Composition Of Olive Oil Research Articles

Optimization SNEDDS (Self-Nano Emulsifying Drug Delivery System) of ZnO that dispersed into Hydrogel Matrix as UV-Protective

World Health Organization in 2015, estimated the case of non-melanoma cancer increasing due to the depletion of the ozone layer. The case of skin cancer in Indonesia reaches 6-8%, so the skin needs effective protection. ZnO is a sunscreen with SPF [Sun Protecting Factor] value of 50 and sun exposure reduction to the skin, especially UV A [320-400 nm] and UV B [290-320 nm]. ZnO is difficult to dissolve in water and hard to dispersed in the hydrogel matrix, so that it is formulated a nanoemulsion preparation into SNEDDS. SNEDDS consists of olive oil, tween 80 [surfactant], and propylene glycol [cosurfactant]. Optimization of the SNEDDS ZnO with the D-Optimal method was using Design Expert Software producing 16 formulas that tested for physical stability response including transmittance values [%] and pH values. The formula that has the highest response value with the desirability value approaching one was the optimum formula, then analyzed done with PSA. The optimum SNEDDS ZnO was dispersed in the hydrogel matrix of carbopol, thentest included pH, viscosity, dispersion and SPF value. The optimization shows that the optimum composition of olive oil : tween 80 : propylene glycol of 1:9:1. The result of t-test of SNEDDS ZnO optimum formula were not significantly different (p-value> 0, 05) with Design Expert prediction. Optimum formula can load 2 mg ZnO with transmitance value is 92%, SPF value 26, PSA 150 nm, and polydispers size of droplets.

Revisiting 3D van Krevelen diagrams as a tool for the visualization of volatile profile of varietal olive oils from Alentejo region, Portugal

This paper aims to study the volatile composition of monovarietal extra-virgin olive oils from different varieties from Alentejo region (Portugal). Volatile profile of 82 olive oils was performed by head-space solid phase micro-extraction hyphenated with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS). A total of 107 volatile compounds, belonging to several class of compounds, like aldehydes, hydrocarbons, alcohols, terpenoids, ketones, sulphurous compounds, acids and esters were identified, assigned to a specific biogenic origin and total abundances were plotted in modified 3D van Krevelen diagrams. The 3D plots showed that there are compositional differences among olive oil varieties. Discriminant analysis confirmed that the pattern of volatile compounds includes enough information to group sample variety amongst discrete monovarietal olive oil. Combining statistical analysis (t-Student) and graphical-tools (van Krevelen diagram) seems to be a powerful tool to determine what molecular families were characteristic of each olive oil variety, contributing to the valorization of monovarietal Portuguese olive oil.

Multivariate approach to assess the chemical composition of Italian virgin olive oils as a function of variety and harvest period

Fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and tocopherols of Coratina, Bosana, Semidana, and Tonda di Cagliari virgin olive oils, were measured over a 45-day harvest period. Phenolic composition was the primary factor distinguishing Bosana, Tonda di Cagliari, and Semidana, whereas fatty acids differentiated Coratina and the other cultivars. Harvest period principally influenced oleacein, oleocanthal, oleuropein and ligstroside aglycones, and flavonoids. High phenolic content was observed for Coratina (1039–688 mg/kg) and Bosana (788–592 mg/kg). A drastic decrease in phenolic content was observed in Semidana (529–134 mg/kg) and Tonda di Cagliari (507–142 mg/kg) during the harvest period. These two cultivars also had low MUFA/PUFA (6.0–4.0 and 4.9–3.2 respectively), suggesting that these varieties should be harvested earlier in the season. These results provide information to producers for improved management of the harvesting process, which is strongly affected by varietal factors.

Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil Regarding Cultivar, Harvest Year and Crop Stage.

