Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Premium quality thyme from India's Himalayan regions and Nilgiris - sourced by trusted indian spice traders and bulk spice suppliers worldwide. Rich in essential oils (1.5-2.5%) from reliable spice merchant with high thymol content (10-64%) for bulk spices and exported to Europe, North America with organic certifications.

Premium Thyme Export from India's High-Altitude Growing Regions - Trusted Indian Spice Trader & Bulk Supplier

As a trusted indian spice trader and bulk spice supplier, we source thyme from India's temperate Western Himalayas and Nilgiri hills, where cool climate produces exceptional essential oil content (1.5-2.5%). Our merchant export model connects international spice manufacturers and spice wholesalers with carefully selected thyme that undergoes traditional drying and modern processing. These bulk spice offerings meet international food safety standards, making us the preferred spice exporter for European and North American markets.

International spice traders and bulk spice suppliers choose our thyme for consistent quality and professional export services. Whether you're a spice manufacturer seeking bulk indian spices with high thymol content or a spice wholesaler requiring pharmaceutical-grade varieties, our merchant export capabilities ensure reliable supply chains. From 500kg bulk orders to container loads of 18+ metric tons, we serve global spice suppliers through our network of certified hill farmers.

Basic Information
Common Name:Thyme, Garden Thyme
Botanical Name:Thymus vulgaris
Family:Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Origin:Western Himalayas, Nilgiris, India
Harvest Season:June to September
Part Used:Dried leaves and flowering tops
Shelf Life:24 months from processing
Multi-Language Names
Hindi:बानजवैन (Banajwain)
Malayalam:തൊട്ടത്തുളസി (Thottathulasi)
Punjabi:मरिझा (Marizha), मासो (Masho)
French:Thym Commun
German:Echter Thymian
Spanish:Tomillo
Arabic:زعتر (Za'atar)

Why Choose Our Thyme - Trusted Indian Spice Trader & Bulk Supplier

As a leading indian spice trader and bulk spice supplier, we offer comprehensive solutions for international spice manufacturers, spice wholesalers, and bulk spice importers. Our merchant export model ensures competitive pricing, consistent quality, and reliable supply chains for thyme sourcing from India's premier high-altitude growing regions.

Trusted Spice Merchant

Established relationships with certified farmers and processors across Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Nilgiris, ensuring authentic bulk indian spices at competitive wholesale rates. Our spice trader network provides direct access to premium common thyme and lemon thyme varieties.

Bulk Spice Specialists

Custom packaging and bulk quantities from 500kg to container loads, serving international spice suppliers and bulk spice importers worldwide. Professional spice exporter services with complete documentation and quality assurance for global markets.

Quality Assured Export

FSSAI, ISO 22000, and organic certifications ensure our thyme meets international standards. Spice manufacturers and indian spice suppliers trust our quality control processes for consistent thymol content and essential oil concentration.

Global Bulk Distribution

Efficient logistics network serving spice wholesalers across Europe, North America, and Middle Eastern markets with competitive freight rates. Our bulk spice supplier capabilities include FOB/CIF pricing and container load optimization for maximum cost efficiency.

Available Varieties & Types

Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Most widely cultivated variety with high essential oil content and traditional flavor profile. Best for culinary and medicinal applications.

High Oil Content Export Grade Culinary
  • Essential Oil: 1.5-2.5%
  • Thymol: 20-54%
  • Color: Gray-green leaves
  • Best For: Food industry, pharmaceuticals
Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus)

Aromatic variety with citrus undertones, popular in European cuisine and specialty applications.

Citrus Aroma Premium Gourmet
  • Essential Oil: 1.0-2.0%
  • Citral Content: High
  • Color: Golden variegated leaves
  • Best For: Gourmet cooking, aromatherapy
Wild Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Hardy mountain variety with intense flavor and medicinal properties, suitable for traditional medicine.

Wild Harvested Medicinal Mountain
  • Essential Oil: 0.5-1.5%
  • Carvacrol: High concentration
  • Color: Dark green
  • Best For: Traditional medicine, extracts
Himalayan Thyme (Thymus linearis)

Indigenous Indian variety adapted to subtropical conditions with excellent therapeutic properties.

