PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION (PGI) THYM DE PROVENCE
Increase the prestige of thyme naturally grown in Provence
At Les Aromates de Provence, we wants to increase the prestige of plants with 100% Provence origin. We worked hard for almost 10 years with our industry partners to achieve the recognition of the French PGI thyme from Provence and this involvement paid off since our thyme was recognized as PGI in February 2018. The European executive also praised the tradition of picking wild thyme, and the ancient processes of drying, sorting and making bouquets of thyme.
Our IGP Thyme is characterized by a more powerful and spicy taste than other thymes, which are said to be mild. It is rich in polyphenols, with powerful aromas characteristic of our scrubland. It is today cultivated in open fields, and is one of the emblems of aromatic plants from Provence.
A label to highlights the Provence origin of the product
PGI is the abbreviation for Protected Geographical Indication. It is an acronym recognised across Europe that links a product to a region and therefore protects its geographical attribution. To precisely determine the geographical area selected for the French PGI thyme, we relied on the study carried out by an ethnobotanist. The purpose of this work was to study the areas where different wild thyme chemotypes grow, then to draw a map of them.
A specific type of thyme, presenting a particular chemical signature unique to the south-east of France, was then extracted from this work. In fact, we distinguish several types within the species Thymus vulgaris by their chemical signature. This depends on the proportions of olfactory molecules included in the composition of their essential oils. The PGI area is so precisely defined that it extends down to individual villages.
Strict specifications for French PGI thyme
There are several requirements contained in the specification, the most important being that the thyme must be grown/picked and processed in the previously defined region. Its specific qualities are governed by rigorous production rules :
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PGI thyme only grows in the geographical area defined in the specifications : south-east of France, i.e. Provence. Thyme needs this terroir and climate that provide it the vital conditions for its development : mild winters, and hot, dry summers which stimulate its production of carvacrol essential oil.
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PGI thyme is harvested, dried, then sorted and prepared in Provence, in the optimal conditions that allows it to bring out all its fragrance.
All this specifications will be checked during the annual audit. This quality accreditation assures the consumers a certified origin and therefore flawless traceability from seed to plate.
Purchase PGI "thym de Provence"
To buy our French PGI thyme, head to our online shop :
