bunch of thyme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bunch of thyme" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quantity of thyme, typically in cooking or gardening contexts. Example: "For this recipe, you'll need a bunch of thyme to enhance the flavor of the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cooking

Gardening

Folk Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

They pick a bunch of thyme.

The New York Times - Food

One of those songs is Bunch of Thyme, about a man taking a maiden's "bunch of thyme" away, which the young Norma thought really was about a bundle of herbs.

The Guardian - Music

3. Using a bunch of thyme as a basting brush, lightly brush ribs on both sides with olive oil.

The New York Times - Food

The two lobes, named thymus because they resemble a bunch of thyme flowers, produce healthy cells to attack foreign substances around the body.

The Guardian

Serves 8-10 1x5kg turkey (I got mine from the excellent Kelly Bronze) Bunch of thyme Bunch of rosemary 2 lemons 200g butter Begin by preparing your barbecue.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Backed by the Gift Band (who include her husband Martin Carthy, daughter Eliza, and nieces and nephews), she performed a moving version of the traditional song Bunch of Thyme.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Seasoning could include whole garlic cloves, wedges of fresh lemons and onions, and fresh bunches of thyme.

WikiHow

These little carrots are perfect with roast lamb. 1 kg/2lb small carrots 1 tbsp honey 45g/11/2oz unsalted butter 1 small bunch of lemon thyme or thyme Sea salt and black pepper Carrots are so sweet and tender at this time of year that I don't bother to peel them – just give them a good scrub under cold running water.

Independent

The last time I baked this crostata, I made a small attempt to gussy it up by scattering a bunch of lemon thyme over the top.

The New York Times - Food

Serves 6 duck 1 large, about 2.5-3kg prunes 300g, stoned and halved apples 500g, about 5 small, peeled, cored and quartered onions 2 medium, peeled and quartered bouquet garni small bunch of rosemary, thyme and 2 bay leaves, tied For the gravy butter 1 tbsp flour 1 tbsp white wine 150ml chicken stock 250ml Preheat the oven to 140C/gas mark 1.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Serves 4-6 1.3kg carrots 60g honey 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp coriander seeds, toasted and lightly crushed 1 tsp cumin seeds, toasted and lightly crushed A small bunch of whole thyme sprigs Salt and black pepper 1 Heat the oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6. Peel the carrots and halve them widthways, then quarter or halve lengthways; you're after long, roughly 2cm x 6cm pieces here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When a recipe calls for a "bunch of thyme", consider that this isn't an exact measurement. A good rule of thumb is about 4-6 sprigs, or roughly 1-2 tablespoons of chopped thyme leaves.

Common error

Be aware that the size of a "bunch of thyme" can vary greatly depending on the vendor or source. Visually assess the quantity to ensure it aligns with the recipe's intended flavor profile. If unsure, start with less and add more to taste.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bunch of thyme" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a preposition or a modifier describing a quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. Examples show it being used in recipes and descriptions of ingredients.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bunch of thyme" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, predominantly within culinary and gardening contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Although "bunch" is not a precise measurement, practical guidance suggests approximating it with 4-6 sprigs. Alternatives include "sprig of thyme" or "bundle of thyme", and substitutions can be made with dried thyme or other herbs like "oregano". While its register is typically neutral, awareness of quantity variations and storage techniques will ensure optimal usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bundle of thyme

Synonymous, suggesting a tied or gathered collection of thyme.

sprig of thyme

Refers to a smaller quantity, a single stem, of thyme compared to a bunch.

fresh thyme

Emphasizes the thyme's freshness, not the quantity.

thyme sprigs

Plural form, referring to multiple individual stems of thyme.

thyme leaves

Focuses on the leaves alone, rather than the stem or bunch.

thyme herb

General term referring to thyme as a culinary herb.

small thyme plant

Refers to the entire thyme plant, not just a harvested portion.

thyme seasoning

Highlights the use of thyme as a seasoning agent.

dried thyme

Indicates that the thyme is dehydrated, contrasting with fresh thyme.

thyme infusion

Refers to thyme used in a liquid extraction or tea.

FAQs

How much thyme is in a "bunch of thyme"?

While not a precise measurement, a "bunch of thyme" generally equates to approximately 4-6 sprigs, or about 1-2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves. Adjust according to the recipe's flavor requirements.

Can I use dried thyme instead of a "bunch of thyme"?

Yes, but remember that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor. A general guideline is to use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for every tablespoon of fresh thyme called for in a recipe. So, if your recipe asks for a "bunch of thyme", use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.

What can I substitute for thyme?

Good substitutes for thyme include "oregano", "savory", or "marjoram". Consider the specific flavor profile you're aiming for when choosing a substitute.

How should I store a "bunch of thyme" to keep it fresh?

To keep a "bunch of thyme" fresh, wrap it loosely in a damp paper towel and store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can place the stems in a glass of water, like flowers, and cover the leaves with a plastic bag. Change the water every few days.