Which is more fragrant, thyme or thousand-mile fragrance?
When it comes to thousand-mile fragrance, many people unfamiliar with spices might confuse it with thyme because of the similar names. However, thyme and thousand-mile fragrance are two completely different spices. They also differ significantly in appearance—thyme is dried leaves, while thousand-mile fragrance is seeds. This makes it easy to distinguish between the two. Thyme is also commonly known as ground pepper, though it's worth mentioning that the flavor of thyme differs from domestic ground pepper. For simplicity's sake, we'll consider them in the same category. Thyme has a very strong, minty aroma, whereas thousand-mile fragrance, also known as seven-mile fragrance, has a distinct scent but lacks the minty notes. Thousand-mile fragrance has a spicy and bitter taste, which differentiates their uses.
In terms of aroma clarity, thyme has a more penetrating fragrance than thousand-mile fragrance. Both are commonly used in the latter stages of spice blends, though in smaller amounts, with differing results. Since thyme has a clearer, more piercing scent, it enhances the overall fragrance with more intensity, while thousand-mile fragrance adds more spiciness and a longer-lasting flavor. This difference in spice properties leads to different results in cooking. Thyme pairs well with galangal, fennel, cardamom, dill seeds, and coriander seeds, adding depth and enhancing the final aroma. It can also be used with galangal, cubeb, pepper, and Sichuan peppercorns to balance their spiciness and protect the flavor profile. Additionally, thyme can help adjust the richness of spices like Amomum and Angelica when they are the dominant notes.
Thousand-mile fragrance, on the other hand, pairs better with spices like bay leaves and savory to enhance the intensity and lasting effect of the spicy notes. It also works well with ingredients like black cardamom, cubeb, galangal, and cloves to improve the numbing sensation. For general flavor, it can be combined with licorice, monk fruit, and lemongrass to add layers to the aftertaste. Thousand-mile fragrance also has a stronger ability to remove gamey smells than thyme, making it useful alongside cardamom and ginger for enhancing the aroma and removing odors, especially in braised beef and lamb dishes. In roasted spice blends, thousand-mile fragrance in powder form can be paired with cumin, fennel, nutmeg, oregano, and rosemary to extend the lasting effect of the flavor, which works remarkably well.
Both thyme and thousand-mile fragrance have their specific uses, and they can enhance existing recipes significantly when used properly.