Indigenous High Thymol Therapeutic
  • Essential Oil: 1.9-2.3%
  • Thymol: 52-67%
  • Color: Grayish-green
  • Best For: Pharmaceutical industry, Ayurveda

Form/Processing/Grade Options

Physical Forms

  • Whole Dried Leaves: Natural air-dried leaves
  • Rubbed Thyme: Crushed leaves without stems
  • Ground Thyme: Fine powder, various mesh sizes
  • Cut & Sifted: Uniform cut size for commercial use

Processing Options

  • Air Dried: Traditional natural drying
  • Dehydrated: Controlled temperature drying
  • Steam Sterilized: Microbially safe processing
  • Irradiated: Extended shelf-life option

Complete Product Specifications

General Product Information
Parameter Specification Testing Method Remarks
Country of Origin India (Kashmir, Himachal, Nilgiris) Certificate of Origin High-altitude mountain regions
Harvest Period June to September Farmer Records Peak growing season
Processing Method Air-dried, Steam sterilized Process Documentation Traditional + modern methods
Storage Conditions Cool, dry place, <60% RH Storage Guidelines Away from direct sunlight
Shelf Life 24 months (whole), 18 months (ground) Stability Studies Proper storage conditions
GMO Status Non-GMO Declaration Naturally grown
Irradiation Available on request Process Declaration For extended shelf life
Physical Parameters by Grade
Parameter Premium Grade Export Grade Commercial Grade Testing Method
Leaf Size 2-8mm length 2-6mm length 2-5mm length Sieve analysis
Color Gray-green to green Green to brown-green Brown-green Visual inspection
Moisture Content 8-10% 10-12% 12-14% Oven drying method
Foreign Matter 0.5% max 1% max 2% max Manual sorting
Stems Content 2% max 5% max 8% max Visual grading
Damaged Leaves 2% max 5% max 8% max Visual inspection
Bulk Density 280-320 kg/m³ 260-300 kg/m³ 240-280 kg/m³ Volume displacement
Chemical & Microbiological Parameters
Parameter Specification Testing Method Standard Reference
Essential Oil Content 1.5-2.5% Steam Distillation ISO 6571
Thymol Content 10-64% (in essential oil) GC-MS Analysis USP/BP Standard
Carvacrol Content 2-15% (in essential oil) GC-MS Analysis USP/BP Standard
p-Cymene 8-26% (in essential oil) GC-MS Analysis ISO 11024
γ-Terpinene 2-12% (in essential oil) GC-MS Analysis ISO 11024
Total Ash 12% max AOAC 942.05 ASTA Method 3.0
Acid Insoluble Ash 3% max AOAC 941.12 ASTA Method 3.0
Heavy Metals (Lead) <10 ppm ICP-MS EU Regulation
Heavy Metals (Cadmium) <1.0 ppm ICP-MS EU Regulation
Pesticide Residues Below MRL limits GC-MS/LC-MS EU/US/Japan MRL
Salmonella Absent in 25g ISO 6579 ISO Standard
E.coli <10 cfu/g Plate Count Method ISO 16649
Total Plate Count <10⁵ cfu/g Plate Count Method ISO 4833
Packaging & Container Loading Options
Package Type Weight Options Material MOQ Container Load
Multiwall Paper Bags 10kg, 25kg Food grade kraft paper with PE liner 500 kg 18-20 MT (20ft FCL)
Polypropylene Bags 10kg, 25kg Virgin PP woven bags with PE liner 500 kg 18-22 MT (20ft FCL)
Carton Boxes 5kg, 10kg Corrugated cartons with inner bags 500 kg 16-18 MT (20ft FCL)
Consumer Retail Packs 10g, 25g, 50g, 100g Stand-up pouches with zip lock 1000 pcs As per pack size
Private Label Containers 25g, 50g, 100g Glass jars/plastic containers 5000 pcs As per container size
Vacuum Packed 500g, 1kg, 5kg Multi-layer barrier films 100 kg Extended shelf life
Bulk FIBC Bags 200kg, 500kg Food grade FIBC with liner 2000 kg 16-18 MT (20ft FCL)
HS Code & Export Classification
Product Form HS Code Required Documentation Additional Notes
Dried Thyme (Whole Leaves) 1211.90.40 Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate Natural dried herb
Ground/Crushed Thyme 1211.90.40 Certificate of Origin, Quality Analysis Report Processed herb powder
Thyme Essential Oil 3301.29.30 Certificate of Origin, COA, MSDS Steam distilled oil
Thyme Extract/Oleoresin 1302.19.90 Certificate of Origin, COA, MSDS Solvent extracted
Thyme Tea/Infusion 2106.90.90 Certificate of Origin, Food Safety Certificate Ready-to-use tea
Organic Thyme 1211.90.40 Organic Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate Certified organic herb
Thyme Blends/Mixtures 0910.99.99 Certificate of Origin, Composition Declaration Mixed herb products
Standard Export Documents
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin (Chamber of Commerce)
  • Phytosanitary Certificate (Plant Quarantine)
  • Quality Analysis Report (Lab Tested)
  • FSSAI License Copy
  • Fumigation Certificate (if required)
Market-Specific Requirements
  • USA: FDA Prior Notice, FSVP compliance
  • EU: Novel Food regulation, RASFF notification
  • Germany: DIN standards, BfR compliance
  • Canada: CFIA compliance, labeling requirements
  • Australia: AQIS import permit, TGA standards
  • Japan: MOH notification, JAS standards

