Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India +91 6375273283 contact@vegtradehub.com
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Dried herb - Bulk export

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) - bulk supplier and exporter from India

VegTradeHub supplies export-quality dried thyme sourced from trusted farms in Rajasthan and the Himalayan regions of India. Carefully selected, professionally graded, hygienically handled and packed to export standards for spice blends, essential oil extraction, food processing and HORECA buyers worldwide.

Product overview

Thyme at a glance

Dried thyme leaves  - whole-leaf grade in bulk export packing

Identity

  • Common name Thyme, garden thyme, common thyme
  • Botanical name Thymus vulgaris (also Thymus serpyllum, Thymus citriodorus)
  • Category Dried culinary herb / spice
  • Plant part used Dried leaves and flowering tops
  • Available forms Whole dried leaves, rubbed/crushed, ground powder, essential oil

Origin & season

  • Primary growing regions Rajasthan (Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer), Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris)
  • Key varieties Common thyme, lemon thyme, wild thyme, local Rajasthan/Himalayan selections
  • Harvest season Year-round with peaks March-une and September-ovember (varies by region)
  • Growing conditions Well-drained soils, abundant sunshine, dry climate in Rajasthan; cool temperate in Himalayan regions
Why choose our thyme

Export-quality thyme from trusted Indian origins

Prime growing regions

Sourced from Rajasthan's arid zones and high-altitude Himalayan belts where climate and soil produce aromatic, oil-rich thyme.

Careful farm selection

We work with identified farmer groups and aggregators following GAP. Batches are traceable to farm zone and harvest date.

Optimal harvest timing

Leaves harvested at peak oil accumulation - typically just before full flowering - then shade-dried to preserve volatile oils.

Professional grading

Multi-stage cleaning and sorting removes stems, dust, and foreign matter. Export, Premium, and Standard grades offered.

Export-quality standards

Every lot tested for moisture, volatile oil, total ash, microbiology, and foreign matter. Certificate of Analysis per shipment.

Reliable supply chain

Direct mandi access in Jodhpur and Himalayan networks ensure consistent availability. Buffer stocks maintained for contract buyers.

Freshness preserved

Rapid turnaround from drying to packing. Vacuum and nitrogen-flush options available for maximum oil retention.

Excellent appearance

Green to greyish-green whole leaves with minimal stem content. Uniform particle size in rubbed and ground grades.

Consistent sizing

Sieved to buyer specifications - whole leaf, 2-4 mm rubbed, or fine powder (60-80 mesh).

Origin advantage

Why Rajasthan and the Himalayas for thyme

Rajasthan terroir

Rajasthan's arid climate - abundant sunshine, low humidity, well-drained soils - produces thyme with concentrated essential oils and low microbial load at harvest. Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Barmer are the primary aggregation zones.

  • 300+ sunny days annually support high essential oil synthesis
  • Dry climate reduces fungal and bacterial load on the crop
  • Established mandi infrastructure for consolidation and grading
  • Road and rail connectivity to Mundra, Pipavav and Nhava Sheva ports

Himalayan terroir

High-altitude belts in Lahaul-Spiti, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir and the Nilgiris offer cool temperate conditions that produce thyme with distinct aromatic profiles valued in essential oil markets.

  • Cool temperatures slow leaf maturation, enriching oil profile
  • Traditional cultivation knowledge across generations of farmers
  • Staggered harvest windows complement Rajasthan supply
  • Regional collection centres support efficient sourcing
Specifications

Standard export specifications for dried thyme

Specifications vary by grade, variety and buyer requirement. Final specifications confirmed per lot with Certificate of Analysis.

ParameterStandard export rangeNotes
GradeExport / Premium / StandardBuyer-spec grades available
VarietyThymus vulgaris, T. serpyllum, T. citriodorus, local selectionsSpecify variety at enquiry
FormWhole leaf, rubbed (2-4 mm), ground (60-80 mesh)Custom sizing on request
ColourGreen to greyish-greenUniform per lot; minimal stem
Moisture8% - 12% maxAs per buyer specification
Volatile oil0.5% - 2.5% v/wVaries by variety and origin
Thymol (of volatile oil)20% - 50%Variety dependent
Total ash8% - 12% maxAs per ISO / ASTA
Acid-insoluble ash1.5% - 2% maxAs per ISO / ASTA
Foreign matter1% - 2% maxStems, dust, foreign seeds
Stem content2% - 5% max (Export grade)Lower stem = higher leaf yield
SalmonellaAbsent / 25 gTested per lot on request
E. coliAbsent / gTested per lot on request
Total plate count< 105 CFU/g (typical)Steam sterilised lots lower
Yeast & mould< 103 CFU/g (typical)Per buyer spec
Pesticide residuesPer EU MRL / Codex / destination regulationTested on request
Shelf life12-24 months in proper storageVaries by moisture, packaging, storage
Quality features

