Green thyme maintains its presence in Ajloun Governorate as one of the plants associated with inherited food and folk customs. People use it in preparing pies and drying its leaves to produce local thyme, in addition to using it in a number of popular drinks and recipes.
Specialists, farmers, and those interested in herbs and wild plants confirmed that thyme still holds a special place among the people due to its many nutritional and popular uses, in addition to its agricultural importance in the governorate.
Ajloun Agriculture Director, Engineer Seitan Al-Sarhan, said that thyme is one of the plants receiving increasing attention from farmers in the governorate due to the suitability of the climatic and natural conditions in Ajloun for its cultivation and production.
He added that thyme is an important crop for a number of farmers, whether for home consumption or marketing. It also contributes to diversifying agricultural production and enhancing the benefit from aromatic and medicinal plants.
Vice President of the Wadi Rajab Women’s Association, Ibtisam Freihat, said that thyme occupies a special place on family tables in Ajloun, as it is used in preparing pies and pastries and preparing local thyme and dukkah mixtures, which are common food ingredients in many homes.
Farmer Sami Al-Sammadi said that thyme is one of the crops that farmers in the region accept due to its multiple uses and ease of care, indicating that the demand for it continues, whether fresh or after drying.
He added that many families are still keen to grow it or keep it as an ingredient in home mortar because it represents an essential part of the local cuisine.
Attar Wasfi Abu Kaf said that thyme is one of the herbs most accepted by citizens, whether for use in food or in herbal drinks circulated among people.
He added that many people prefer to boil thyme leaves and drink them, in addition to using them in a number of herbal mixtures that are still popular among popular practices.
Herbs and wild plants specialist Magda Abdel Qader said that thyme is one of the plants that is linked to the nature of Ajloun and its plant diversity, as it is spread in a number of mountainous and forested areas in the governorate.