Products Available (Made from Thyme)

Various value-added products derived from premium thyme for different industrial, pharmaceutical, and culinary applications.

Dried Thyme Leaves

Whole or rubbed dried leaves for culinary applications and food processing industry.

Whole/Rubbed
Thyme Essential Oil

Steam distilled oil with high thymol content for pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

1.5-2.5% Yield
Thyme Extract

Concentrated extracts and oleoresins for nutraceutical and functional food applications.

Standardized
Thyme Powder

Fine ground powder in various mesh sizes for food industry and supplement manufacturing.

20-80 Mesh
Thyme Tea/Infusion

Ready-to-brew herbal tea for wellness and therapeutic applications.

Herbal Tea
Thymol Isolate

Purified thymol (95%+) for pharmaceutical and antimicrobial applications.

95% Thymol
Herb Blends

Custom spice blends including Mediterranean herbs and Za'atar mixtures.

Custom Blend
Organic Thyme Products

Certified organic thyme and derived products for health-conscious consumers.

Organic Certified

Usage & Applications

Mediterranean Cuisine

Essential ingredient in French, Italian, Spanish, and Greek cooking. Used in marinades, roasted vegetables, meat dishes, and traditional herb blends like Herbes de Provence.

Form: Dried leaves, ground powder | Usage: Soups, stews, sauces, meat seasoning
Middle Eastern & North African Cuisine

Key component in Za'atar spice blend, traditional meat dishes, and Middle Eastern seasoning mixtures exported globally.

Blend: Za'atar, Dukkah | Markets: Europe, North America, Middle East
Food Processing Industry

Commercial food manufacturing for ready meals, processed meats, sauce production, and seasoning blends for retail markets.

Form: Standardized powder, essential oil | Applications: Flavor enhancement, natural preservation
Bakery & Snack Foods

Artisanal breads, savory biscuits, crackers, and specialty snack foods for gourmet and organic food markets.

Form: Fine powder, dried leaves | Products: Herbed breads, gourmet crackers
Respiratory Health Supplements

Traditional medicine and modern nutraceuticals for bronchitis, coughs, and respiratory support due to antimicrobial and expectorant properties.

Active: Thymol, carvacrol | Forms: Capsules, tinctures, syrups
Antimicrobial Formulations

Natural antimicrobial products for digestive health, immune support, and infection prevention in pharmaceutical applications.

Standardized: Thymol extract | Benefits: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral
Digestive & Wellness Products

Herbal teas, digestive supplements, and Ayurvedic formulations for gastrointestinal health and overall wellness.

Properties: Carminative, antispasmodic | Products: Herbal teas, digestive aids
Aromatherapy & Mental Wellness

Essential oil applications for stress relief, mental clarity, and cognitive support in wellness and therapeutic products.

Applications: Diffuser blends, massage oils, wellness products
Natural Preservatives

Food preservation systems utilizing thymol's antimicrobial properties as natural alternative to synthetic preservatives.

Active: Thymol, carvacrol | Applications: Food packaging, shelf-life extension
Organic Agriculture

Natural pesticides and fungicides for organic farming, utilizing thyme's antimicrobial properties for crop protection.

