{"id":27857,"date":"2025-11-24T12:37:09","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T11:37:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ortomec.com\/how-to-harvest-thyme-essential-techniques-for-farmers\/"},"modified":"2025-11-24T12:37:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T11:37:10","slug":"how-to-harvest-thyme-essential-techniques-for-farmers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ortomec.com\/en\/how-to-harvest-thyme-essential-techniques-for-farmers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to harvest thyme: essential techniques for farmers"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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How to harvest thyme: essential techniques for farmers<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Thyme (<\/b>Thymus vulgaris<\/i><\/b>)<\/b> 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 <\/span>optimize production and maintain high standards<\/b>, it is essential to adopt <\/span>efficient, sustainable, and mechanized harvesting techniques<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

This article explains how to professionally plan and manage <\/span>thyme harvesting<\/b><\/a>, with a focus on the advanced solutions developed by <\/span>Ortomec<\/b>, a company specializing in machinery for harvesting vegetables and aromatic plants.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to harvest thyme for drying<\/span><\/h2>\n

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

Ortomec harvesters<\/b> ensure a <\/span>clean, uniform cut<\/b>, with <\/span>adjustable working height<\/b> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to store fresh thyme<\/span><\/h2>\n

For fresh market production or supply to the food industry, maintaining product quality after harvest is essential. <\/span>Fresh thyme<\/b> must be quickly moved to <\/span>refrigerated environments (0-5 \u00b0C)<\/b> with <\/span>controlled humidity (85-90%)<\/b> to avoid loss of turgor and essential oil volatilization.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thanks to their high operational efficiency, Ortomec machines r<\/span>educe the time between field and storage<\/b>, preserving product freshness and integrity, a key competitive advantage for companies working with daily supplies or short supply chains.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to dry thyme<\/span><\/h2>\n

After harvesting, drying must take place in <\/span>ventilated rooms at controlled temperatures (35-45 \u00b0C)<\/b>, avoiding direct sunlight. Gradual and uniform drying <\/span>preserves essential oils<\/b> and the natural green color.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

How much thyme to harvest at once?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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

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

When thyme should be harvested<\/span><\/h2>\n

The optimal harvest period varies depending on climate and final market:<\/span><\/p>\n