Evaluation of MALDI-TOF/MS Technology in Olive Oil Adulteration

Adulteration of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) by addition of other vegetable oils or lower-grade olive oils is a common problem of the oil market worldwide. Therefore, we developed a fast protocol for detection of EVOO adulteration by mass spectrometry fingerprinting of triacylglycerol (TAG) profiles based on MALDI-TOF/MS. For that purpose, EVOO TAG profiles were compared with those of edible sunflower oil and olive oil composed of refined olive oil and virgin olive oils. Adulteration of EVOO was simulated by addition of sunflower and mixture of refined olive oil and virgin olive oils at 1, 10 and 20% w/w. Results of mass spectrometry TAG profiling were compared with routinely assessed K values for identification of adulteration. MALDI-TOF/MS technology coupled with statistical analysis was proven as useful for detection of adulteration in EVOO at a rate down to 1%. In contrast, standard spectrophotometric methods failed to identify minor adulterations. In addition, the ability of MALDI-TOF/MS in detection of adulteration was tested on EVOO samples from different geographical regions. Results demonstrated that MALDI-TOF/MS technology coupled with statistical analysis is able to distinguish adulterated oils from other EVOO.     

Detection of Soft‐Deodorized Olive Oil and Refined Vegetable Oils in Virgin Olive Oil Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Traditional Analytical Parameters

The European Parliament identifies virgin olive oil (VOO) as one of the foods which are often subject to fraudulent activities. Possibilities of adulteration are the application of illegal soft deodorization of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) or the commercialization of blends of EVOO with soft‐deodorized EVOO or refined vegetable oils. Despite the search for possibilities to prove the illegal soft deodorization of EVOO or the addition of cheaper vegetable oils to EVOO, suitable methods are still missing. Therefore, the aim of the study is to develop a new analytical and statistical approach addressing detection of mild deodorization or addition of refined foreign oils. For this purpose, VOOs are treated in lab‐scale for 1 h up to 28 days at different temperatures (20, 50, 60, 80,100, 110, and 170 °C) in order to simulate and study the effect of heat treatment on known analytical parameters by near infrared spectroscopy (NIR). A logit regression model enabling the calculation of the probability for a heat treatment is developed. This new methodology allows detecting both soft deodorized olive oils and blends of EVOO with cheaper full refined vegetable oils. Adding only 10% of full refined oil could be detected in extra VOO. Practical Applications: NIR methods combined with chemometrics have become one of the most attractive analytical tools to control quality of food. It is a simple, precise, and rapid method. All relevant analytical parameters of oxidative and thermal fat degradation can be determined in a single run and be used to detect adulterated virgin olive oils (VOOs). The use of a simple equation developed from the logistic regression using peroxide value, K‐values, p‐anisidine value, pyropheophytine, 1,2‐diacylglycerols, total polar compounds and monomeric oxidized triacylglycerols, and other well‐known parameters allows to detect mild deodorized olive oils or also blends of VOO with soft‐deodorized ones or the addition of low amounts of foreign vegetable oils. This technique has potential to be used as a screening method for the detection of adulterated olive oils using both the traditional laboratory methods and the corresponding NIR‐methods.     

Changes in virgin olive oil characteristics during different storage conditions

In this study we have examined the effect of olive oil storage outdoors on a comprehensive series of quality measures. The conditions used were at the extreme of those encountered during the production of bottle oil. Filtered and unfiltered oils were compared as was the influence of inert gas (nitrogen) in the headspace. Increases in K₂₃₂, K₂₇₀ and peroxides over time were very much reduced by inert headspace gas, which also reduced losses of total phenols and oxidative stability. Headspace nitrogen also reduced the rise in unconjugated phenolics as secoiridoid derivatives declined and minimised losses in polyunsaturated fatty acids. The pattern of volatile compounds detected in olive oils stored indoors or outdoors showed subtle differences. Moreover, when stored with air exposure the levels of some negative sensory components such as penten‐3‐ol and hexanal increased while other positives, like trans‐2‐hexenal were reduced. These changes would be expected to reduce quality. Finally, Panel tests were used. All oils lost perceived quality on storage and this was accelerated outdoors while headspace nitrogen slowed the deterioration significantly. Our data show that storage outdoors for 4 months in winter does not reduce olive oil quality significantly and that an inert gas in the headspace is beneficial. Practical applications : The storage of olive oil for bottling is carried out under a variety of conditions. Here we assess the effects of storage outdoors for oils from the main Greek cultivar (Koroneiki) of olive. Detailed analyses of quality (standard measures, different phenolics, lipids and volatiles) as well as Panel tests were used for evaluation. Our data show that, although storage outdoors causes deterioration quicker than indoors, changes are not serious up to 4 months. Furthermore, the use of an inert headspace gas significantly preserved quality both indoors and outdoors. Thus we would strongly recommend the latter measure to producers.     

