Quality and chemical profiles of virgin olive oils of three European cultivars suitable for super-high-density planting conditions in eastern Morocco

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the quality and chemical composition of virgin olive oils of Greek (Koroneiki) and Spanish (Arbequina and Arbosana) varieties grown in north-eastern Morocco under irrigated super-high-density planting system, via the study of their minor compounds, fatty acid and triacylglycerol compositions, and oxidative stability. The majority of the evaluated parameters are influenced by varietal and environmental factors. The studied varieties produced good quality oils with a chemical composition that meets the requirements of the International Olive Council. Koroneiki oil has the highest levels of total phenols (530 mg kg-1) and C18:1 (76.70%) as well as the better stability to oxidation (98.64h). Arbosana oil is distinguished by the abundance of tocopherols (449.27 mg kg-1) and an intermediate oxidative stability (74.49 h). The highest phytosterol content was recorded in Arbequina oil (1971 mg kg-1). Eleven phenolic compounds were identified and quantified. Decarboxymethylated forms of oleuropein aglycone and ligstroside aglycone were the main components in all the analyzed oils (95-165 mg kg-1 and 115-181 mg kg-1, respectively).The results of principal component analysis show a clear discrimination between the studied varieties according to antioxidant parameters, triacylglycerol and phytosterol data.