The health benefits of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are related to its chemical composition and the presence of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidant compounds (pigments, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and phenolic compounds) and antioxidant properties of EVOO from the same region comparing different cultivars (Hojiblanca and Arbequina), harvest year and crop stage. Antioxidant properties of oils were studied before and after a gastrointestinal digestion process, by in vitro assays (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) and antioxidant markers in Caco-2 cells (reactive oxygen species production). The content of bioactive compounds measured was significantly affected by cultivar and harvest year (except for carotenoids) and by the crop stage (except for coenzyme Q10). Higher amounts of coenzyme Q10 were observed in Hojiblanca than in Arbequina EVOO. Total phenol content and antioxidant properties were also different depending on cultivar and harvest year and the in vitro digestion process strongly improved antioxidant marker values. Antioxidant potential in bioaccessible fractions was mainly related to the content of coenzyme Q10 and phenolic compounds in EVOO. Chemometric analysis showed that the oils were clearly classified by cultivars, harvest and crop stage, according to the chemical composition and antioxidant activity analyzed in the present study.

Assessment of Tunisian virgin olive oils via synchronized analysis of sterols, phenolic acids, and fatty acids in combination with multivariate chemometrics

Olive oil composition and connection between effective physicochemical factors characterizing accessions from different Tunisian farming sites viz. Chemlali Sfax, Chemalali Medenine, and Zalmati Medenine, located in the centre and the south of Tunisia, was probed in this study. The relationship between olive oil composition and physicochemical characteristics from different Tunisian cultivars, namely, Chemlali Sfax, Chemlali Medenine, and Zalmati Medenine, located in the centre and the south of Tunisia, was investigated using multivariate statistical analysis. Multiple linear regressions (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) methodologies were employed to expose hidden relationships between oxidative stability and olive oil components such as fatty acids, phenolic acids, and sterol contents. Obtained results showed not only that the selected components are dependent on geographical location and varietal origin of olive oils, but also that fatty acids (C16:1, C17:1, C18:0, C18:1, and C18:2), specific phenols (p-hydroxyphenylacetic, o-coumaric, and gallic acids), and sterols (campestanol, stigmasterol, and sitostanol) are directly implied in the oxidative stability variation. However, ANN analysis allowed to obtain more accurate models with higher robustness (R2> 98%). The combined analytical approaches, MLR and ANNs, could be considered as an adequate experimental model to restrain the influence of olive oil components in characterization of olive oil quality. Here, we have addressed the aim of using different analytical instruments in this field and the application of chemometrics for sterols, phenolic acids, and fatty acid analysis.

Hydroxytyrosol, Tyrosol and Derivatives and Their Potential Effects on Human Health.

The Mediterranean diet and olive oil as its quintessential part are almost synonymous with a healthy way of eating and living nowadays. This kind of diet has been highly appreciated and is widely recognized for being associated with many favorable effects, such as reduced incidence of different chronic diseases and prolonged longevity. Although olive oil polyphenols present a minor fraction in the composition of olive oil, they seem to be of great importance when it comes to the health benefits, and interest in their biological and potential therapeutic effects is huge. There is a growing body of in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as intervention-based clinical trials, revealing new aspects of already known and many new, previously unknown activities and health effects of these compounds. This review summarizes recent findings regarding biological activities, metabolism and bioavailability of the major olive oil phenolic compounds—hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleuropein, oleocanthal and oleacein—the most important being their antiatherogenic, cardioprotective, anticancer, neuroprotective and endocrine effects. The evidence presented in the review concludes that these phenolic compounds have great pharmacological potential, however, further studies are still required.

Virgin olive oil (unfiltered) extract contains peptides and possesses ACE inhibitory and antihypertensive activity

The peptide and protein composition of olive oil is mostly unknown and the few studies available have not focused on the study of its low molecular weight peptides. We hypothesised that olive oil could naturally contain low molecular weight peptides with antihypertensive effect. We produced virgin olive oil (unfiltered, var. Picual) and obtained a water-soluble peptide extract. We fractionated the peptide extract by FPLC and studied its angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. We studied the antihypertensive effect of olive oil peptides on the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) using an animal model of hypertension (spontaneously hypertensive rats, SHR). The animals were randomly distributed into 3 study groups (n=8 per group) and received an oral dose of olive oil peptides (0.425mg/kg of BW), or a dose of Captopril (50mg/kg of BW) or water. SBP and DBP were registered in the rats before administration and a at 2, 4, 6, 8, 24 and 48h post-administration of the corresponding dose. The peptide extract and FPLC purified fractions possessed angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. Acute oral administration of olive oil water-soluble extract produced an average blood pressure reduction of 10mmHgat 4h(P<0.01) and reached a maximum antihypertensive effect of 20mmHgat 6h, compared with baseline. Unfiltered virgin olive oil contains peptides and a water-soluble extract obtained from this oil possesses ACE inhibitory activity and invivo antihypertensive effect.

