Thyme is one of the most useful and popular kitchen herbs. Thyme is also easy to grow and because of its compact nature is perfect for containers, rock gardens or even cracks between patio paving slabs. Leaves are usually stripped from the slender branches and cut before adding to a variety of dishes including vegetables, eggs, pork, lamb, fish, and game. Thyme is particularly common in mediterranean dishes, it is well suited to casseroles and stews as it's flavour holds up well to long cooking times.