An untargeted strategy based on UHPLC-QTOF-HRMS metabolomics to identify markers revealing the terroir and processing effect on thyme phenolic profiling

•Origin and processing of thyme were traced by untargeted metabolomics.•Different phenolic profiles were evidenced as a result of the “terroir” effect.•Post-harvest sterilization led to distinctive phenolic profiling signatures.•PLS-DA and OPLS-DA multivariate statistics successfully discriminated samples.•Flavonoids and alkylphenols were prevalent among discriminant compounds.