{"id":79670,"date":"2021-06-01T07:06:06","date_gmt":"2021-06-01T07:06:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ortomec.com\/senza-categoria\/how-to-best-harvest-basil-with-ortomec-solutions\/"},"modified":"2026-06-09T13:27:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T13:27:43","slug":"how-to-best-harvest-basil-with-ortomec-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ortomec.com\/en\/how-to-best-harvest-basil-with-ortomec-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"How to best harvest Basil with Ortomec solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Basil<\/strong> is considered the King of aromatic herbs: it is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Its cultivation is widespread all over the world, in different forms and varieties<\/strong>, and also in Italy its production is very common.
\nFor several years now, harvesting basil and then transforming it or transferring it directly to the fresh market is no longer a job that is done by hand. Ortomec proposes ideal machines for easy and automatic basil harvesting<\/strong>.
\nIn this article, we will learn more about the functioning of Ortomec machines<\/strong> and why they allow you to harvest basil<\/strong> at its best.<\/p>\n

How do Basil harvesting machines work?<\/h2>\n

Choosing from the vast assortment<\/a><\/strong> of harvesters dedicated to the basil harvest will allow you to have the machinery that best suits the needs<\/strong> of your business<\/strong>: you can in fact choose from the different models<\/strong> <\/a>available. For small productions or large extensions, from greenhouses or open fields: at Ortomec you can really find a machine for every different need.
\nAt this point you may be wondering: how do Ortomec machines specialized<\/strong> in harvesting the most famous aromatic herb<\/strong> work? Their working<\/strong> is based on an intuitive<\/strong> and innovative system. The basil plant is in fact cut at the ideal point<\/strong> of collection, giving it the opportunity to regrow perfectly while waiting for the next cut. This operation is repeated several times during the harvesting period in the summer<\/strong>: for this reason, it is very important to opt for a type of blade<\/strong> that allows for optimal harvesting performance.
\nThe front reel<\/strong> system<\/strong> positioned above the cutting blade also plays a decisive<\/strong> role in allowing you to get the best results from harvesting your basil plants.
\nOrtomec harvesters are equipped with a variable diameter<\/strong> reel system: this is essential, not only to avoid product losses<\/strong> during the harvesting phase, but also to ensure that during this important step the basil plants do not suffer any trauma<\/strong>. They are in fact very fragile: when harvesting it is therefore essential to use a machine that fully respects the delicacy<\/strong> of their leaves<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The importance of efficient cutting systems: why rely on Ortomec harvesters<\/h2>\n

In order to harvest the basil optimally, Ortomec offers two types<\/strong> of cutting systems<\/strong> depending on the destination reserved for the aromatic herb.
\nOn the one hand, the rotating blade on pulleys<\/strong> allows a clean and surgical cut<\/strong> of the plant. It is no coincidence that this cutting system is particularly suitable when the basil harvested is for the fresh market<\/strong>. This type of blade not only ensures a perfect cut, but also avoids injuries<\/strong> to the leaves of the plant which can cause oxidation<\/strong>.
\nOn the other hand, the double blade<\/strong> is a cutting system used mainly when the destinations of basil leaves are industry and the processing<\/strong> sector. The advantage of using this particular cutting method certainly consists in a higher product collection speed<\/strong>.
\nOnce this step has been completed, when the destination is for industrial processing, the basil plants can be unloaded directly onto crates<\/strong> or bins<\/strong>. Alternatively, when the basil is sent to the daily fresh market, its leaves can be placed inside special containers<\/strong>, specifically designed to facilitate<\/strong> the subsequent processing and packaging phase<\/strong>.
\nWith this in mind, it is important to emphasize that the time<\/strong> taken to harvest the basil varies<\/strong> depending on whether the first or second solution is adopted. Using bins, the harvester can in fact work at a maximum speed of 3-4 km \/ h<\/strong>, while with the use of crates the speed is reduced to 1-2 km \/ h<\/strong>, being a more delicate harvest.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The collection system proposed by Ortomec and used for basil plants is also ideal for the collection of other aromatic herbs<\/strong>: from mint to sage, passing through dill and coriander.
\nThe equipment of the machinery<\/strong> to harvest basil, like all the other harvesters made by Ortomec, makes versatility<\/strong> its greatest strength<\/strong>. In this way, the same machine can be used for different crops.
\nTo find out all the details relating to the Ortomec aromatic herb harvesters, do not hesitate to contact us<\/strong><\/a>. Our team will be happy to answer all your questions or curiosities!<\/p>\n