Spices and Condiments (1+1)

Origin, distribution and production

 
• Thyme grows wild in almost all the countries bordering the Mediterranean and also over much of Asia and in parts of Central Europe and grows the best in the hills. It is found in the Western temperate Himalayas, from Kashmir to Kumaon, between altitudes of 1,525 m and 4,000 m. Thyme is grown in Europe, Australia and North Asia. It is now cultivated in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece and North Africa, Canada and the USA. In India, thyme may be cultivated in the Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaon.
• Among the countries producing thyme oil, Spain stands first, followed by France, Morocco and the Mediterranean countries. The bulk of the world demand for this oil is met by Spain and Turkey. The major types of thyme are French thyme, Spanish thyme, American/Californian thyme, etc.