Triacylglycerol Composition Profiling and Comparison of High‐Oleic and Normal Peanut Oils

Oilseed plants produce huge amounts of fatty acids (FA) stored as triacylglycerols (TAG) in seeds that give a great variation in their composition. The variety and content of TAG directly affect the nutrition and function of lipids. TAG composition of 12 high‐oleic and normal peanut oil samples were profiled by two‐dimensional liquid chromatography (2D LC) coupled with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (APCI‐MS). The statistical evaluation of the TAG profiles determined was conducted on the basis of multidimensional data matrix using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The technique enabled the differentiation of high‐oleic oils from normal peanut oils—as results illustrated TAG of high‐oleic peanut oil were clearly different from those of normal peanut oils. High‐oleic and normal peanut oils had different profiles mainly in the contents of OOO, OPO and POL. This finding provided theoretical foundation for detecting the adulteration of edible oils and analyzing the nutrition and function of high‐oleic peanut oils.     

Characterization of volatile compounds and triacylglycerol profiles of nut oils using SPME‐GC‐MS and MALDI‐TOF‐MS

Several nut oil varieties mainly used as culinary and overall healthy food ingredients were subject of the present study. Headspace solid‐phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry was employed in order to determine the qualitative composition of volatile compounds. Furthermore, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was used in order to assess the profiles and relative composition of the prevalent triacylglycerols (TAG) within the oils. The headspace of the majority of oil samples was dominated by high contents of acetic acid (up to 42%) and hexanal (up to 32%). As nut oils are typically gained by cold‐pressing from previously roasted nuts, characteristic pyrazine derivatives as well as degradation products of long‐chain fatty acids were detected. TAG analysis of these oils revealed a quite homogeneous composition dominated by components of the C₅₂ and C₅₄ group composed mainly of oleic (18:1), linoleic (18:2), stearic (18:0) and palmitic (16:0) acid residues representing together between 65 and 95% of the investigated nut oils. The TAG profiles showed characteristic patterns which can be used as ‘fingerprints’ of the genuine oils. Nut oils exhibiting quite similar fatty acid composition (e.g. hazelnut, pistachio and beech oil) could be clearly discriminated based on TAG showing significant differences between the oils.     

Analysis of volatile compounds and triacylglycerol composition of fatty seed oil gained from flax and false flax

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum, L.) and camelina (Camelina sativa, L.) are ancient crops containing seed oils with a high potential for nutritional, medicinal, pharmaceutical and technical applications. In the present study, linseed and camelina oils of plant varieties grown under Central European climate conditions were examined with respect to their volatile and triacylglycerol (TAG) components. Solid‐phase microextraction was applied to the study of volatile compounds of several linseed and camelina oils, which have not been described prior to this publication. Hexanol (6.5–20.3% related to the total level of volatiles), trans‐2‐butenal (1.3–5.0%) and acetic acid (3.6–3.8%) could be identified as the main volatile compounds in the linseed oil samples. Trans‐2‐butenal (9.8%) and acetic acid (9.3%), accompanied by trans,trans‐3,5‐octadiene‐2‐one (3.8%) and trans,trans‐2,4‐heptadienal (3.6%), dominated the headspace of the examined camelina oil samples. TAG were analysed by MALDI‐RTOF‐MS and ESI‐IT‐MS, providing information about the total TAG composition of the oils as well as the fatty acid composition of the individual components. More than 20 TAG could be identified directly from whole linseed oil samples, mainly composed of linolenic (18:3), linoleic (18:2) and oleic (18:1) acid, and to a lesser degree of stearic (18:0) and palmitic (16:0) acid. While in linseed these TAG comprise more than 60% of the oils, Camelina sativa exhibited a wider range of more than 50 constituents, with a considerable amount (>35%) of TAG containing gadoleic (20:1) and eicosadienoic (20:2) acid.     

Effect of FA composition on epoxidation kinetics of TAG

The rate constants of epoxidation were determined by reacting formic acid with a number of oils, pure TAG, and pure FAME. These results showed that FA composition had a significant effect on the value of the rate constant. In TAG, the double bonds of oleic acid and linoleic acid were equally reactive, and the double bonds of linolenic acid were approximately three times more reactive than oleic and linoleic acids. For FAME, the rate constants of epoxidation increased as the level of unsaturation increased. Furthermore, the rate constants of epoxidation for the FAME were higher than their respective TAG. We conclude that steric and electronic effects caused FA with different levels of unsaturation to have different reactivities. These results were used to derive a model that predicts the epoxidation kinetics of oils from their FA composition. The predictions of the model closely match the experimentally determined rate constants.     

