Thymari · Kozani highlands
Greek thyme, warm, resinous and made for the oven.
Thyme from certified growers in the Kozani highlands, packed by VEVI in Athens under FSSC 22000 — conventional and BIO Hellas organic, and awarded two stars at the Great Taste Awards in London.
The herb
The warm half of the Greek herb shelf.
If oregano is the sharp top note of Greek cooking, thyme is the warm base. Its aroma comes mainly from thymol: resinous, woody and slightly minty, with a gentle bitterness that holds up to long roasting.
In Greece, thymari can mean more than one plant — the wild thyme of the islands (Thymbra capitata), whose flowers give Greek thyme honey its name, and garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris) among them. All share the same warm, savoury character.
VEVI's thyme comes from certified growers in the Kozani highlands, conventional and certified organic, and is packed in Athens under FSSC 22000.
- PlantThyme (Thymus and related species)
- Greek nameΘυμάρι (thymari)
- OriginGreece · Kozani highlands
- FlavourWarm, resinous, woody, slightly minty
- Organic lineBIO Hellas · GR-BIO-03
- AwardGreat Taste ★★
Formats
From the spice rack to the hotel kitchen.
The award-winning 70 g jar, everyday and organic sachets, an 800 g CHEF jar and a 345 g catering tub.
In the kitchen
How to cook with dried thyme.
Thyme loves heat and time. Unlike delicate herbs, it goes in early and keeps giving through a long roast or a slow simmer.
- Start early
Add thyme at the beginning of roasts, stews, bean dishes and tomato sauces.
- Pair it with oil and lemon
Mix with olive oil, garlic, lemon and salt into a paste for lamb, chicken or potatoes.
- Crush for grilling
Crush it in your palm over meat or fish before it hits the grill.
- Measure
About one teaspoon dried replaces a tablespoon of fresh leaves.
At the Greek table
Where thyme does its best work.
The Sunday tray: lamb, potatoes, lemon, garlic, olive oil and plenty of thyme.
A pinch of thyme deepens Greek bean soup and lentil stews.
Rubbed with thyme, oregano and lemon before roasting.
Thyme, olive oil and a splash of vinegar or lemon.
Kneaded into dough or sprinkled over olive-oil breads.
Brewed in hot water with a spoon of honey — a traditional Greek winter cup.
Tradition & wellbeing
Thyme, the old way.
Thyme gave its name to thymol, the aromatic compound behind its warm, resinous scent. It is said the name comes from the Greek word for burning offerings — the ancient Greeks burned thyme as incense.
In Greek homes a hot thyme infusion with honey is a classic of the cold months. And Greek thyme honey, one of the most prized honeys in the world, comes from the same plants.
- Main aroma compoundThymol
- In traditionHot infusion with honey on cold days
- CaffeineNone
Herbal teas are foods, not medicines. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, ask your doctor first.
Storage & quality
Keep it closed, cool and dark.
Thyme is a sturdy herb, but light, heat and humidity still fade it. Keep it in a closed jar in a cupboard away from the hob and oven.
Once a sachet is open, tip the thyme into a clean, dry jar with a tight lid. As a rule of thumb it keeps its best aroma for about a year after opening — always check the best-before date on the pack.
What good thyme looks like
- A warm, resinous smell when you crush a pinch.
- Grey-green colour rather than brown.
- Small, clean leaves with few woody stems.
- A clear origin on the label, and the EU logo with a certifier code on organic packs.
In the shops
Where to find it
In Greece, VEVI is sold in supermarket chains including Galaxias, Masoutis and My market; the formats on shelf vary by store.
Trade
For retailers, HORECA & importers
Retail jars and sachets, organic thyme, CHEF jars and catering tubs for supermarkets, delis, HORECA and importers — plus private label packed to FSSC 22000.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of thyme?
Thyme is rich in essential oil, mainly thymol, which gives it its warm aroma. In Greek tradition it is brewed as a hot infusion with honey on cold days. It is a food, not a medicine.
Where does VEVI thyme come from?
From certified growers in the Kozani highlands of northern Greece. It is packed by VEVI in Athens under FSSC 22000.
Is Greek thyme the same as garden thyme?
In Greece, thymari can mean several related plants, including wild island thyme (Thymbra capitata) and garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris). They share the same warm, thymol-rich character.
What goes well with thyme?
Lamb, chicken, pork, potatoes, beans and lentils, tomato sauces, grilled fish and olive-oil breads. It pairs naturally with oregano, garlic and lemon.
Do you have organic Greek thyme?
Yes — a 40 g sachet certified organic by BIO Hellas (GR-BIO-03).
Can I drink thyme as tea?
Yes. Many Greeks brew a teaspoon of dried thyme in hot water for five minutes and add honey.
Do you supply thyme for restaurants?
Yes — an 800 g CHEF jar and a 345 g catering tub, plus wholesale and private label. Send us an enquiry.