A Brief History of Thyme Trivia Quiz

Answer: Mediterranean region

Common thyme, botanically known as "Thymus vulgaris", is a perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to the Mediterranean region, including southern Europe, the Middle East and parts of North Africa. The cultivation of thyme probably dates back to ancient times, with evidence of its use by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. These civilisations valued thyme for its culinary and medicinal properties.

Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is also native to the Mediterranean region and has been used throughout history by various cultures for its aromatic and therapeutic qualities. It is often found growing wild in rocky, dry areas and its leaves and flowers are harvested both for cooking and medical use.

Answer: Egyptian

In ancient Egypt, thyme was valued for its antiseptic and healing properties. It was used to treat a wide range of ailments, including respiratory and digestive problems and infections. Thyme's aromatic qualities also made it a popular ingredient in perfumes and incense.

In embalming practices, the herb was often included in the process to help preserve the bodies of the deceased. Its antimicrobial effects helped to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, thereby slowing down the decomposition process. Thyme was used as part of the embalming mixture applied to the body during mummification.

Answer: Theophrastus

The ancient Greek philosopher and naturalist Theophrastus (c. 371-c. 287 BCE) mentioned thyme in his botanical works, particularly in his famous treatise "Enquiry into Plants" (Περὶ φυτῶν ἱστορίας). Theophrastus praised thyme for its aromatic and medicinal values and documented its use in ancient Greek culture.

Theophrastus gave detailed descriptions of various plants, including thyme. He discussed its cultivation, characteristics and uses, highlighting its role as a remedy for respiratory ailments. Theophrastus' writings on thyme played an important role in the understanding of botany and herbal medicine in ancient Greece and influenced subsequent generations of scholars and naturalists.

Answer: in baths and as incense in temples

In ancient Greece, thyme was highly prized for its aromatic and medicinal values. It was often added to bathwater for its pleasant scent and potential therapeutic benefits. The aromatic vapour produced by boiling thyme in water was believed to have a cleansing and invigorating effect, contributing to the overall sense of wellbeing during bathing rituals.

The Greeks also burned thyme as incense in their temples during religious ceremonies and rituals. The sweet, herbaceous scent of burning thyme was thought to purify the air and create a sacred atmosphere conducive to prayer and meditation. It was also believed that inhaling the aromatic smoke of thyme incense could inspire courage and mental clarity.

Although the primary use of thyme among the Greeks was not culinary, they probably added it to some of their dishes for its aromatic flavour. However, the culinary use of thyme was not as prominent in ancient Greece as it is in modern cuisine.

Answer: True

While thyme was not widely used in ancient Greek cuisine, it was a common herb in ancient Roman cuisine. It was often added to various dishes to add flavour, especially to meats, cheeses, soups and stews. But the Romans used thyme not only as a culinary herb, but also for its medicinal effects. It was believed to have antiseptic properties, so it was used to preserve food and as a remedy for various ailments. The Romans also included thyme in religious rituals and ceremonies for its purifying and protective qualities.

The Romans played a significant role in the spread of thyme throughout Europe, particularly at the height of the Roman Empire, which lasted from 27 BC to 476 AD. As they expanded their territories across the continent, they brought with them various aspects of their culture, including culinary practices and herbal knowledge.

Answer: All of these were uses in the Middle Ages.

In the Middle Ages, thyme was often associated with superstition. Many of the beliefs about the effects and uses of thyme were rooted in myth and folklore rather than scientific understanding. People attributed various magical or mystical qualities to thyme, believing it had the power to influence sleep, courage and spiritual transitions.

These superstitions reflected the wider medieval worldview, which often intertwined natural phenomena with supernatural beliefs and practices. Thyme's association with sedation, courage and burial rites illustrates how deeply superstition was embedded in medieval society's perception of herbs and their importance in everyday life.

Answer: Hildegard of Bingen

Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th century German Benedictine abbess, mystic, writer and composer, mentioned thyme in her writings on medicinal plants and their uses, particularly in her book "Physica", where she discussed the therapeutic values of various plants. Her extensive work on herbal medicine contributed significantly to the medieval understanding of a holistic approach to healing and the interconnectedness of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Thyme played a prominent role in her herbal remedies. She praised thyme as a powerful herb with benefits for digestion, respiratory health and general comfort. Hildegard also recommended thyme for strengthening the heart and improving circulation, as well as for its ability to promote mental clarity and concentration.

Answer: No

Native to the Mediterranean region, thyme was unknown in the Americas when Columbus arrived. It was later introduced by European settlers and explorers. They brought their own herbs, including thyme, to the colonies because they were accustomed to using them in their culinary and medicinal practices and wanted to recreate familiar flavours and remedies in their new environment. Thyme gradually spread throughout the Americas and was later incorporated into various cuisines.

The first mention of thyme in American cookbooks dates back to the late 18th century. A notable example is Amelia Simmons' "American Cookery", published in 1796, which includes recipes using thyme as a seasoning herb. Thyme gradually became more widely used in American cuisine as culinary traditions evolved and expanded throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Answer: North Yorkshire, England

Scarborough lies on the east coast of North Yorkshire. "Scarborough Fair is a traditional English ballad dating back to the 17th century. The song gained widespread popularity in the 20th century through recordings by various artists, including Simon & Garfunkel, whose version became particularly iconic. In the song, a man sets his former lover a series of impossible tasks, telling her she must complete them if she wants him to take her back. One of the tasks is to find and present him with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.

In 17th century England, thyme was widely used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It was a common herb in cooking, often added to meats, stews, soups and sauces for flavour and aroma. Thyme was also used as a medicinal herb, believed to have properties that could aid digestion, relieve respiratory problems and promote general wellbeing. It was also used in household remedies such as poultices and herbal teas to treat various ailments. Its aromatic qualities also made it popular for sprinkling on floors to freshen the air and repel pests.

So it was not an impossible task to gather parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme, for they all grew in abundance. The text has to be understood metaphorically. The singer asked for the qualities which were symbolised by the four herbs: purity, strength, remembrance and courage respectively.

Answer: Caspar Neumann

Caspar Neumann, a German pharmacist and chemist, made significant contributions to the understanding and use of thyme in medicine. In 1719, he successfully isolated thymol, a crystalline compound, from thyme oil. Thymol was later recognised for its potent antiseptic and antifungal properties, making it valuable in various medical preparations.

Thymol has been used to treat conditions such as sore throats, gingivitis and minor skin infections. It is now commonly found in mouthwashes, throat lozenges and topical antiseptic creams. Thymol is also an active ingredient in some natural remedies for respiratory problems due to its mucolytic properties.