that are carefully collected from limited controlled areas in southern Crete. The dry heat climate of these regions helps the plant to acquire a unique essential oil profile that makes it a particularly aromatic and flavorful spice. Its taste is quite intense and spicy. Its dried leaves are brown-green in color and its aroma is quite sharp. In addition to its use as a seasoning in various "dishes", it is used in cooking as an additive to aromatic olive oils and marinades.

Thyme also has many healing properties and its decoction, infusion and extract are traditionally used for the mild treatment of many diseases.

More generally, thyme is a compact, woody perennial plant (shrub) native to Mediterranean Europe. It has purple flowers to attract the bees who love it especially and produce with its pollen the aromatic thyme honey, especially popular in Crete and the other Aegean islands.