What export buyers value in our thyme

  • Export-grade purity - Mechanically cleaned and sorted to international purity standards with minimal stem and foreign matter.
  • Uniform leaf size and colour - Graded for consistent particle size and green-grey colour within each lot.
  • Rich volatile oil profile - Typically 0.5-2.5% v/w with thymol 20-50% of oil fraction, delivering warm, herbaceous aroma.
  • Low moisture, good storability - Dried to 8-12% moisture for safe containerised transport and extended shelf life.
  • Clean appearance - Free from visible mould, insect damage, rodent contamination and foreign matter.
  • Food-safe handling - Processed in facilities following GMP/HACCP principles with food-grade equipment.
  • Batch traceability - Lot codes linked to farm zone, harvest date, drying batch and lab test report.
  • Multiple quality inspections - Pre-shipment checks include visual, sieve, moisture, volatile oil and optional third-party verification.
  • Suitable for long-distance transport - Packed in moisture-barrier bags inside ventilated containers.
  • High market acceptance - Indian thyme from Rajasthan and Himalayan regions is recognised across Middle East, EU, USA and Southeast Asia markets.
Packaging

Export packaging options for dried thyme

All packaging uses food-grade materials with moisture barriers. Custom branding and private labelling available.

Bulk pack formats

  • 10-25 kg PP bags with PE liner - standard for wholesale and processing
  • 25 kg kraft paper bags with barrier liner - preferred by some EU and Japanese buyers
  • Vacuum packs (5-20 kg) - multi-layer barrier film, nitrogen-flushed, for premium grades
  • Bulk totes / FIBC (250-500 kg) - for high-throughput processing plants

Retail-ready & custom

  • Master cartons with 10x1 kg or 20x500 g consumer packs
  • Custom artwork, barcode, batch code and multilingual labels
  • Net/gross weight, origin marking and certifications applied as specified
  • MOQ applies for custom print runs
Storage

Recommended storage conditions for dried thyme

  • Temperature: Cool, dry ambient (15-25degC ideal)
  • Relative humidity: Below 60% RH
  • Light: Protect from direct sunlight
  • Ventilation: Good air circulation; avoid damp walls and floors
  • Pest control: Clean, fumigated warehouse with regular monitoring
  • Stacking: Max 8-10 bags high on pallets with airflow gaps
  • Separation: Store away from strong-smelling commodities
  • Essential oil: Store in sealed, dark glass or aluminium containers at 5-15degC
  • Ground thyme: Loses aroma faster than whole leaf - use within 6-12 months
  • FIFO rotation: Essential for multi-lot warehouses
  • Reefer option: +5degC to +10degC for premium grades or summer shipments
Shelf life

Expected shelf life under proper storage

  • Whole dried leaves (proper storage): 18-24 months
  • Vacuum-packed whole leaves: 24-30 months
  • Rubbed/crushed thyme: 12-18 months
  • Ground thyme powder: 9-15 months (faster aroma loss)
  • Essential oil (sealed, cool, dark): 24-36 months
  • Actual shelf life varies by initial moisture, oil content, packaging and storage conditions
  • Periodic sensory and microbial checks recommended for stock held over 12 months
Applications

Key end-use segments for bulk thyme

Spice blends & seasonings

Core herb in herbes de Provence, za'atar, Italian seasoning, Cajun/Creole blends, poultry rubs, and stuffing mixes.

Food processing

Used in soups, sauces, marinades, ready meals, processed meats, bakery, snacks, cheese, and olive oil infusions.

Essential oil extraction

High-thymol varieties sourced for steam distillation producing thyme oil, thymol crystals, and oleoresins.

Pharmaceutical & nutraceutical

Source of thymol, carvacrol, and flavonoids for cough syrups, throat lozenges, digestive formulations, and supplements.

HORECA & foodservice

Bulk whole, rubbed, and ground thyme for restaurant chains, catering companies, central kitchens, and institutional cooking.

Export & re-export trade

Traders and distributors supplying Middle East, Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Australia markets.

Natural preservatives

Thymol-rich thyme extracts used as natural antimicrobials in food preservation, cosmetics, and personal care.

Animal feed & pet food

Thyme and thyme oil as phytogenic feed additives for poultry, swine and aquaculture - growth promotion and gut health.

Beverage & herbal tea

Ingredient in herbal tea blends, functional beverages and craft spirits for aromatic complexity.

