Sprig of Thyme

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A sprig of thyme is not an exact measure or amount like a tablespoon is or an ounce is. It is more of an arbitrary measurement. A sprig is a main branch or twig from a thyme plant that measures about 4 to 5 inches long.

What is Thyme?

Thyme is an herb that is used for cooking, medicinal purposes, and ornamental uses. It is a perennial evergreen that is a part of the mint family and is also a relative of oregano. The species most used for cooking purposes is Thymus vulgaris.

When used in cooking, the flavor of thyme can be complex. It is a delicate flavor that is sometimes spicy, a bit salty and even has a hint of mint. It can be a delicious addition to many dishes.

Sprig of thyme on a white plate
Sprig of thyme

What is a Sprig of Thyme?

A sprig of thyme is not an exact measure or amount like a tablespoon is or an ounce is. It is more of an arbitrary measurement. A sprig is a main branch or twig from a thyme plant that measures about 4 to 5 inches long. It is possible that there will be one or two secondary little branches coming off the main branch that are all a part of the sprig.

If we were to have to come up with an exact measurement of a sprig of thyme we would estimate it would include between ¼ and ¾ teaspoon of tiny thyme leaves.

You will want to note that the stem of the thyme plant is too woody to eat. Instead, the leaves are what you’re after. The leaves can be removed from the stem by cutting the sprig from the plant and then holding at one end and running your finger and thumb along the stem removing the tiny leaves.

What We Mean By: A Sprig

What do we mean by a sprig? A sprig is a main branch of the plant. It could likely have one or two secondary branches coming off it. And a sprig is 4 – 5 inches long. It includes about ¼ to ¾ teaspoon of tiny leaves on the stem.

What Does a Sprig of Thyme Look Like?

On this page we’ve included some photos of a thyme plant we have growing in our warm windowsill. Thyme is a small bush like plant. It has woody stems and tiny green leaves that grow the full length of those woody stems. The leaves are oval shapes and come to somewhat of a point at the tip. Sometimes I like to think of thyme as a mini boxwood bush because it has some similarities in appearance, but is micro in size comparatively.

What is a Sprig of Thyme and How to Use it

A sprig of thyme is a 4 – 5 inch long main stem from the thyme plant. It likely incorporates 1 – 2 secondary sprigs that come off the main stem.

There are a whole variety of ways to use thyme. Thyme can be used for cooking, in medicinal ways and for ornamental purposes. In this post however, we will focus mainly on using thyme in culinary ways.

How Big is a Sprig of Thyme?

The size of a sprig of thyme varies. It is an arbitrary measurement.

Length.

As far as the length of a sprig of thyme is concerned, it is usually about four to five inches long on a mature plant. When cutting a sprig, you should choose a main woody stem.

Width.

The width of the thyme is usually one main branch or woody stem wide. There likely are smaller secondary stems that come off that, but they should be very little in size. Otherwise, you likely have more than a sprig of thyme.

Volume.

If you were to remove all of the tiny leaves from the sprig and measure the volume of those, you would likely have between ¼ tsp and ¾ tsp of fresh thyme leaves on one sprig.

Sprigs of thyme
Sprig of thyme

Fresh Thyme vs Dried Thyme

There are many options and sources when it comes to using thyme. You can find it fresh in the supermarket or grocery store for purchase or you can buy it big box stores during the warmer seasons.

The benefit of fresh thyme is that it is more flavorful and tastes better. A thyme plant can be kept inside in a warm windowsill year-round. If thyme is cut, it can be kept wrapped loosely in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Dried thyme can be purchased dried and in a little bottle in the spice section at most grocery stores. Or you might choose to dry your fresh thyme to lengthen its life. Dried thyme is delicate and can last up to 6 months or even a year in some cases.

Substitutes for Thyme Sprigs

If a recipe calls for a sprig of thyme, that means you need to use a cut woody stem and leave it intact with the leaves attached to the stem. An equal amount of marjoram, oregano or savory can be used in place of thyme as a substitute for thyme sprigs.

How to Use Thyme in Cooking

Thyme is wonderful to use in cooking. Using fresh or dried thyme adds a delicious flavor to any kind of meat, potatoes, soups, and even sandwiches, marinades or breads.

How to Prepare Thyme

If using fresh thyme cut the sprig from the plant and wash under cool water. Pat dry with a paper towel.

If your recipe calls for a sprig of thyme then you will want to leave the thyme leaves intact on the stem and use the whole thing. Be sure to remove the sprig before serving as the stem is too woody to be eaten.