Characterization of grape seed oil from different grape varieties (Vitis vinifera)

In this work, oil obtained from seeds of different red grape varieties, grown in the Autonomous Regions of Castilla‐La Mancha and Murcia (Spain), was characterized by determining physicochemical and sensory quality parameters, stability, and the composition in fatty acids and sterols. The physicochemical quality parameters (free acidity, peroxide index, K₂₇₀ and wax) scored high (meaning low quality) compared with virgin olive oils, while the negative sensory attributes stood out over the positive ones. Therefore, the oil was not considered suitable for table use without undergoing a refining process. The samples showed high linoleic and low linolenic acid contents, while β‐sitosterol was the main sterol found. Drying grape seeds with hot air before extraction gave higher physicochemical quality, total phenolic content and stability, and lower wax content in comparison to air‐drying of seeds. The drying process affected the sterol composition but not the fatty acid composition.     

Application of a spectroscopic method to estimate the olive oil oxidative status

A rapid Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectroscopic method coupled with partial least squares (PLS), was developed to estimate the oxidation degree of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The reference values of EVOO oxidation for the FTIR calibration were obtained by the specific absorptions at 232 and 270 nm, due to the presence of conjugated diene (CD) and conjugated triene (CT) groups, as monitored by the UV spectrophotometric determination. Specific washing procedures were applied to the EVOO to obtain EVOOP and EVOOTP samples, without phenolic compounds and without tocopherols and phenols, respectively. To obtain different oxidation degrees covering wide CD and CT ranges, EVOO, EVOOP, and EVOOTP samples were subjected to a forced oxidation at 60°C for 20 days and aliquots of the oils were daily analyzed. Regression of the FTIR/PLS‐predicted CD and CT of individual oxidized oils EVOO, EVOOP, EVOOTP, and all combined oils (EVOOALL) against UV–Visible reference values demonstrated the good quality of the models in terms of R² and RMSECV values. The results of the study indicated that a strong correlation existed between FTIR and UV–Visible peak intensities. Practical applications: The FTIR‐ATR method coupled with PLS elaboration was developed and applied to predict the oxidation degree of EVOO samples with considerable advantages in terms of simplicity, analysis time, and solvent consumption as compared to the standard method. Moreover, suitable adjustments of the equipment could permit a rapid control at‐line in oil sector.     

Cyclic FA monomers in high-oleic acid sunflower oil and extra virgin olive oil used in repeated frying of fresh potatoes

The measurement of FA profile, polar material, oligomers, oxidized triacylglycerols (OTG), total polyphenols, and cyclic FA monomers (CFAM) was used to evaluate the alteration of a high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) and an extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) used in 75 domestic fryings of fresh potatoes with frequent replenishment (FR) of unused oil. CFAM were absent in the unused EVOO but appeared in small amounts in the unused HOSO. Although polar material, oligomers, OTG, and CTAM contents increased and linoleic acid and polyphenols content decreased in both oils during repeated frying, the changes produced should be considered small and related to the use of very stable oils and FR. Throughout the 75 fryings, the total CFAM concentration was higher in HOSO than in EVOO. OTG increased more quickly in EVOO, whereas oligomers increased more quickly in HOSO. Polar material and oligomer content appear significantly correlated (r=0.9678 and r=0.9739, respectively; for both, P<0.001) with the CFAM content. A 25% polar material and 12% oligomer content would correspond to about 1 mg·kg⁻¹ oil of CFAM. Data suggest that both oils, particularly EVOO, perform very well in frying, with a low production of oligomers, polar materials, and CFAM.     

Unmasking Sensory Defects of Olive Oils Flavored with Basil and Oregano Using an Electronic Tongue-Chemometric Tool

Olive oil price and consumers’ preference depend on the commercial grade classification that can decrease if any sensory defect is perceived leading to an economic loss. Enriched oils, obtained by incorporating dried aromatic herbs, spices, or essential oils, which is a common practice in the Mediterranean region, are commercially available. This practice may conceal the fraudulent purpose of masking the perception of sensory defects. The detection of this type of fraud is a difficult task, requiring sensory analysis. Thus, in this study, extra-virgin and lampante olive oils, the latter classification being due to the perception of an intense winey-vinegary defect, were deliberately enriched with different amounts of basil-dried herbs and oregano-dried herbs. Sensory analysis showed that, depending on the aromatic herb and on the added amount (0.011–0.110 g herb per kg oil), the defect intensity could be masked leading to an erroneous classification of flavored lampante oils as flavored virgin oils. In contrast, the electronic tongue-chemometric approach could unmask the defect in flavored oils (predictive sensitivities: 70–78%) and semiquantitatively discriminate flavored oils according to the added levels of basil or oregano (predictive sensitivities: 93–100%). The electronic tongue approach showed satisfactory unmasking performance when compared with the sensory panel, and so, its future application as a quality control taste-sensor device for disclosing olive oil sensory defects masked by the incorporation of flavoring agents may be forseen.     

