How to harvest thyme: essential techniques for farmers

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is one of the most valuable aromatic herbs, widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. For medium and large agricultural companies aiming to optimize production and maintain high standards, it is essential to adopt efficient, sustainable, and mechanized harvesting techniques.

This article explains how to professionally plan and manage thyme harvesting, with a focus on the advanced solutions developed by Ortomec, a company specializing in machinery for harvesting vegetables and aromatic plants.

How to harvest thyme for drying

The timing and method of harvesting are crucial for preserving aroma and essential oil content, the main commercial value of thyme. The ideal harvest period for drying is during flowering, generally between late spring and early summer, when the concentration of aromatic compounds is at its peak.

Ortomec harvesters ensure a clean, uniform cut, with adjustable working height depending on the variety and vegetative stage. The gentle conveyor system preserves the structure of stems and leaves, minimizing mechanical damage and simplifying post-harvest operations.

How to store fresh thyme

For fresh market production or supply to the food industry, maintaining product quality after harvest is essential. Fresh thyme must be quickly moved to refrigerated environments (0-5 °C) with controlled humidity (85-90%) to avoid loss of turgor and essential oil volatilization.

Thanks to their high operational efficiency, Ortomec machines reduce the time between field and storage, preserving product freshness and integrity, a key competitive advantage for companies working with daily supplies or short supply chains.

How to dry thyme

After harvesting, drying must take place in ventilated rooms at controlled temperatures (35-45 °C), avoiding direct sunlight. Gradual and uniform drying preserves essential oils and the natural green color.

Industrial production uses mechanical dryers or drying tunnels, which allow precise control of temperature and airflow. Once complete, dried thyme must reach a moisture level of 10-12% to ensure microbiological stability and long-term aromatic quality.

How much thyme to harvest at once?

Proper harvest management is essential for ensuring production continuity and field regeneration. The most common practice is to harvest no more than one-third of the plant per cycle, leaving enough vegetation to support vigorous regrowth.

Ortomec machines allow real-time monitoring of biomass and dynamic adjustment of cutting height and speed, optimizing yield and sustainability. Integrated sensors provide valuable data for precise plot management and efficient planning of subsequent cycles.

When thyme should be harvested

The optimal harvest period varies depending on climate and final market:

• For drying and essential oil extraction: during or just before full flowering.
• For fresh sale: before flowering, when leaves are more tender and aromatic.

Mechanical harvesters enable quick, targeted interventions, reducing the impact of weather variability. Ortomec solutions offer the flexibility needed to operate even within narrow time windows, ensuring consistent quality and reducing operational costs.

Sustainable thyme harvesting practices

Adopting sustainable practices is increasingly important for long-term oriented agricultural companies. Ortomec machines are designed to minimize soil impact, reduce compaction, and preserve fertility. Their precise cutting systems and low energy consumption help reduce waste and resource use.

Integrating mechanized harvesting with crop rotation, organic fertilizers, and responsible water management contributes to a more efficient and environmentally friendly production model.

Mechanical thyme harvesting

Mechanical harvesting is now the most efficient solution for medium and large farms. Ortomec harvesters, designed specifically for aromatic herbs and leafy vegetables, offer several competitive advantages:

• Adjustable cutting systems for various thyme heights and densities.
• Precision sensors that optimize yield and reduce waste.
• Gentle conveyance that preserves plant structure and product quality.
• High energy efficiency, reducing operating costs and environmental impact.

Automation increases productivity, reduces labor needs, and ensures uniform harvests even over large areas.

Conclusion

Thyme harvesting, especially over medium to large surfaces, is not just an operational phase but a true strategic point of the value chain: from aroma quality to final yield, everything depends on timely, continuous, and precise work.

For this reason, competitive farms are investing in technologies that standardize harvesting, reduce variability caused by labor or environmental conditions, and ensure consistent quality in every batch.

If you want to learn more about our thyme harvesting solutions, contact us: our team is ready to help you choose the most suitable machine for your production needs.