Thyme

[180-200 days] A key ingredient in dishes from around the world, thyme is well loved by humans and bees alike. Use it to season poultry, meats, stews, soups, sauces, and dressings. The plant itself is a perennial that works well in just about any garden or allotment. Its flowers can be white to lilac and appear in small clusters and the small, pungent leaves are used for any number of seasoning blends.

Use either fresh or dry. Neither its flavor and fragrance is adversely affected by long, slow cooking, which makes it great for seasoning soups, stews, casseroles, and stuffing. It’s often also paired with tomatoes.

Thyme seeds retain their germinating power for up to three years.