Raman Spectroscopic Barcode Use for Differentiation of Vegetable Oils and Determination of Their Major Fatty Acid Composition

In this study, differentiation of vegetable oils and determination of their major fatty acid (FA) composition were performed using Raman spectral barcoding approach. Samples from seven different sources (sunflower, corn, olive, canola, mustard, soybean and palm) were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. Second derivative of the spectral data was utilized to generate unique barcodes of oils. Chemometric analyses, namely, principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square (PLS) methods were used for data analysis. PCA was applied for classification of the samples according to the differences in their levels arising from their barcode data. A successful differentiation based on second derivative barcodes of Raman spectra (2D‐BRS) of vegetable oils was obtained. In addition, PLS method was applied on 2D‐BRS in order to determine the major FA composition of these samples. Coefficient of determination values for palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, α‐linolenic, cis‐11 eicosenoic, erucic and nervonic acids were in the range of 0.970–0.989. Limit of detection and limit of quantification values were found to be satisfactory (0.09–8.09 and 0.30–26.95 % in oil) for these fatty acids . Advantages of both chemometric analysis and spectral barcoding approach have been utilized in the present study. Taking the second derivative of the Raman spectra has minimized background variability and sensitivity to intensity fluctuations. Spectral conversion to the barcodes has further increased the quality of information obtained from Raman spectra and also made it possible to improve the visualization of the data. Converting Raman spectra of oils into barcodes enables simpler presentation of the valuable information, and still allows further analysis such as classification of vegetable oils and prediction of their major fatty acids with high accuracy.     

Determination of the adulteration of butter

The adulteration of butter is a serious problem due to economic advantages taken by replacing expensive milk fat with cheaper oil without informing the customers. The authentication of milk fat methods include analysis of bulk components, especially triacylglycerols, fatty acids, sterols and tocopherols. Fatty acid and sterol composition was analysed by using GC‐MS. TAG and tocopherol profiles were examined by HPLC with diode array (DAD) and fluorescence detectors (FLDs). In addition, identification of selected TAG of butter fat was conducted by LC‐atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (APCI)/MS technique. The lipid composition of 16 different butters available on Polish market were investigated. The cholesterol content in butter fat ranged from 176.8 to 264.8 mg/100 g of fat and in two samples of milk fat β‐sitosterol was found. The total saturated fatty acid (SFA) content in milk fat was 67.1–73.5%, monounsaturated fatty acid 24.5–30.5% and polyunsaturated fatty acid was 1.2–2.0%. Abnormalities in fatty acid profiles, e.g. high concentration of linoleic fatty acid, were found in two butters. These abnormalities were also determined in TAG profiles. The examination of tocopherols in butter fat confirmed that two products were adulterated by the addition of plant oils because they contained δ‐tocopherol which is typical for plant origin foodstuffs. The methods described are useful for investigating milk fat adulterations, and the most efficient are analysis of sterols and tocopherols composition. Practical applications: The described methods are useful for investigating adulteration of milk fat. Traditional strategies rely on examination of fatty acids methyl esters and TAG; these methods have some disadvantages. Due to the variability of fatty acid composition of milk fat and because TAG analysis is complex and time consuming, FA analysis is not an efficient approach for butter authentication. The most efficient method for butter authentication is qualitative and quantitative analysis of sterols and tocopherols. This analysis will determine if components of plant origin were used for butter production.     

Potential of Unconventional Seed Oils and Fats from West African Trees: A Review of Fatty Acid Composition and Perspectives

Seed oils sourced from West Africa are generally not well-characterized, but likely to have an untapped potential. This review aims to make an overview of fatty acid (FA) composition of unconventional seed oils from semi-arid West African trees and evaluate potential for new and enhanced uses and for improving local livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. A total of 111 studies on FA composition were found, covering 31 species. Only 69 of the studies (62%) were included in the review, as 38% had unreliable or incomplete results. There was a clear link between taxonomic kinship and FA composition. Over 20 potentially interesting and underexploited oils were found, including oils with properties similar to palm oil, olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and cotton seed oil. About half of the oils have promising potential for cosmetics. One third of the oils were relatively saturated, indicating properties for structuring food and heat resistance. Most of the species had multiple uses and oil production could be profitable in co-production with other non-timber forest products. Furthermore, establishment of sustainable oil production and domestication of oil trees could promote biodiversity conservation. Enhanced oil production in semi-arid West Africa is promising, but several practical constraints remain to be overcome.     

