Every October and November in Central Otago, the hills are blanketed in a vivid purple mat of thyme (Thymus vulgaris) flowers. Thyme is an aromatic herb and belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). The natural range for wild thyme is the Mediterranean region. Gold miners introduced the herb for culinary purposes in the 1800‘s during the Gold Rush. The flavour of the honey is strong, aromatic and pungently herbal - a powerful secret ingredient that is ideal in meat marinades, or as a powerful addition to many . It can also be used to make a spectacular thyme honey ice-cream.