Characterization of several aromatic plants grown in northern Italy

The introduction of extensive cultivations of seven aromatic plants, Lavandula angustifolia P. Miller × L. latifolia (L. fill.) Medikus (lavandin), Satureja montana L. (winter savory), Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme), Salvia officinalis L. (sage), Mentha piperita L. (peppermint), Foeniculum vulgare Mill, (fennel) and Chamomilla recutita (L.) Raush (chamomile), was evaluated on the basis of their essential oil yield and composition. Quali‐quantitative analyses were performed by GC‐MS. Different climatic conditions showed considerable effects on oil composition of winter savory and thyme, whereas mineral fertilizations did not have important influences on sage and peppermint oils. The oils from three lavandin and fennel varieties and from seven chamomile types were characterized and their qualitative parameters compared.