Volatile compounds and triacylglycerol composition of original Indian fatty plant oils

Some typical original Indian edible and non‐edible fatty plant oils were subject of our investigations. Fundamental research was done on analyzing volatile compounds using HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS. In addition, a sensorial evaluation was applied to receive data on the smell of the samples. Furthermore, the typical and prevailing triacylglycerols (TAG) were investigated by MALDI‐TOF‐MS. Mass spectra reflect the TAG profiles of the whole oil samples based on the detection of [M+Na]⁺ ions. Oil samples exhibit quite unique TAG profiles, which are suitable for rapid characterization of the original plant oils. The fatty acid composition of the corresponding TAG structures was calculated using lipid analysis software based on the known fatty acid composition. Relative quantification of TAG components was in good agreement with the literature, in case appropriate data are available so far.     

Determining the relative amounts of positional isomers in complex mixtures of triglycerides using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A reversed-phase HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (RP-HPLC-MS-MS) method was refined for the positional analysis of complex mixtures of TAG. This method has the advantages of speed, ease of automation, and specificity over traditional digestion-based methods for the positional analysis of TAG. Collision-induced dissociation (CID) of ammoniated TAG in an ion-trap mass spectrometer produced spectra that were dependent on the FA position. Dominant DAG fragments were formed from the loss of a FA moiety from the ammoniated TAG species. The loss of FA in the outer positions was favored over their loss in the central position. The combination of RP-HPLC and CID produced spectra that were free of the isotope effects that can complicate spectral interpretation in existing methods. The combination also provided selectivity based on the chromatographic fractionation of TAG, in addition to the selectivity inherent in the CID process. Proof-of-concept experiments were performed with binary mixtures of TAG from the SOS/SSO, OSO/OOS, and the PSO/POS/SPO positional isomer systems (where S is 18∶0, stearic acid; O is 18∶1 (cis-9), oleic acid; and P is 16∶0, palmitic acid). Plots of fractional DAG fragment intensities vs. fractional composition of the binary mixtures were linear. These plots were used to determine the fractional composition of each of these isomeric systems in a variety of vegetable oils and animal fats. Current limitations, future developments, and applications of this method are discussed.     

A Systematic Chemometric Approach to Identify the Geographical Origin of Olive Oils

The verification of the geographical origin of olive oils by analytical techniques is still a challenge. The goal of this work is to explore the application and accuracy of different chemometric tools combined with near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) based analytical methods in the field of geographical authenticity of olive oils. As olive oils associated with different geographical origins are mainly characterized by different fatty acid (FA) and triacylglycerol (TAG) compositions, NIR methods for the fast and reliable determination of these parameters are developed. Next, these NIR methods are used to characterize a comprehensive set of olive oils (n > 5000) derived from 19 different countries. This set of data is used to build a statistical workflow, which allows the determination of the geographical origin of unknown olive oil samples. First of all, the untreated data set is pretreated by k‐means clustering and the selection of the relevant analytical variables by principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and min/max normalization of all parameters. Subsequently, classification is performed with a reduced sample set of the 200 most similar samples identified by k‐nearest neighbor tool (kNN). For classification purpose kNN, LDA, naïve Bayes classifier, and logit regression are applied. Practical Applications: The established statistical workflow can be used to verify the geographical origin of olive oils. The application and usage of up to four different statistical models for classification purpose results in a superior probability of the predicted origin in comparison to the application of only one single statistical classification test. As standardized methods are used as reference methods for building the NIR methods, the FA and TAG composition and the iodine value can be either determined by the standard methods or by the described NIR method. The presented statistical approach will help to build up a system for the verification of the geographical origin of olive oils.     

Characterization of the TAG of peanut oil by electrospray LC-MS-MS

A study of processed peanut oil was undertaken to assess the utility of HPLC combined with tandem MS to obtain data easily regarding the number of TAG of fats and oils and their FA composition. Mass chromatograms and spectra corresponding to only TAG of a single M.W. were obtained for the full range of TAG in the sample. Analysis of the mass spectra allowed the identification of more than 160 TAG in the sample by their FA composition. In addition, it was possible to estimate relative abundances of the TAG and suggest the position of the FA on glycerol for a limited number of cases. This technique greatly simplifies the task of assigning FA to coeluting TAG and facilitates identification of TAG present in trace quantities in mixtures, with possible application in circumstances where such trace TAG could be significant markers. Results are quickly obtained without extensive sample preparation or prefractionation of the sample.     

