Historical Background
Thyme, Thymus vulgaris, is thought to have originated somewhere in the Mediterranean or Middle eastern regions. There is controversy over the exact location of its origin, however it is known that thyme grows naturally in the Levant region (Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and Israel) where it has been a native species for thousands of years.
The word itself is believed to be derived from the Greek word thumos or the Latin word fumus with both translate as “to fumigate” or “to smoke.” However, the Greek word thumos can also be interpreted to mean courage. Additionally, there are sources that suggest thyme comes from a different Greek word, thyo, meaning sacrifice. These definitions all reflect some of the original uses of thyme as it was used during sacrifices for its aromatic properties, and exchanged between Roman soldiers to be worn as a symbol to encourage bravery and selflessness in battle. Thyme was also burned in temples and homes of the Greeks and Romans as they believed it would bring cleansing and protection. Specifically, thyme was used by Roman emperors for its protective qualities against poisons.
Biblical scholars believe that the plant “hyssop,” as mentioned in the Bible in the Old Testament, is referring to thyme. In Exodus 22-23, “hyssop” is mentioned as the Israelites used it to mark their doors with lamb’s blood so that God would pass over them as He killed the Egyptian firstborns:
“And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the side-posts with the blood that is in the basin . For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians” (Exodus 12:22-23).
Physical Description
Thyme is a low growing shrub with woody stems and ovular, grey-greenish leaves. It flowers in clusters of small purple, pink or white in the summertime. Thyme grows best in dry, sunny, warm conditions, but it can tolerate a range of climates as there are over 400 subspecies and hybrids.
Medicinal Properties
Thyme has long been cited as having healing properties. Papyri dating back to Ancient Egypt in 1555 B.C. mentions thyme among other spices as having medicinal value. Thyme became a key component in the remedies for the bubonic plague that swept across Europe in the Middle Ages. Despite little scientific evidence of its affects at the time, we now know that a major component of thyme is thymol, which has antiseptic properties. Additionally, it was used to heal those with leprosy and epilepsy.
Today, there are many proven medicinal characteristics of thyme including:
- bacterial resistance (used in mouth wash, hand sanitizer, acne medications)
- cough suppressant
- cold remedy
- reduces high blood pressure
- anti-fungal properties
- reduces menstrual cramps
- antioxidant
- antiseptic
- decreases hair loss
- inflammation of the lungs, tonsils, and mouth
- source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C
Culinary Uses
Thyme is a central ingredient to Arab cooking and is featured in a range of dishes. It compliments meats like beef and lamb, and works well in stews and soup. It is also used to flavor butter, vinegar, cheeses and vegetables.
Za’atar is the Arabic word for wild thyme, but is often used to refer to both a mix of spices (thyme, oregano, sumac, marjoram, and sesame seeds and salt) and thyme itself. Za’atar is a staple in Arab countries, however the recipes for za’atar vary from region to region, and even household to household.
Goat Cheese, Olives, Olive oil and Thyme
Thyme Cultivation in Palestine
Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in thyme cultivation in Israeli occupied Palestine and in the West Bank. Farmers have begun to switch from growing a range of vegetables and citrus fruits to growing only thyme for their own use and for export. A Palestinian farmer named Muayyad Said and his neighbor, Abdullah Omar, both agree that cultivating thyme is much more profitable because it is grown year round, requires less fertilizer and pesticides and requires less labor than other crops. Additionally, thyme successfully produces for up to seven years, is capable of producing a harvest every forty days, and is known to be resistant to diseases and insects. Because of these highly attractive qualities, the land area that is used for growing thyme had doubled.
Thyme is directly related to the ongoing conflict in Israeli occupied Palestine and and the West Bank. It is seen as a symbol of Palestinian land ownership as seen in the slogan,”[w]e will stay here as long as there are thyme and olives” (Thyme.. Palestine’s Green Gold). An Israeli law established in 1997 forbade the harvesting of wild thyme, but this law is seen by many Palestinians as yet another way for Israeli forces to control and regulate land that does not belong to them. Although Palestinians have begun to cultivate thyme on a large scale, there is a belief that wild thyme is better than the cultivated strains, so the inability to harvest naturally growing thyme is not favored by Palestinians. Some also argue that large scale cultivation destroys the intimate relationship between the Palestinians and their land. This issue of thyme harvesting regulation and control is largely representative of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and is essential in understanding thyme as it relates to the Arab world.
Works Cited
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Thyme.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 30 Dec. 2015, http://www.britannica.com/plant/thyme.
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“Goat Cheese with Olives, Lemon, and Thyme.” In the Kitchen with Kath, 23 Jan. 2018, inthekitchenwithkath.com/2012/08/22/goat-cheese-with-olives-lemon-and-thyme/.
Inskeep, Steve, and Maria Godoy. “Za’atar: A Spice Mix With Biblical Roots And Brain Food Reputation.” NPR, NPR, 11 June 2013, http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2013/06/11/190672515/zaatar-a-spice-mix-with-biblical-roots-and-brain-food-reputation.
Manoosh Pizzeria. “Za’atar: A History.” Manoosh Pizzeria, 2 Nov. 2017, http://www.manoosh.com.au/zaatar-a-history/.
McCormick Science Institute. “History of Spices.” McCormick Science Institute, http://www.mccormickscienceinstitute.com/resources/history-of-spices.
Nordqvist, Christian. “Thyme: Benefits, History, and Forms.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 23 Aug. 2018, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266016.php.
“Organic Thyme, English (1 Oz).” Peaceful Valley Organic Thyme Seeds, English (1 Oz) – GrowOrganic.com, http://www.groworganic.com/o-thyme-english-1-oz.html.
“Thyme Cultivation Fuels Palestinian Green Gold Rush.” Middle East Monitor, 15 Sept. 2015, http://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20150915-thyme-cultivation-fuels-palestinian-green-gold-rush/.
“Thyme.” The Epicentre, theepicentre.com/spice/thyme/.
“Thyme.” Our Herb Garden, 27 Jan. 2015, http://www.ourherbgarden.com/herb-history/thyme.html.
“Thyme.. Palestine’s Green Gold.” Palestine Economy Portal, 2015, http://www.palestineeconomy.ps/en/Article/22/Thyme-Palestine%E2%80%99s-Green-Gold.
“University of Illinois Extension Serving Dewitt, Macon and Piatt Counties.” Thyme – Plant Palette – University of Illinois Extension Serving Dewitt, Macon and Piatt Counties, June 2008, web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/palette/080615.html.
Vered, Ronit. “How Za’atar Became a Victim of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.” Haaretz, 24 Apr. 2018, http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.MAGAZINE-how-za-atar-became-a-victim-of-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict-1.5466747.
“A Visit to Abu Kassem Za’atar Farm.” David Lebovitz, 17 Sept. 2013, http://www.davidlebovitz.com/a-visit-to-abu-kassem-zaatar-farm/.
“Zatar: Spice Jewel of the Middle-East.” Spice of Zara, Feb. 2015, http://www.spiceofzara.com/blogs/theblog/18878183-zaatar-spice-jewel-of-the-middle-east.
Culture of Arab Food 