The ancient Greeks believed that thyme was a source of courage; they used it in baths and burnt it as incense in temples. Today, thyme is widely cultivated and used for its heady floral lemon scent.
Thyme does not overpower and blends well with other herbs and spices such as cardamom, citrus, sage and rosemary. As with bay, thyme is slow to release its flavours, so it is usually added early in the cooking process.