Hydrolates, also referred to as hydrosols, floral or distillate waters, as well as aromatic waters, are produced in the same isolation process with essential oils by steam distillation. A small amount of essential oil constituents is dissolved in hydrolates providing specific organoleptic properties and flavor, as well as biological activity which makes them useful as raw material in many industries. Their popularity is still on the rise, especially in aromatherapy. The objective in this review is to analyze the chemical compositions of hydrolates and their corresponding essential oils, as well as biological activity of hydrolates (antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiinflamatory) and potential uses, not only in food industry for flavoring, and preservation of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, but also as functional (soft) drinks. However, hydrolates can be used in aromatherapy and cosmetics, as well as in organic agriculture and aquaculture.

Promoting crop diversification in European agriculture is a key pillar of the agroecological transition. Diversifying crops generally enhances crop productivity, quality, soil health and fertility, and resilience to pests and diseases and reduces environmental stresses. Moreover, crop diversification provides an alternative means of enhancing farmers’ income. Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) reemerged in the background of European agriculture approximately three decades ago, when the first studies on this ancient native oilseed species were published. Since then, a considerable number of studies on this species has been carried out in Europe. The main interest in camelina is related to its (1) broad environmental adaptability, (2) low-input requirements, (3) resistance to multiple pests and diseases, and (4) multiple uses in food, feed, and biobased applications. The present article is a comprehensive and critical review of research carried out in Europe (compared with the rest of the world) on camelina in the last three decades, including genetics and breeding, agronomy and cropping systems, and end-uses, with the aim of making camelina an attractive new candidate crop for European farming systems. Furthermore, a critical evaluation of what is still missing to scale camelina up from a promising oilseed to a commonly cultivated crop in Europe is also provided (1) to motivate scientists to promote their studies and (2) to show farmers and end-users the real potential of this interesting species.

In this study, biochemical profile of fruits of 9 Sorbus genotypes was analyzed. The content of total sugars ranged from 69.7 g/kg ('Titan') to 217.5 g/kg (Sorbus torminalis) and total organic acids from 17.7 g/kg ('Businka') to 40.2 g/kg (S. torminalis). The highest content of total anthocyanins had 'Burka' (871 mg/kg FW) and 'Businka' (856 mg/kg FW). Quercetin derivatives represented more than 95% of total flavonols. 'Alaja krupnaja' had 3.5- to 29-fold higher rutin content than other analyzed genotypes. S. torminalis fruits had the greatest diversity of isorhamnetin and kaempferol derivatives. Chlorogenic acid was the major hydroxycinnamic acid and its share was 33% to 73% of total analyzed hydoxycinnamic acid derivatives. The richest in chlorogenic acid were 'Krasavica' and 'Alaja krupnaja' fruits. Cultivar 'Businka' had the highest content of epicatechin (40.7 mg/kg) and neochlorogenic acid (1061 mg/kg). Different procyanidin oligomers were detected among flavanols in Sorbus fruits. The highest content of total flavanols was measured in 'Alaja Krupnaja' fruits. Cultivars 'Krasavica' (84.5 mg/kg) and 'Burka' (85.1 mg/kg) had 1.2- to 6.9-fold higher amount of total carotenoids. 'Businka' was highlighted as the richest in total tannin and phenolic contents (3768 mg GAE/kg) and consequently, it had the highest antioxidant activity (57.6 mM TE/kg FW). Being abundant in polyphenolics, some extracts of Sorbus genotypes, for example, 'Businka,' 'Burka,' and 'Alaja krupnaja' could serve as valuable resource of bioactive compounds to food and pharmaceutical industries.

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