Mass Spectroscopic Evaluation of Virgin Olive Oils (VOOs) Fatty Acid Profile in terms of Cultivar, Geographical Origin, Extraction and Packaging Type

Ensuring the olive oil quality and authenticity has become a great importance for both traditional and emerging olive oil producing countries. The chemical composition in olive oil heavily varies depending on the olive cultivar and its growing region, the agronomic applications, the olive oil production methods and the process and storage conditions. With the help of some analytical techniques and data evaluation methods, it is possible to grade olive oils in terms of their differences. This research examines particularly fatty acid composition of commercial olive oils (2017/2018 season) with mass detector coupled with gas chromatography (GC/MS). Results were evaluated for grading of them according to IOC regulations based on cultivar (ripe or unripe Ayvalik and Memecik), production (organic, stone mill, cold press, two or more centrifugation systems, filtered or unfiltered) and packing type (transparent or dark glass bottle and plastic bottle), and also their geographic origin (Ayvalik and Edremit towns, the Cunda Island, North Aegean region or South Aegean Region). According to overall data processing, virgin olive samples could be successfully distinguished in terms of theirs geographic origin and cultivar roots. Moreover, it was also explained that the effect of process and package type for grading of olive oils as ‘extra virgin‘ or ‘virgin‘.

EFFECTS OF FİLTRATİON PROCESS AND STORAGE TİME ON THE CHEMİCAL CHANGES AND SENSORY PROPERTİES OF OLİVE OİL EXTRACTED FROM TURKİSH USLU CULTİVAR

Upper Mesopotamia is a part of Turkish territory is the homeland of the olive tree with a wide range genetic resource. This is the first report on chemical composition and oxidative stability of olive oil extracted from Uslu cultivar grown locally in a small amount. In this research, a Turkish olive cultivar named as “Uslu” locally grown in Akhisar was used for production of monocultivar extra virgin olive oil by using Mobile Olive Oil Processing Unit”. Olive oil samples were bottled before and after filtration and stored up to 24 months. Some chemical properties such as free fatty acid content, peroxide value, moisture content, UV absorbance value, minor and major components (fatty acid composition, tocopherols, total phenol compounds and phenolic composition), were determined during storage for 24 months. Chemical parameters such as free fatty acid, peroxide value except UV absorption values of both filtered and unfiltered “Uslu” olive oil samples were in agreement with the trade standards of International Olive Council (IOC). Color values of EVOO changed from green to yellow while UV absorbance values altered during storage. Very low free fatty acidy (0.2%) values which are unusual for commercial olive oils in Turkey were obtained for filtered and unfiltered samples. A slight increase was seen for unfiltered sample at the end of storage. Filtration had no detectable effect on fatty acid profile. Filtered sample had higher total phenols (407.64±4.051 ppm) and α-tocopherol (237 and 123.31 ppm) contents than unfiltered ones and their contents decreased approximately 50% at the end of storage. Luteolin was the most abundant phenolic compound and its concentration decreased from 268.65±5.428 to 93.57±0.541ppm during storage. It seemed effect of filtration was more obvious on total phenolic contents. This study was good practice for producing premium extra virgin olive oil by using Mobile Olive Oil Processing Unit. The results obtained in this study showed that Uslu olive oils has a unique chemical composition and a good oxidative stability with high tocopherols and phenolics contents that are uncommon in most of the commercial olive oils.

