Herb Often Paired With Rosemary Crossword Clue

By: Five Letter Words | Last edited: May 02, 2025

Wondering about the answer to the "Herb often paired with rosemary" clue in the May 02, 2025 New York Times Mini Crossword? We've identified the perfect 5-letter culinary herb that fits this description. For those who enjoy a more interactive solving experience, our page offers engaging features to enhance your crossword journey. You can unveil the answer progressively with our letter-by-letter reveal tool, or dive into our detailed explanations—covering culinary uses, herb pairings, gardening information, and cooking applications. We've also made it easy to navigate to other clues from the same puzzle. Ready to expand your herb knowledge and crossword skills? Let's discover this fragrant culinary solution together!

Crossword Answer:

NEW YORK TIMES MINI, MAY / 02 / 2025
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About This Clue

The May 2, 2025 New York Times Mini Crossword featured the clue "Herb often paired with rosemary" with the answer THYME. This clue asks for a culinary herb that is frequently used alongside rosemary in cooking. It's a knowledge-based clue that tests solvers' familiarity with common herb pairings in cooking. The clue is relatively straightforward for those with basic culinary knowledge, as thyme and rosemary are classic companion herbs in many Mediterranean and European dishes.

Context for "THYME"

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an aromatic perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that has been used for thousands of years in cooking, medicine, and even religious ceremonies. Native to the Mediterranean region, this herb features small, fragrant leaves growing on thin, woody stems. In culinary applications, thyme is prized for its distinctive earthy, slightly floral flavor with notes of mint and lemon, depending on the variety. It pairs exceptionally well with rosemary because both herbs: - Share Mediterranean origins and complement similar dishes - Have woody stems and can withstand long cooking times without losing flavor - Contain complementary flavor compounds - Feature in many traditional herb blends, including the famous French "herbes de Provence" and Italian seasoning mixes You'll commonly find thyme and rosemary used together in: - Roasted meats, particularly lamb, chicken, and pork - Vegetable dishes, especially roasted root vegetables - Soups and stews - Bread and stuffing recipes - Marinades and rubs - Oil infusions Beyond its culinary uses, thyme has a long history of medicinal applications. Its essential oil contains thymol, which has antiseptic properties. Throughout history, thyme has been used to treat respiratory issues, digestive problems, and even as an antimicrobial agent. In the garden, thyme is a drought-tolerant perennial that thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Like rosemary, it doesn't require much water once established, making these herbs natural companions in both the garden and the kitchen. The name "thyme" derives from the Greek word "thymos," which relates to fumigation, possibly referring to its strong scent when burned or to its use as incense in ancient temples.

NYT Mini Crossword Tips

When solving culinary clues like "Herb often paired with rosemary" in the NYT Mini Crossword, consider these tips: Think about common cooking knowledge. The Mini Crossword typically uses widespread culinary combinations rather than obscure pairings. Thyme and rosemary are standard companions in many popular recipes and Mediterranean cuisine. Consider the length requirement. With a 5-letter herb needed, THYME perfectly fits the bill. Other common herbs like basil, sage, or oregano either don't pair as classically with rosemary or don't match the required letter count. Remember that the NYT Mini often draws from everyday knowledge and common cultural references. Home cooking and basic culinary awareness fall into this category, making herb pairings a fair game for clues. When facing herb or cooking-related clues, think about classic combinations. Just as "peanut butter and ___" immediately suggests "jelly," certain herbs are naturally associated with others—thyme and rosemary being a prime example. Use crossing clues to your advantage. If you already have T__ME from other answers, THYME becomes even more obvious as the solution. Don't overthink straightforward knowledge clues. The Mini Crossword typically rewards general knowledge rather than requiring specialized expertise. If you've cooked basic recipes or seen cooking shows, you've likely encountered the thyme-rosemary pairing. Consider seasonings that would appear in similar dishes or cuisines. Mediterranean herbs often work together in similar recipes, which is why thyme and rosemary are such common companions.

Related Crossword Answers

BASIL

Clue: "Herb in pesto sauce"

SAGE

Clue: "Herb in stuffing"

HERB

Clue: "Basil or oregano"

SPICE

Clue: "Cinnamon or nutmeg"

More Clues & Answers For The New York Times Mini (May 2, 2025)

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