Export information

Shipping and documentation for international buyers

Shipping modes & ports

  • Sea freight (FCL): 20' GP (10-12 MT), 40' GP/HC (20-24 MT)
  • Sea freight (LCL): Consolidated loads for smaller orders
  • Reefer containers: +5degC to +10degC available for premium grades
  • Air freight: For urgent samples, trial orders, high-value essential oil
  • Loading ports: Mundra, Pipavav, Nhava Sheva, Hazira (accessible from Jodhpur via rail/road)

Standard export documents

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin (Chamber of Commerce / DGFT)
  • Phytosanitary Certificate (PSC) - where required by importing country
  • Certificate of Analysis (CoA) - moisture, volatile oil, ash, microbiology
  • Fumigation Certificate (on request)
  • Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
  • GMP/HACCP compliance declaration (on request)

Incoterms & payment

We work on FOB (Indian port), CFR/CIF (destination port) and EXW (Jodhpur warehouse) terms. Payment via LC (sight/usance), TT advance or CAD as agreed. First orders typically 30% advance, 70% against copy of BL. Trade references and credit insurance accepted for established buyers.

Markets served

Where our thyme travels

We regularly supply dried thyme to buyers in the following regions. Destination-specific documentation and compliance handled per shipment.

Middle East & GCC

UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain - major market for spice blends, za'atar, and food processing.

Europe

Germany, France, UK, Netherlands, Spain, Italy - EU pesticide residue and microbiological compliance managed.

North America

USA, Canada - FDA prior notice, FSMA compliance, and organic-certified lots supplied where required.

South & Southeast Asia

Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh - growing processing and re-export hubs.

East Asia

Japan, South Korea, Taiwan - strict quality and residue standards met with pre-shipment testing.

Oceania

Australia, New Zealand - biosecurity compliance and documentation managed per shipment.

Africa

South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt - bulk and consumer-pack supply for regional spice markets.

Others

Latin America, Russia/CIS, Turkey - served on project basis with dedicated documentation support.

Why VegTradeHub

Your reliable thyme supply partner from Rajasthan

Direct farm & mandi access

We procure from farmer groups and licensed agents in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Himalayan centres - no unnecessary intermediaries.

Consistent export quality

Lot-by-lot grading, lab testing, and pre-shipment inspection ensure every container meets agreed specifications.

Flexible order quantities

From 500 kg trial orders (air/LCL) to 20+ MT FCL contracts. LCL consolidation available for smaller buyers.

Timely shipment execution

Dedicated logistics coordination ensures containers sail on the agreed vessel - documentation filed in advance.

Professional documentation

Complete, accurate export document sets prepared by experienced staff - minimising customs delays at destination.

Transparent pricing

Quotes based on current farm-gate/mandi rates, grade differentials, freight, and packing - no hidden charges.

Dedicated account support

Single point of contact from enquiry to post-delivery follow-up. WhatsApp, email, and phone availability during IST business hours.

Customised packing & labelling

Private label, buyer branding, multilingual labels, barcode/QR coding, and special pack sizes as required.

Long-term relationship focus

We prioritise repeat buyers with volume commitments - price stability, priority allocation, and joint crop planning.

FAQs

Common buyer questions about bulk thyme

What is the minimum order quantity for thyme?

Standard MOQ is 500 kg for air freight or LCL sea. FCL sea: 10-12 MT (20' container). Smaller trial quantities negotiable for serious buyers.

Can you supply specific thyme varieties like lemon thyme or wild thyme?

Yes - we source Thymus vulgaris, Thymus citriodorus (lemon), and Thymus serpyllum (wild) from their respective regions. Specify preference at enquiry.

Do you provide Phytosanitary Certificate and Certificate of Analysis for each shipment?

Yes - phytosanitary (where required) and CoA covering moisture, volatile oil, ash, microbiology, and residues (on request). Third-party lab certificates available at buyer cost.

What packaging do you recommend for sea freight to Europe and the Middle East?

Europe (humidity control): vacuum packs (5-20 kg) or 25 kg kraft bags with barrier liner. Middle East: 25 kg PP bags with PE liner or vacuum packs.

Can you supply organic-certified thyme?

Yes - NPOP/NOP/EU organic thyme from certified farmer groups on a project basis. Organic premiums apply; enquire with volume for current availability.

Do you offer mixed container loads with other herbs and spices?

Yes - we consolidate thyme with oregano, rosemary, marjoram, basil, sage, cumin, coriander, fennel and others in 20'/40' FCL with single-window documentation.

How do you ensure consistent quality across multiple shipments?

Approved farmer/supplier lists, pre-shipment sampling per lot, and a master sample approved by the buyer at contract start; lot-wise CoA and retention samples.

What is the typical lead time from order confirmation to shipment?

Available stock grades: 7-10 days. Custom grades or specific varieties: 15-25 days depending on crop cycle and processing schedule.

Can you provide samples before placing a bulk order?

Yes - 100-200 g representative samples free of charge; courier borne by buyer. For specific grade requirements, allow 3-5 days for sample preparation.

Quote request

Need dependable bulk thyme supply from India?

Share your quantity, destination, grade preference, variety, form (whole/rubbed/ground) and packing requirements. We revert with current availability, FOB/CIF pricing and shipment timeline.

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