Rosemary vs Thyme: Difference and Comparison

Rosemary and thyme are two different flowering plants. Both the rosemary and thyme belong to the same family.

Rosemary and thyme have many medicinal usages. They have attractive flowers and are cultivated for many purposes.

Both are evergreen and shrub plants. They are cultivated worldwide.

Key Takeaways

1. Rosemary is a fragrant herb with a pine-like flavor used in Mediterranean cuisine, while thyme has a subtle, earthy flavor used in cooking.
2. Rosemary is used in roasted meats and vegetables, while thyme is commonly used in soups, stews, and sauces.
3. Rosemary has a stronger flavor than thyme.

Rosemary vs Thyme

Rosemary has a stronger, piney flavor with a hint of sweetness, while thyme has a more subtle, earthy flavor with a hint of lemon. Rosemary is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine, while thyme is used in French and Italian cuisine for seasoning meats, vegetables, and soups.

Rosemary is a plant species. The botanical name of rosemary is Salvia Rosmarinus.

The rosemary is a shrub. It belongs to evergreen and has a nice fragrance.

The leaves of the rosemary look like needles. It is available in a wide range of colors.

The rosemary plant origin is Mediterranean region. Until 2017, Rosmarinus Officinalis is the name of the rosemary.

Now it becomes a synonym. Rosemary belongs to the family called Lamiaceae.

The Lamiaceae family consists of many medicinal herbs and culinary herbs.

Thyme is a dried aerial plant. It belongs to the genus called Thymus.

Thyme is an aromatic evergreen plant. Thyme can live for more than two years, which means thyme is a perennial plant.

The thyme belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The genus Thymus and Origanum are relatives.

Both the genus are native to the Mediterranean region. Thymes have numerous uses.

The primary cultivation of thyme is for culinary purposes. Thymus vulgaris species is cultivated for culinary purposes.

Both thyme and rosemary have a similar outer look.

Comparison Table Between Rosemary and Thyme

Parameters of comparison	Rosemary	Thyme
Growth height	Rosemary will grow up to 2m	Thyme will grow up to 30cm
Woody	Rosemary is less woody	Thyme is woodier
Leaves	Rosemary has dark green leaves	Thyme has light green leaves
Glycemic index	Rosemary has a high glycemic index	Thyme has a low glycemic index
Leaves shape	Rosemary has straight leaves	Thyme has round leaves

What is Rosemary?

Rosemary is one of the popular plants. The term rosemary comes from the Latin word ros Marinus.

The Rosemary plant is nothing but a shrub with a fibrous root system. In a cold climate, it becomes hardy.

Rosemary is an adaptable plant that can withstand droughts and heavy colds. It is considered an invasive species in some parts of the world.

The rosemary plant seeds have a very low germination rate. It shows very slow growth. But the rosemary plant can live for thirty years. It is the best companion for plant lovers.

Rosemary will bloom in spring and summer. The flowers are available in white, pink, purple, and deep blue.

The flowers are attractive and have a mild fragrance. The flowers of the rosemary plant are cute and look small which gives extra beauty to the plant.

The needle-like leaves will also enhance the look. The rosemary plants have many uses. It is used in fragrance and culinary usage.

Rosemary is an aromatic herb used in many dishes.

The Rosemary plant has many phytochemical which is used for various purposes. Rosemary oil is widely used.

The oil is used in folk medicine. The rosemary flowers are recognized as a symbol of remembrance in the funerals of Europe and Australia. Rosemary is widely used in memorial sites.

What is Thyme?

Thyme is an herb with different varieties. The first thyme was cultivated in the Levant.

Thyme is used for embalming during ancient Egyptians. Embalming is nothing but an art of preserving human remains.

The thyme was also used for a bath during ancient Greek. They also use the thyme as incense in temples.

The incense is an aromatic material that releases fragrance and smoke when burnt. Ancient Greek believe the thyme is a source of courage. Ancient Romans have used the thyme to purify their rooms.

Thyme was also used to aid sleep and ward off nightmares in ancient Europeans.

Thyme plays a vital role during ancient times. The incense of thyme is used in the coffins during funerals. Ancient people believe that thyme incense provides passage to the next life.

A hot and sunny location is the best season for thyme cultivation. The soil needs to be well-drained. In general, thyme is cultivated during spring.

Thyme is also an adaptable plant that tolerates drought. Thyme leaves are rich in thymol which is an aromatic content.

One gram of leaves contains 8.55 mg of thymol. Other than thymol, carvacrol and linalool are also present.

Thyme has two major uses. Culinary and aroma are the two important uses of the thyme plant.

The thyme oil has much antimicrobial content which helps in the production of antibiotics. The thyme is also used in dishes for aroma.

People use both dried and fresh thyme. In bouquet garni, and of herbes de Provence, thyme is the vital component.

Main Differences Between Rosemary and Thyme

1. When compared to rosemary, the base of the thyme is less thick.
2. Rosemary has a pungent flavor, whereas thyme has a savory flavor.
3. When compared to rosemary, thyme is rich in vitamin C and Vitamin A.
4. When compared to rosemary, thyme is rich in minerals.
5. When compared to rosemary, thyme help to relieve anxiety.

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0023643818301804
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S146685642100045X

Last Updated : 16 July, 2023