If your recipe calls for fresh thyme, then you’ll want to remove the leaves from the stem before adding it to the dish. Strip the leaves from the leaves from the stem by holding the stem by its end in one hand and sliding your forefinger and them down the length of the stem with the other hand. The thyme leaves can be left in when the dish is served.

Cooking With Thyme

Cooking with thyme adds delicious flavor to many wonderful dishes. Thyme is good in meats of every kind, vegetables, casseroles, soups, sandwiches, marinade, stuffing and even bread. When cooking with thyme you’ll want to add it early on because it takes time to release its flavors.

What Flavor Does Thyme Add?

Thyme is delicate but it adds a complex flavor that is spicy, salty and even described as somewhat minty. When using thyme as a seasoning you can expect these complexity of flavors to be present.

Buying: Where To Buy Thyme

Thyme cuttings can be found in the herb section or produce section of many supermarkets. Or if you prefer to buy a thyme plant they can sometimes be found in supermarkets too. Another possibility is to pick them up at your local greenhouse or big box store during the warmer months. During spring and early summer herbs such as thyme are distributed by home improvement and larger department stores.

Storing: How to Store Thyme

Fresh cut thyme can be kept for about a week in the refrigerator if it is loosely wrapped.
Dried thyme is more delicate and can often be kept for at least 6 months and even up to a year. Be sure it is kept in a dry and dark location so that mold doesn’t form or rotting doesn’t occur.

Sprig of thyme
Sprig of thyme

Measures: What is Considered a Sprig of Thyme?

To know whether you’ve got a sprig of thyme, you’ll need a single main stem that is about 4 to 5 inches long. It can have 1 or 2 tiny secondary stems coming off the main stem.

Substitute for Thyme

You might be cooking along and all of a sudden realize your recipe calls for thyme but you don’t have any. Is there any other herb that can be substituted in its place and still give you a delicious outcome? Thankfully, yes there is.

You can use the same amount of each of marjoram, oregano, or savory that your recipe calls for in thyme. They are each good solid substitutes. Treat it the same way as you would thyme. For example, if you’re using a whole sprig of oregano be sure to remove the sprig before serving. And the same with the other herbs as well. Remember to add them early on so that the flavors become well incorporated.

Thyme Equivalents

It can sometimes be challenging to go back and forth between fresh thyme and dried thyme knowing equivalents to try to maintain accuracy. Below are some equivalents to assist you in your measurements when working back and forth between fresh thyme and dried.

1 sprig of fresh thyme = ½ tsp dried thyme
1 oz dried thyme = ½ cup fresh thyme
1 tsp dried thyme = 1 tbs fresh thyme

What do Two Sprigs of Thyme Look Like?

Two sprigs of thyme look the same as a single sprig of thyme. The difference is that there are two sprigs instead of one.

Do You Use the Whole Sprig of Thyme?

If your recipe calls for a sprig of thyme then yes. You should use the whole thing, keeping the leaves attached to the woody stem. Simply place it in the soup or in the marinade. The sprig will need to be taken out and discarded before the dish is served.

If the recipe calls for fresh thyme, in culinary terms that means the fresh leaves only should be used. They should be shredded away from the stem before being incorporated into the dish. The stem should be discarded. If using fresh thyme you will not need to remove the leaves before serving. They can stay in for added flavor and visual appeal.

Are Thyme Stems Poisonous?

If you’re using a whole sprig of thyme, meaning the stem is included, you’ll want to pull out the stem before serving. Thyme stems are too woody to eat.

When is Thyme in Season?

Thyme is in season year-round when growing it on a warm kitchen windowsill. Or if you’re growing it outside and you live in a region where frost and snow occurs during the colder months, then thyme is only likely in season in the spring and summer months when the temperatures are warm and conducive to growing plants outdoors.

Growing fresh thyme can be so rewarding. Choose the best thyme plant possible that has fresh green leaves, not dry leaves. Also, avoid purchasing molding plants and when maintaining them keep from over watering to avoid mold and plant damage.

Cooking With Thyme: The Do’s and Don’ts

When cooking with thyme you’ll want to focus on the do’s and don’ts that will help lead to success.

Thyme Do’s

1. Use in the right dishes.

Generally speaking thyme is typically used in the more savory dishes such as meat and potatoes to bring out the wonderful melding of flavors.

2. Add early in cooking.

Thyme should be added to the mix early in the cooking to allow the flavor of the thyme to seep into the dish.

3. Store properly.

Thyme should be stored properly so that its longevity can be optimized. For fresh thyme store it loosely wrapped in the refrigerator for up to a week. For dried thyme store it in a dark dry place and use for up to 6 months or a year.

