Greetings to all my friends and loyal subscribers! How are you all today? This is the Neapolitan pizza expert Agostino Vitiello back with another blog post to discuss the significance of an important yet often overlooked ingredient of pizza. I am talking of course about thyme.
Now most of the fans of Italian cuisine already know about the merits of using basil and oregano. So widespread is the usage of these 2 herbs that they have come to be synonymous with the Italian flavour itself. However all the credit should not just go to these 2 stars of the show. Like any good movie, the supporting cast is equally as important, if not more so. This is where thyme comes in.
Thyme, though flavourful in itself, is not an overpowering herb. This makes it ideal for blending with other herbs and spices, as the harmonious balance of aromas creates an incomparable taste sensation. The versatility of this herb has earned it a reputation for mixing well with meat (particularly lamb), soups and stews. It also enhances the flavour
Thyme can be used in a variety of ways: some recipes call for entire bunches, others use sprigs (stem plus leaves), yet others simply use the leaves themselves. Different levels of flavour can be achieved depending on which part one chooses to use.
Thyme’s versatility also extends to its shelf life: it can be used both fresh and dried. Though naturally thyme is more flavourful when used fresh, it also retains its flavour better than many herbs when dried. The secret to unlocking its key characteristics if using the dried version is to ground it before adding it as an ingredient of pizza.
Aside from its qualities as a flavourful herb, thyme also contains a considerable number of health benefits. Did you know that before the advent of modern medicine, the oil from thyme was used as medication for bandages? Its antiseptic properties help fight many infections and aid in healing. To this day, thyme is still being used in all-natural, alcohol-free hand sanitizers. Thyme tea is also useful in alleviating many throat ailments such as cough and bronchitis. In many modern mouthwashes, thyme can be found as the main active ingredient.
With its many possible uses, thyme is a star in its own way: in the gardens, in the medical world, and of course in the kitchen. More importantly, thyme deserves to be recognized as an important herb in the making of pizza.
And that’s it for today’s article. Hopefully you’ve gained a new appreciation for this wonderful herb. Why don’t you try some thyme in your pizza today? Until next time, keep visiting my blog and my website for updates on the world of pizza. Subscribe to my Youtube channel as well, I’m working on several videos to help everyone enjoy creating the perfect authentic Neapolitan pizza. I hope to see you there in the near future. For now, this is your friend Agostino saying, “Ciao!”