Ultrasound Technology Parameters: Effects on Phenolics in Olive Paste and Oil in Relation to Enzymatic Activity

In this paper, the occurrence of secoiridoid aglycones via degradation of phenolic glucosides which have strong effects on commercial, nutritional, and sensory properties of olive oil is studied. The experiment consists in the sonication treatment of Chemlali and Memecik cvs. olive paste three times for 4, 8, and 10 min. This kind of approach has never been used in determining the partition and degradation of phenolics during extraction. Concerning phenolic content present in Chemlali olive oil extracted from whole olives, no significant differences are found after 10 min of treatment using ultrasound apparatus, whereas a rise of more than 60% is detected if olive paste without stones is used. On the other hand, the total phenolic content of Memecik cv. increases positively with the increasing time of treatment. Throughout this report, it is noted that enzymatic activities are affected by ultrasound treatment.Practical Applications: The results of this study will be useful in modification of present processes or development of new processes with the aim of protecting and improving the phenolic composition of olive oil. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this kind of systematic approach has never been used in determining the partition and degradation of phenolics during extraction. It is believed that describing the effects of high‐power ultrasound applications on olive paste before malaxation will exhibit possible benefits for the future of olive processing technology. The optimization of olive oil extraction parameters with proper adjustments in such a way that the quality of the product is highly increased is an important issue.The effect of ultrasound technology parameters is investigated from the point of phenolic compounds by searching their relation to enzymes in Chemlali and Memecik cvs. olive paste. In addition, the effects of stone removal during extraction are also studied in terms of enzymes in Chemlali and Memecik cvs. olive paste and phenols in olive oil.

The Polyphenolic Composition of Extracts Derived from Different Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oils Is Correlated with Their Antioxidant Potency.

Olive oil possesses a predominant role in the diet of countries around the Mediterranean basin, whereas it is a known constituent of several sectors of human culture. The polyphenolic composition of olive oil seems to be a key factor in its beneficial biological properties. Based on the above, the aim of this study was to correlate the polyphenolic composition of five extracts derived from a Greek olive oil variety with their antioxidant potency and antimutagenic activities in vitro with chemical-based techniques and cell culture-based assays. According to the results obtained, the polyphenol samples with higher concentration of hydroxytyrosol (HT) were more potent in antioxidant and antimutagenic activity in vitro, as indicated by their ability to scavenge ABTS·+ radical and to protect the strand of plasmid DNA from free radical-induced breaking compared to the corresponding samples with higher levels of tyrosol (T) and its derivatives. However, this observation was not evident in the cell culture model (i.e., the HeLa cervical cancer cell line) to which the tested extracts were administered. Specifically, the T-rich extracts more effectively increased endogenous GSH levels measured by flow cytometry than did the HT-rich compounds. Also, olive oil compounds contributed variously to the expression of genes implicated in the cell antioxidant machinery, as indicated by quantitative PCR. Therefore, the relationship between structure and function in redox regulation is complex and merits the combination of tests. Given that factors like the production and storage regimen of the plants are major determinants of the composition of the generated extracts, we propose that specific conditions should be adopted in order to achieve their maximum biological activity. These results followed by others in the same direction could provide a solid basis for the production of functional foods enriched in olive oil extracts with potential antioxidant action in vivo.

Effect of Light Exposure on the Quality and Phenol Content of Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil during 12‐Month Storage

AbstractStorage conditions influence the maximum time for which the composition and sensory characteristics of olive oils can be guaranteed. The purpose of this research was to study the quality and phenol content of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) after storage for 1 year in different types of containers under darkness or light. Three Spanish cultivars with quantitatively different phenol contents were selected for the study. Storage under light conditions impaired the physicochemical and sensorial properties of the three cultivars, and reduced total phenolics, but there was an increase in hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol concentrations. It also markedly decreased their total phenolic content, especially when kept in polyethylene containers exposed to light, with reductions ranging from 4.28% for vanillic acid in Picual oils stored in dark glass containers under dark conditions to 97.82% for ferulic acid in Arbequina oils stored in polyethylene containers under light conditions. There was a reduced concentration of flavonoid and lignan concentrations after 1 year of storage, with the greatest decrease (98.01% of initial content) being observed for in the flavonoid apigenin. These results indicate that EVOO should be stored in dark glass containers under dark conditions for the optimal preservation of its quality and phenol content.

Effects of filtration and storage on chemical composition and sensory properties of olive oil extracted from Beylik cultivar

In this study, a mobile olive oil processing unit was designed and used for cold press extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) production at optimum conditions. A local olive variety ‘Beylik’, from the Antal...