4. Measure properly.

If using dried thyme in a recipe that calls for fresh thyme or vice versa, be sure to use the appropriate equivalent.

Thyme Don’ts

1. Store while moist.

Don’t store thyme while it is still moist. Be sure to allow it to fully dry before placing it for storage. Storing moist thyme will create mold and rotting thyme that will not be proper for use and consumption.

2. Go overboard.

Just like any seasoning, you don’t want to go overboard with your use of thyme. Just the right amount of thyme makes for a delicious touch to any dish.

3. Serve dishes with thyme sprigs left in them.

Don’t leave the woody stem of the thyme sprig in the dish when serving it. Take a few moments to pull it out first before serving.

Is A Sprig of Thyme Good For You?

There are many health benefits packed into a sprig of thyme. Like most anything green, it is good for you and has good nutritional value.

What is the Nutritional Value of a Sprig of Thyme?

A tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves contains about:

1 gram carbohydrates
3 calories
less than 1 gram protein, fiber or fat
3.6 mg vitamin C (6% DV)
105 IU vitamin A (3% DV)
0.3 mg iron (3% DV)
0.3 mg manganese (3% DV)

What are the Health Benefits of a Sprig of Thyme?

There are many health benefits packed inside those tiny leaves of thyme. Here are a few:
1. Helps support the immune system.
2. Helps sore throats.
3. Helps fight bronchitis.
4. May boost your mood.
5. Prevents food poisoning.
6. Lowers cholesterol level and blood pressure.

What Are the Uses For A Sprig of Thyme?

A sprig of thyme has uses in three main categories, culinary, medicinal and ornamental. Cooking is what we’re focusing on in this post, but it is valuable to know that a sprig of thyme has more uses that include medicinal remedies and decorative ornamental aspects

What Is A Sprig? Sprig Definitions of Herbs

A sprig is a branch or stem that includes leaves on its portion. We’ll continue to define a sprig for several different kinds of herbs.

Sprig of Thyme

A sprig of thyme includes a 4 to 5 inch long cutting from a main stem. It can also include 1 or two tiny secondary branches or stems that come off the main one.

Sprig of thyme
Sprig of thyme

Sprig of Rosemary

Fresh rosemary looks similar to the branches of an evergreen tree and it smells wonderful! A sprig of rosemary is 3 inches or less from the top of the plant. This is where the plant is most flavorful and fragrant. It is the newer growth, which is why it’s the best part of the rosemary plant to use.

Sprig of rosemary

Sprig of Mint & Peppermint

Mint grows on a thick fleshly stem and can be clipped with a sharp pair of scissors and enjoyed as a garnish for drinks, desserts and other dishes. A sprig of mint is about 1 tsp of leaves that have been washed and chopped.

Sprig of mint

Sprig of Parsley

Parsley is great as a garnish for a variety of dishes. It adds that bit of green that gives visual appeal on many occasions. A sprig of parsley can be defined as many things such as the end of the new growth of the stem, a single leaf or even a whole plant. Just use your judgement as to what you prefer as to the use of your sprig of parsley.

Sprig of parsley
Sprig of parsley

Sprig of Tarragon

Tarragon is an herb known for its long, thin leaves. It has quite a strong flavor that works well with dishes that also have a strong flavor. When your recipe calls for a sprig of tarragon it means you need to cut and use the top 3 inches from the new growth at the top of the plant leaf.

Sprig of tarragon
Sprig of tarragon

Sprig of Basil

Basil is one of the most popular herbs and is used for a lot of Italian dishes such as pasta and pizza. Basil is great for a garnish and chopped and used as flavor enhancement. If your recipe calls for a sprig of basil, that means you should cut and use the top 3 – 4 leaves from the plant.

Sprig of basil
Sprig of basil

Thoughts on Growing Herbs

Growing herbs can be a rewarding experience. It can allow you to use them fresh in your culinary dishes year-round. Herbs that are grown inside should be given plenty of sunlight or placed under a grow light. They should be kept warm even during the cold months and should be given an adequate amount of water. Be careful not to over water herbs as it makes them wilt and die.

If you live in warmer regions where you don’t experience frost, then you can likely grow herbs outside year-round. Just keep them in a sunny warm place and be sure that their water supply is adequate. Having fresh herbs on hand can be a wonderful experience.

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Sarah
Sarah is known for her extra fancy yeast breads, melt in your mouth pies, and everything salads. She has won awards as a home cook, and is passionate about helping others feel smarter in the kitchen. Sarah is the cooking genius of the sister duo.

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