Thyme honey comes from the nectar-producing species that produce thyme. Thyme is primarily produced from Mother of Thyme, Wild Thyme, and Garden Thyme species, but there are about 347 other species that also produce thyme. While thyme is often cultivated for the purpose of creating essential oils, thyme honey itself is produced from species found within the countries of Greece and Sicily, as it is an important part of both cultures. Thyme honey is most noted for its aroma, flavor, and health benefits.
This type of honey is mainly produced during the last two weeks of June and the first two weeks of July. Once this type of honey crystallizes and turns a beige or brown color, it develops an intense aroma. This aroma is very strong, and both herbal and resinous.
The Mediterranean diet found within Greece often includes foods consisting of thyme honey. Those who eat honey consisting of thyme state the tropical fruit taste it produces lingers in the mouth. Greek yogurt is often drizzled with this type of honey and is known as Yiaourti me Meli. Many times, people will also fill grilled figs with thyme honey.
There are many health benefits associated with consuming thyme honey. Some studies have even concluded that diets enriched with its extracts have the ability to help prevent endometrial, breast, and prostate cancers. It contains large amounts of phenolic compound extracts, which transforms estrogenic activity.
Many people in Greece use thyme honey as an anti-bacterial medication. Due to its amazing antifungal properties, this type of honey has the ability to prevent infections. Even the British Armed Forces use it as an anti-bacterial and apply it to burns and/or scalds.
Due to thyme honey’s ability to relieve sore throat symptoms, some people use it as a cough suppressant medication. Many people will mix the honey with brandy or herbal tea and then drink the mixture. Since the honey is so effectively used as a cough suppressant, it is often used as a way to fight off the rubella virus as well.
Thyme honey is often also used as a face mask. People who use the honey as a facial believe that it helps to unblock their pores and to rejuvenate their skin. Many times, the honey is mixed with egg yolk and olive oil before being massaged into the face.