The Difference Between Rosemary and Thyme and How to Care for Rosemary

Rosemary is also known as dew of the sea. An evergreen shrub, upright in form, with grayish-green, narrow, slender pointed leaves that give off a pine scent, it has been regarded since ancient times as a herb that can enhance memory. In spring and summer it bears small pale blue flowers. Rosemary originated along the Mediterranean coast and is an evergreen shrub that produces small blue flowers in summer, looking like little water droplets, which is why rosmarinus in Latin means "dew of the sea". Rosemary also symbolizes loyalty, so at European weddings the bride is often seen wearing rosemary as an accessory, proclaiming to the world her unwavering devotion to love.

Thyme is a spice commonly used in European cooking, with a pungent aroma, added to stewed meat, eggs or soup. It should be added as early as possible so that it fully releases its aroma. In European tradition thyme symbolizes courage, so in the Middle Ages it was often given to knights setting out for battle. In China it is called di jiao, di hua jiao, shan jiao, shan hu jiao, she xiang cao and other names, and is produced in the northwest region. It is especially concentrated in the mountainous areas of southern Ningxia, where locals harvest it in bulk during the Dragon Boat Festival, dry it in the sun and store it, or stir-fry it in a wok until dry. When the heat of June arrives, it is brewed as tea to quench thirst and is called a top-grade product. The Yuan dynasty work *Ju Jia Bi Yong Shi Lei Quan Ji* records the use of thyme added to camel hump and camel hoof for seasoning. Li Shizhen's *Compendium of Materia Medica* records: “It tastes slightly pungent; the locals use it to cook mutton, which is fragrant and delicious.” Thyme originated in southern Europe and is widely cultivated as a culinary spice.

In terms of efficacy, rosemary can relieve stomach bloating, enhance memory, refresh the mind and relieve headache symptoms. Brewing rosemary as tea has a refreshing and mind-clearing effect. Rosemary can also strengthen liver function, lower blood sugar, help treat arteriosclerosis, and help paralyzed limbs regain vitality. In addition, it has a fairly strong astringent effect, regulating oily and unclean skin and promoting blood circulation, which is also one of the reasons many women who are losing weight like rosemary essential oil.

Thyme has been a favorite of Europeans since ancient times. Fresh thyme has a light, elegant fragrance, and after being heated in cooking, its aroma can only be described as alluring, which is why Europeans also praise thyme as “the flirting treasure of the dining table". Thyme is a herbaceous plant that grows in low-altitude areas, mostly produced in northern Africa, Europe and the temperate zones of Asia; in China, the areas north of the Yellow River, especially the northwest, are the main growing regions. As a food ingredient, besides adding flavor and aroma, from the perspective of food therapy it also has effects such as improving the digestive system, promoting blood circulation, enhancing immunity and relieving neuropathic pain. It also helps activate brain cells and improve memory and concentration. Experiments have shown that eating thyme can also combat depression and soothe emotional trauma.

In use, thyme is usually added to dishes using fresh or dried leaves and stems, but note that the total daily consumption of such spice plants should preferably not exceed 20 grams, to avoid being too stimulating to the body.

Generally speaking, thyme differs from flavoring ingredients such as cilantro as we commonly understand them: it must be added at the very beginning of cooking, so that its aroma can be fully released to achieve the best effect. As a cooking ingredient, thyme is best when fresh; dried thyme has roughly 40% less aroma than fresh.

Growing Rosemary

This aromatic herb likes a mild climate; in the south it can be grown outdoors year-round, while in the north it must be moved indoors in winter or other insulation measures taken. Its growth rate is not fast, far slower than mint and basil. Rosemary requires at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day, and moderate watering (it should be watered somewhat sparingly); a mature plant only needs a thorough watering every 4 to 7 days.

Rosemary likes slightly alkaline soil. If the soil is rather acidic, quicklime can be slaked and the lime slurry poured directly on the plant; rosemary can tolerate it. If you are worried, mix it into the soil and let it sit for several days before using it for repotting. If you do not have quicklime, the desiccant in foods such as Wang Wang Senbei is lime; for reference on dosage: one packet to a 1-gallon pot.

Rosemary grows quickly in spring and autumn and somewhat slowly in severe cold and extreme heat; it needs to be ensured sufficient light, but in summer attention should be paid to shading. Rosemary is fairly drought-tolerant; water once the soil has dried out. Water less in winter and take care to prevent freezing; in summer, generally water once every two days.

If planting in a garden, please choose soil with good drainage; waterlogged soil will cause rosemary to suffer root rot. The more alkaline the soil, the more fragrant the rosemary; if the soil is too acidic, some lime can be buried in the soil.

Regarding fertilizing rosemary, do not worry about the fertilization issue. Herb plants do not need fertilizing. However, please ensure the soil contains some lime.