Triacylglycerols of Apiaceae seed oils: Composition and regiodistribution of fatty acids

Oils from the seeds of caraway (Carum carvi), carrot (Daucus carota), celery (Apium graveolens) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum), all from the Apiaceae family, were analyzed by gas chromatography for their triacylglycerol (TAG) composition and fatty acid (FA) distribution between the sn‐1(3) and sn‐2 positions of TAG. Twenty‐two TAG species were quantified. Glyceryl tripetroselinate was the major TAG species in seed oils of carrot, celery and parsley, with levels ranging from 38.7 to 55.3%. In caraway seed oil, dipetroselinoyllinoleoylglycerol was the major TAG species at 21.2%, while the glyceryl tripetroselinate content was 11.4%. Other TAG species were linoleoyloleoylpetroselinoylglycerol and dipetroselinoyloleoylglycerol. Predominantly, TAG were triunsaturated (72.2–84.0%) with diunsaturates at 14.4–25.9%, and small amounts of monounsaturated TAG. Results for regiospecific analysis showed a non‐random FA distribution in Apiaceae for palmitic, petroselinic, linoleic and oleic acids. Petroselinic acid was predominantly located at the sn‐1(3) position in carrot, celery and parsley seed oils, while it was mainly at the sn‐2 position in caraway seed oil. The distribution of linoleic acid was opposite to that of petroselinic acid. Oleic acid was mostly located at the sn‐2 position, except for caraway, where it was evenly distributed between the sn‐1(3) and sn‐2 positions. Both the saturated FA, palmitic and stearic acid, were located mainly at the sn‐1(3) position. The presence of a high level of tripetroselinin in parsley seed oil (55.3%) makes it a potential source for the production of petroselinic acid.     

Comparative analysis of triacylglycerols from Olea europaea L. fruits using HPLC and MALDI‐TOFMS

MALDI‐TOFMS and HPLC are two analytical methods that were used to characterize triacylglycerols (TAG) of the Meski, Sayali, and Picholine Tunisian olive varieties. The HPLC chromatograms of the oils showed the presence of 15 TAG species, among which triolein (OOO) was the most abundant (21–48%). In the Sayali cultivar, OOO was the predominant TAG species followed by POO and LOO. However, the minor TAG molecules were represented by LnLO and LnLP. MALDI mass spectra produced sodiated ([M + Na]⁺) and potassiated ([M + K]⁺) TAG molecules; only the major TAG were potassiated [OOO + K] ([OOO + K]⁺, [POO + K]⁺, and [LOO + K]⁺). In contrast to the HPLC chromatograms, the MALDI mass spectra showed 13 peaks of TAG. The major peak was detected at m/z 907, which corresponds to OOO with an Na⁺ adduct. The results from both HPLC and MALDI techniques predict the fatty acid composition and their percentages for each olive variety. Practical applications: TAG are the main components in vegetable oils. These biomolecules determine the physical, chemical, and nutritional properties of the oils. The nutritional benefits of TAG are related to DAG (moderate plasma lipid level) and esterified FA, which are intermediate biosynthetic molecules of TAG. TAG analysis is necessary to discriminate between oils of different origin, since some oils have similar FA profiles. Olive products, oils, and table olives, are the main diet sources of TAG in the Mediterranean countries. In this work, chromatographic and spectrometric methods were used for TAG analysis and characterization of Tunisian olive varieties.     

Matching the Functionality of Single-Cell Algal Oils with Different Molecular Compositions