Form: Essential oil, extract | Uses: Bio-pesticides, soil treatment
Animal Feed & Veterinary

Natural feed additives for livestock and poultry to improve gut health, growth performance, and disease resistance.

Benefits: Growth promoter, antimicrobial | Applications: Poultry feed, aquaculture
Research & Development

Scientific research for developing new antimicrobial compounds, natural preservatives, and therapeutic applications.

Research: Bioactive compounds, drug development, natural product research
Oral Care Products

Toothpaste, mouthwash, and oral hygiene products utilizing thymol's antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.

Active: Thymol | Products: Natural toothpaste, mouthwash, oral sprays
Skincare & Dermatology

Anti-acne treatments, antiseptic creams, and natural skincare products for problematic skin conditions.

Properties: Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory | Products: Acne treatments, antiseptic gels
Natural Perfumery

Herbal perfumes, natural fragrances, and aromatherapy products utilizing thyme's distinctive aromatic profile.

Form: Essential oil | Notes: Herbal, fresh, medicinal fragrance profile
Natural Cleaning Products

Eco-friendly household cleaners, disinfectants, and sanitizers utilizing thyme's natural antimicrobial properties.

Benefits: Natural disinfectant, eco-friendly | Products: Green cleaners, sanitizers

Frequently Asked Questions

Indian thyme from high-altitude regions like Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Nilgiris offers superior essential oil content (1.5-2.5%) and high thymol concentration (10-64%). The cool mountain climate and traditional cultivation methods produce thyme that meets European quality standards. Germany, being the largest importer of dried thyme in Europe, specifically seeks organic suppliers with consistent quality, which our mountain-grown thyme provides. Our processing facilities are certified for food safety standards required by European markets.
Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is the globally recognized variety with 1.5-2.5% essential oil content and 20-54% thymol. Himalayan Thyme (Thymus linearis) is an indigenous Indian variety that has adapted to subtropical conditions, offering higher thymol content (52-67%) and excellent therapeutic properties. While Common Thyme is preferred for culinary exports to Europe and North America, Himalayan Thyme is ideal for pharmaceutical and Ayurvedic applications. Both varieties meet international export standards but serve different market segments.
We maintain quality through: partnerships with certified hill farmers in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, standardized harvesting during peak season (June-September), controlled drying and processing facilities, comprehensive testing for essential oil content and thymol levels, adherence to international food safety standards (ISO 22000, HACCP), and pre-shipment quality analysis for every batch. Our quality management system ensures moisture content below 12%, foreign matter less than 1%, and essential oil content consistently above 1.5% for export grades.
Minimum orders: 500 kg for bulk dried thyme, 100 kg for retail packaging, 1000 pieces for private label products. Lead times: 10-15 days for ex-stock items, 21-35 days for custom processing/packaging. Harvest season (June-September) offers fresh stock with shorter lead times. We accommodate smaller quantities through consolidated shipping. Essential oil and extracts require 30-45 days lead time due to processing requirements. European markets prefer regular monthly shipments which we can accommodate through our inventory management system.
Yes, we supply certified organic thyme with NPOP (India), EU Organic, and USDA Organic certifications from verified hill farmers. All shipments include: quality analysis report with essential oil and thymol content, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, organic certification (where applicable), FSSAI license copy, and market-specific documentation. For European exports, we provide detailed compositional analysis required by RASFF. Organic thyme commands premium pricing (15-25% above conventional) and has strong demand in Germany, Netherlands, and France.
Properly stored dried thyme has 24 months shelf life from processing date. Optimal storage: temperature below 25°C, relative humidity below 60%, protection from direct sunlight, pest-free environment. Ground thyme has 18 months shelf life due to faster deterioration of volatile compounds. We recommend airtight containers and first-in-first-out inventory rotation. Our packaging includes moisture barrier materials for extended shelf life during international shipping. Essential oil content remains stable for 18 months under proper storage conditions.
Europe leads demand with Germany as the largest importer, followed by Spain, Belgium, UK, France, and Netherlands. The growing popularity of Mediterranean cuisine and Za'atar spice blends drives European demand. North America shows increasing demand for organic thyme in health food markets. Middle East markets value thyme for traditional cuisine and medicinal applications. Emerging markets include Italy, Sweden, Ireland for specialty food applications. Asian markets (Singapore, Japan) show potential for high-quality thyme essential oils and extracts.