The Effects of Variety, Growing Region, and Drought Stress on Fatty Acid and Sterol Compositions of California Olive Oil

AbstractA total of 297 single‐varietal olive oil samples collected from four California regions (Central Valley, Wine Country, South Coast, and Desert) were analyzed on the fatty acid (FA) and sterol compositions between 2010 and 2017. Significantly higher amounts of palmitic acid (PAM), palmitoleic acid, and total sterols were detected in varieties including Arbequina, Arbosana, Picual, Leccino, and Koroneiki from the Desert region. Two super‐high density varieties Arbequina and Koroneiki from the Desert region had a significantly higher campesterol content (5.3 ± 0.2 and 4.7 ± 0.1%, respectively) compared to the same varieties from the Wine Country and the South Coast, not meeting the limit of the existing California olive oil standards [Correction added on 8 March 2019 after first online publication: the preceding sentence has been updated to reflect the correct campesterol content.]. The impact of severe droughts in California during late 2011 and 2014 on the major FA and sterol compositions of California olive oil was also analyzed. Multivariate chemometrical tools, one‐way ANOVA and principle component analysis (PCA), confirmed the significant differences between samples from the Desert region and other growing regions among several varieties and achieved desirable segregation on the PCA biplots for variety‐region classification. This study demonstrates a feasible approach of olive oil composition database establishment for new olive‐growing regions; the proposed chemometrical method can be used to characterize unknown variety of olive oils produced from different regions in California; and the collected FA and sterols data provide information for revision recommendations to the current olive oil standards.

Effect of the Planting Location (Elevation) on the Composition of Fatty Acids in Olive Oil

In Jordan there are different environments and altitudes that have an effect on olive oil properties and fatty acid composition, which therefore affect its quality. Taking into account that there are no previous similar studies in this field, this study investigates the ratios and composition of the main fatty acids in mixed olive oil from different areas in Jordan (above and below the sea level); namely the Jordan Valley, Subaihi, Kufranja and Madaba areas where the elevation ranges between (-230 m) below sea level and (+785 m) above sea level. The study measures the impact of the location of olive orchards on the fatty acid composition of olive oil and of its quality. Three olive oil samples were collected from the &amp;ldquo;Nabali Muhasan&amp;rdquo; and &amp;ldquo;Baladi&amp;rdquo; varieties from each area. They were analyzed in the National Agriculture Research Center (NARC) laboratories using GAS Chromatography. The results showed that the ratios of fatty acids are significantly affected by the degree of above elevation of the olive trees sea level. This confirms the impact of the geographical and climatic environment, which is reflected on the olive oil quality due to differences in the ratios of fatty acids in the four planting areas. This shows that the mean concentration of the fatty acids in the olive oil in these four planting areas is not equal. In general, there is a significant difference in the fatty acid concentrations compared to the standard concentration because of the planting location of olive trees, given that olive oil fatty acids in each location work together in a balanced integrative relationship.

Removal of pomace residues is critical in quantification of element concentrations in extra virgin olive oil

Analysis of elements in Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is challenging due to the complex oil matrix as well as very low element concentrations in oil. We postulate that inadequate sample preparation (in particular, the presence of pomace residue in oil) may significantly contribute to variations in EVOO element concentrations. In order to confirm this hypothesis, EVOO and pomace samples were analysed for content of 29 elements by ultrasonic acid extraction and ICP-MS detection. Comparative analyses of non-centrifuged and centrifuged EVOO samples confirmed significant influence of pomace residues on element concentrations. Ranges of macronutrients (25–286 ng g−1), micronutrients (0.3–1.1 ng g−1) and trace elements (0.001–0.2 ng g−1) in centrifuged EVOO samples were up to 1000 times lower than in non-centrifuged oils. We have shown that pomace residue, even when present in very small quantity (1 g of pomace in 1 kg of oil), significantly altered concentrations and relative proportions of many elements in EVOO. Therefore, adequate sample pre-treatment (removal of pomace residue via centrifugation) is essential for determining real multi-element composition of olive oil. This is critical in application of EVOO multi-element composition in traceability studies and determination of geographic origin of olive oil.

