Thyme 'Silver Queen'
Silver Queen Thyme, scientifically known as Thymus x citriodorus 'Silver Queen,' is a visually captivating and aromatic herb that brings a touch of elegance to gardens and culinary endeavors. This thyme variety is characterized by its small, silver-gray leaves with a hint of green and a subtle lemony fragrance. The compact and low-growing habit of Silver Queen Thyme makes it an excellent choice for edging, ground covers, or container plantings. Beyond its ornamental appeal, this perennial herb is cherished for its culinary uses, imparting a delicate lemon flavor to a variety of dishes.
In the kitchen, Silver Queen Thyme adds a unique citrusy note to culinary creations. The tender leaves can be used fresh or dried, providing a mild lemony essence to marinades, salads, roasted vegetables, and poultry dishes. Its versatility extends to being an ideal herb for infusing oils or creating flavorful herb butters. The silver-gray foliage of Silver Queen Thyme not only enhances the visual appeal of dishes but also makes it a decorative and functional herb in herb gardens or along walkways, releasing its fresh fragrance when brushed against.
Cultivating Silver Queen Thyme is relatively straightforward, as it thrives in well-draining soil and prefers a sunny location. This herb is known for its resilience and adaptability, making it suitable for various garden settings. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast or a gardener seeking an ornamental herb, Silver Queen Thyme brings both charm and flavor to your outdoor space, creating a sensory delight for both the eyes and the palate.
In the kitchen, Silver Queen Thyme adds a unique citrusy note to culinary creations. The tender leaves can be used fresh or dried, providing a mild lemony essence to marinades, salads, roasted vegetables, and poultry dishes. Its versatility extends to being an ideal herb for infusing oils or creating flavorful herb butters. The silver-gray foliage of Silver Queen Thyme not only enhances the visual appeal of dishes but also makes it a decorative and functional herb in herb gardens or along walkways, releasing its fresh fragrance when brushed against.
Cultivating Silver Queen Thyme is relatively straightforward, as it thrives in well-draining soil and prefers a sunny location. This herb is known for its resilience and adaptability, making it suitable for various garden settings. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast or a gardener seeking an ornamental herb, Silver Queen Thyme brings both charm and flavor to your outdoor space, creating a sensory delight for both the eyes and the palate.
Silver Queen Thyme (Thymus x citriodorus 'Silver Queen') has specific growing conditions that support its visual appeal and aromatic qualities. Here are the key factors to consider when cultivating Silver Queen Thyme:
- Sunlight: Silver Queen Thyme thrives in full sunlight. Ensure it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. A sunny location intensifies the silver-gray color of its leaves and enhances its lemony fragrance.
- Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial for the health of Silver Queen Thyme. It prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil with good drainage. Sandy or loamy soils are suitable. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as thyme is susceptible to root rot.
- Watering: While Silver Queen Thyme is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be cautious not to overwater, as thyme prefers slightly drier conditions.
- Temperature: Silver Queen Thyme is well-suited for moderate temperatures. It can tolerate some cold, but protection in extremely harsh winter conditions may be beneficial, particularly to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
- Spacing: When planting Silver Queen Thyme, provide adequate spacing to allow for air circulation. This helps prevent the development of fungal diseases and promotes healthy growth.
- Pruning: Regular pruning helps maintain the shape of the plant and encourages new growth. Trim the plant after flowering to promote bushier growth and keep the silver-gray foliage looking neat.
- Fertilization: Silver Queen Thyme is not a heavy feeder, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring can support its growth. Avoid excessive fertilization, as it may compromise the intensity of the silver-gray color.
Silver Queen Thyme and Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz linguine or your favorite pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh Silver Queen Thyme leaves, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes for a hint of heat (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped Silver Queen Thyme. Season with salt and black pepper. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add Shrimp and Garnish:
- Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, ensuring they are well-coated in the lemony thyme butter. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water.
- Serve:
- Transfer the pasta and shrimp to serving plates. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.