The fatty acid composition, triglyceride composition, melting/crystallization profiles, crystallization kinetics, X-ray diffraction patterns, microstructure and mechanical properties of a pair of algal oils were studied to elucidate structural reasons for the similarity in melting and mechanical properties. Oil A is a predominantly saturated fat, rich in capric, myristic and palmitic acids, composed mostly of trisaturated triglycerides while Oil B contains predominantly palmitic and oleic acids in triglycerides such as POP/OPP and OOP/OPO. The DSC thermogram of Oil A shows similar peak melting temperatures to that of Oil B with Oil B exhibiting a few additional peaks. Both oils exhibit identical SFC-temperature profiles. Polarized light microscopy revealed a needle-like morphology for both Oil A and Oil B, with an average length of approximately 3.5–4.0 μm. The similar morphology of the crystals was attributed to a similar polymorphic form (β’) present in both. The fractal dimensions for the distribution of crystalline material within the fat crystal networks of both oils were also similar. The identical melting and mechanical properties of Oil A and Oil B were thus be attributed, respectively, to the presence of different triglycerides (in approximately equal proportions) with similar melting points and the assembly of these triglycerides into crystals of identical shape and size, which are in turn assembled into a network with identical crystal mass distributions. This work suggests that the mechanical and thermal properties of oils with vastly different molecular compositions can be matched by targetting specific TAG combinations which yield similar melting behavior, microstructure and mechanical response.     

The development and application of novel vegetable oils tailor‐made for specific human dietary needs

Conventional edible oils, such as sunflower, safflower, soya bean, rapeseed (canola) oils, were modified to obtain high‐oleic, low‐linoleic or even low‐linolenic oils. The aim was to develop salad, cooking and frying oils, that are very stable against lipid peroxidation. They are also suitable for margarine blends, as additives to cheeses and sausages, or even as feed components. Oils containing higher amounts of medium‐chain length or long‐chain polyunsaturated fish oil fatty acids are suitable as special dietetic oils or as nutraceuticals. High‐stearic oils are designed as trans‐fatty acid‐free substitutes for hydrogenated oils. New tailor‐made (designer) oils are thus a new series of vegetable oils suitable for edible purposes, where conventional oils are not suitable.     

The effect of phytosterol concentration on oxidative stability and thermal polymerization of heated oils

This study determined the effect of adding mixed phytosterols, at various concentrations, on the thermal polymerization and oxidative stability index (OSI) of soybean and high‐oleic sunflower oils. The indigenous tocopherols and phytosterols were removed from the oils by molecular distillation. Pure phytosterols were added back to these stripped oils at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2.5 wt‐%. These oils were heated at 180 °C, and triacylglycerol dimers and polymers, fatty acid composition, and residual phytosterols were determined. Added phytosterols at 1 and 2.5% significantly decreased thermal polymerization of stripped soybean oil over 8 h. Phytosterols at 2.5% significantly increased polymerization of stripped high‐oleic sunflower oil over 12 h. Added phytosterols did not affect the loss of polyunsaturated fatty acids in either oil. The decomposition of the added phytosterols was followed in both oils during the heating study. The loss of phytosterols in soybean oil ranged from 7 to 13%, while loss in stripped high‐oleic sunflower oil ranged from 13 to 20%. Phytosterols added at 1 and 2.5% significantly decreased the OSI for stripped high‐oleic sunflower oil. This research shows that added phytosterols, especially at higher concentrations, will have an impact on the thermal and oxidative stability of oils.     

Antioxidant Effect of Nanoemulsions Based on Citrus Peel Essential Oils: Prevention of Lipid Oxidation in Trout

The antioxidant effects of oil‐in‐water nanoemulsion based on edible citrus peel essential oils on the fatty acid composition of rainbow trout fillets stored at 4 ± 2 °C are investigated. Fish fillets are treated with nanoemulsion and stored for 16 days. Lipid samples are converted into fatty acid methyl esters which are then detected by gas chromatagrophy (GC). The results show that palmitic acid (C16:0), palmitoleic acid (C16:1), stearic acid (C18:0), vaccenic acid (C18:1?‐7), oleic acid (C18:1?9), eicosenoic acid (C20:1?9), linoleic acid (C18:2?6), linolenic acid (C18:3?3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (C20:5?3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (C22:6?3) are the most important fatty acids in fish meat. While polyene index and hypocholesterolemic:hypercholesterolaemic fatty acid ratios decrease in trout fillets during cold storage, thrombogenicity index and atherogenicity index generally increase (especially in control and Tween 80 groups). The concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are higher in the treatment groups and the saturated fatty acids (SFAs) are lower in all groups compared to those of the control group. Application of nanoemulsion based on citrus essential oils prevents oxidation of PUFA especially EPA and DHA, thus has potential as a preservative for fish oil. Practical Applications: In recent years, nanotechnological applications have been increasingly applied to the protection of food. Similarly, natural essential oils are used to increase the shelf life of foods. This study demonstrates the combined effect of a new method of nanoemulsions and essential oils on the safety of foods.     