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

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.

Effect of Different Clarification Methods on Volatile Aroma Compound Composition of Virgin Olive Oil.

SUMMARYThis study investigates the effect of industrial scale filtration of fresh monovarietal virgin olive oil from Buža and Istarska bjelica cultivars on their volatiles, total phenols and sensory characteristics, and compares the oil samples clarified by filtration with those clarified by natural sedimentation/decantation after six months of storage. Filtration had a different effect on volatiles from the oil samples obtained from different cultivars. In the oil from Buža cultivar immediately after filtration only the amount of (Z)-2-pentenol slightly increased, but in Istarska bjelica the oil filtration affected eight compounds (the amount of hexanal, (E)-2-pentenal, (Z)-3-hexenal, (Z)-2-pentenol and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol increased, while of hexyl acetate, (E)-2-penten-1-ol and (E)-2-hexen-1-ol decreased). In fresh filtered oil from Buža cultivar a slight decrease of total phenols was observed, while in those from Istarska bjelica the decrease was sharp, causing a decrease in the pungency and bitterness. Sedimentation/decantation had advantages over oil filtration of both cultivars, due to improved effect on the preservation of the sensory profile and the level of total phenols. Tentative aroma profiles based on odorant series obtained from the odour activity values were compared to the actual olive oil sensory profiles. These results could have a high level of applications in the olive oil industry for the optimization of the technology for obtaining monovarietal virgin olive oil with preserved specific and typical sensory characteristics, but also may serve experts to choose an appropriate virgin olive oil clarification method prior to analysis of volatile compounds.

Food Genomics for the Characterization of PDO and PGI Virgin Olive Oils

Prized virgin olive oils are protected by the certification brands PDO (protected designation of origin) and PGI (protected geographical indication) introduced by European Union in 1992. These brands rely on a known geographical origin, olive varieties, and production methods. Because branded oils are relatively expensive for the consumer, they have been targeted by fraudulent practices, such as addition/substitution with low quality oils, or non‐conformity with the discipline of production. Food genomics is a discipline that, before the analysis of residual DNA in food, allows for the identification of species or varieties of raw materials in order to establish if a product complies or not with the label. After invention of product category rules (PCR) that allow for the amplification of a few and degraded DNA molecules, food genomics has been applied in the traceability of different foods. Olive oil represents a real challenge, due to its characteristics, including the difficulty of extracting DNA in sufficient amount and of quality for PCR. Several studies have reported methods of DNA extraction from virgin olive oil that have led to satisfactory analysis with PCR. This review is a perspective study in this direction.Practical Applications: Virgin olive oil production is an important sector of Mediterranean countries and methods for controlling their origin and quality are of great interest to producers and consumers. Food genomics may be an alternative or complementary platform to the traditional analytical methods based on the determination of chemical composition.In this review, the molecular tools to trace the varietal composition of virgin olive oil and to detect the adulterant oils from other botanical species are summarized.

Chemical and Sensorial Characteristics of Olive Oil Produced from the Lebanese Olive Variety ‘Baladi’

The olive oil quality, nutritional and sensorial characteristics are associated with the chemical composition, which is the result of a complex interaction between several environmental, agronomical and technological factors. The aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of the geographical origin, harvesting time and processing system on the chemical composition and sensorial characteristics of olive oils produced from the Lebanese olive ‘Baladi’. Samples (n = 108) were collected from North and South Lebanon, at three different harvesting times and from four processing systems. Results showed a strong effect of origin, processing system and harvest time on oil quality, fatty acid composition, total phenols and OSI. The early harvest showed higher total phenols content (220.02 mg GAE/Kg) and higher OSI (9.19 h). Moreover, samples obtained from sinolea and 3-phases recorded the lowest free acidity (0.36% and 0.64%), and the highest OSI (9.87 and 9.84 h). Consumers were not unanimous regarding the studied factors, although samples recording high ranks were mostly from South using sinolea, 3-phases and press systems at early and intermediate harvest. The overall findings suggest that the selection of the harvesting time and of the processing system could have significant influence on the characteristics of the olive oil.