Emission of Volatile Aldehydes from DAG-Rich and TAG-Rich Oils with Different Degrees of Unsaturation During Deep-Frying

The purpose of the present study was to compare the emission of volatile aldehydes from diacylglycerol-rich oils (DAG-OILs) and triacylglycerol-rich oils (TAG-OILs) with different degrees of unsaturation of fatty acid moieties during the deep-frying of sliced potatoes. To examine the effect of fatty acid composition, four kinds of oils with different fatty acid compositions were selected: rape seed (RS); sunflower oil as a high oleic (HO); safflower oil as high linoleic (HL); and, perilla oil as high linolenic (HLn) oils. The emissions of volatile aldehydes were determined during the deep-frying of sliced potatoes by using the above fresh test oils or deteriorated RS oils. The statistical analysis showed no significant difference in volatile aldehyde emission and profile between the DAG-OIL and TAG-OIL with the fatty acid composition of RS, HL, and HLn. Although a statistically significant difference was noted in the volatile aldehyde emission between the DAG-OIL and TAG-OIL with HO, this difference was extremely small when compared to the variations found in the oils with four types of fatty acid composition. Finally, no difference was found in the volatile aldehyde emissions between the deteriorated DAG-OIL and TAG-OIL, although volatile aldehyde emissions increased with frying time. In addition, the acrylamide contents in potato chips prepared with RS–DAG or RS–TAG were at comparable levels.     

Application of Infrared Spectroscopy for Characterization of Dietary Omega‐3 Oil Supplements

Fish oil dietary supplements have been linked with health benefits, due to high omega‐3 concentration. The sources of these effects, polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, are almost exclusively found in seafood products. Our objectives were to characterize the composition of commercial omega‐3 dietary supplements dietary supplements and to generate partial least square regression (PLSR) models using infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics. Fatty acid (FA) composition of oils was determined by FA methyl ester gas chromatography. The supplements encompassed a wide range of FA profiles and delivery methods. Infrared spectral data were collected by portable mid‐infrared Fourier transform infrared (MID FT‐IR) equipment. Principal components analysis (PCA) separated samples based on the type of ester present in the fish oil dietary supplements, showing a strong influence of the 1038 cm^?1 band, which is typically associated with C=C and C–O stretching vibrations. In addition, PLSR was used to correlate the spectra data with GC‐FAME results. PCA using the spectroscopy data allowed for tight clustering of fish oil into distinct classes, depending on the source and processing. PLSR using MID FT‐IR spectra and FA composition generated multivariate models with high correlation coefficient (R ≥ 0.93), and SEP between 0.53 and 2.13 g of FA per 100 g of oil. Our results indicate that IR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics provides for robust screening of FA composition of fish oil supplements, and discriminate types of FAs esterification.     

Classification of Turkish Monocultivar (Ayvalık and Memecik cv.) Virgin Olive Oils from North and South Zones of Aegean Region Based on Their Triacyglycerol Profiles

In this study, a total of 22 domestic monocultivar (Ayval?k and Memecik cv.) virgin olive oil samples taken from various locations of the Aegean region, the main olive growing zone of Turkey, during two (2001–2002) crop years were classified and characterized by well‐known chemometric methods (principal component analysis [PCA] and hierarchical cluster analysis [HCA]) on the basis of their triacylglycerol (TAG) components. The analyses of TAG components (LLL and major fractions LOO, OOO, POO, PLO, SOO, and ECN 42–ECN 50) in the oil samples were carried out according to the HPLC method described in a European Union Commission (EUC) regulation. In all analyzed samples the value of trilinolein (LLL), the least abundant TAG, did not exceed the maximum limit of 0.5 % given by the EUC regulation for different olive oil grades. The ranges of abundant TAG, namely LOO, OOO, POO, PLO, and SOO, were 13.30–16.08, 37.27–46.36, 21.39–23.24, 4.93–7.03, and 4.72–6.00 %. The TAG data of Aegean virgin olive oils were similar to those of products from important olive‐oil‐producing Mediterranean countries was determined. Also, the estimation of major fatty acids (FA) was carried out by using a formula based on TAG data. The PCA results showed that some TAG components have an important role in the characterization and geographical classification of 22 monocultivar virgin olive oil. The Aegean virgin olive oil samples were successfully classified and discriminated into two main groups as the North and South (growing) subzones or Ayval?k and Memecik olives (cultivars) according to the HCA results based on experimental TAG data and calculated major FA profile.