The Use of FTIR Spectroscopy and Chemometrics for Rapid Authentication of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The authenticity of high value edible fats and oils including extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is an emerging issue, currently. The potential employment of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics of multivariate calibration and discriminant analysis has been exploited for rapid authentication of EVOO from canola oil (Ca‐O). The optimization of two calibration models of partial least square (PLS) and principle component regression was performed in order to quantify the level of Ca‐O in EVOO. The chemometrics of discriminant analysis (DA) was used for making the classification between pure EVOO and EVOO adulterated with Ca‐O. The individual oils and their blends were scanned on good contact with ZnSe crystals in horizontal attenuated total reflectance, as a sampling technique. The wavenumbers of 3,028–2,985 and 1,200–987 cm^?1 were used for quantification and classification of EVOO adulterated with Ca‐O. The results showed that PLS with normal FTIR spectra was well suited for quantitative analysis of Ca‐O with a value of the coefficient of determination (R²) > 0.99. The error, expressed as root mean square error of calibration obtained was relatively low, i.e. 0.108 % (v/v). DA can make the classification between pure EVOO and that adulterated with Ca‐O with one misclassified reported.     

Influence of Irrigation Modalities (Irrigation Management and Dryland), Fruit Ripening,and Cultivation Modality (Organic and Conventional) on Quality and Chemosensory Profile of Hojiblanca and Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oils

A study with controlled field and authentic samples of olives, obtained in similar conditions of soil, climate, region, harvest, and with the same cultivation techniques and considering simultaneously different agronomic factors (olive variety, fruit ripening degree, irrigation, and organic or conventional production system) is performed to evaluate their influence on quality and added value of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Agronomical and physicochemical parameters, polyphenols, tocopherols, and fatty acid composition and volatile and sensory profiles are determined in Hojiblanca and Picual VOOs obtained from different fruit ripening degrees and different cultivation modalities (conventional with and without irrigation, and organic with irrigation). Among volatile compounds, 1-hydroxy-2-propanone, (E)-linalool oxide, and 2-acetylfuran are described for the first time in EVOO. The variable that most influences the chemosensory composition of EVOOs is the variety, followed by the stage of ripeness, and, within each variety, the cultivation modality. Organic irrigation differ from conventional modalities, showing significant differences in acidity, stability, tocopherol and polyphenol contents, fatty acid composition, and sensory attributes. Practical Applications: Results are of great importance, due to their applicability to the EVOO sector, allowing one to know the qualitative, chemical and organoleptic differences between organic and conventional EVOO, and factors that improve the quality and performance of EVOO.     

Handheld Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy for Distinction of Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Other Olive Oil Grades Substantiated by Compositional Data

Miniaturization of analytical technology has paved the way for in‐situ screening of foods. In the current study, the spectral features of olive oils are examined by handheld near‐infrared spectroscopy to explore the technology's capabilities to distinguish extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from lower grade oils. Eighty EVOO, forty refined olive oil (ROO), and ten pomace olive oil (POO) samples are analysed for their spectral and compositional features. The latter included analysis of the fatty acids (FAs), the chlorophylls and carotenoids, chromatic coordinates and moisture contents. The 1350–1570 nm wavelength range appeared most suitable for distinction of the oils. One‐class classification models with three different classifiers are subsequently estimated using this range, and their quantitative performance is assessed from probabilistic data. Soft independent modeling of class analogies models appears to predict the identity of the oils with a high success rate. Compared to the other oils, POO comprises a significantly higher and lower proportion of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated FAs, respectively. Higher contents of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and moisture are noted for EVOO. The relevant spectral information for distinction of the oils correlates strongly with the degree of unsaturation of the oils as well as their levels of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and moisture. Practical Applications: The findings of this study demonstrate that the handheld NIRS technique is promising for future rapid screening of olive oil grades. The statistical methods used and the robust validation procedure will help potential users to select the optimal strategy for multivariate data analysis. In addition, the exploration of correlations with compositional characteristics provides insight into the handheld NIRS working mechanism in regard to EVOO authentication.     

Polyphenol oxidase from eggplant reduces the content of phenols and oxidative stability of olive oil

Activity of the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) from eggplant fruit (Solanum melongena L.) on phenolic compounds of an extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) was studied. In standardized reaction solutions, the eggplant PPO, isolated in the laboratory, depleted completely chlorogenic and caffeic acids, oleuropein, and verbascoside, while the levels of hydroxytyrosol reduced by half. Conversely, no activity of the PPO was observed on the gallic and protocatechuic acids nor on mono‐phenols, such as tyrosol and the p‐coumaric, o‐coumaric, and ferulic acids. PPO activity on phenols extracted from eggplant fruit and EVOO confirmed the enzyme substrate specificity and caused a significant decrease in the measure of total phenols and o‐diphenols. Similarly, PPO crude extract caused a significant decrease of polyphenols directly in the EVOO. Moreover, maximum degradation of EVOO polyphenols was observed when olive oil was homogenized with eggplant fruit pulp to form a cream‐like purée. In fact, immediately after the preparation, total phenols and o‐diphenols of the olive oil recovered from the eggplant‐oil purée were decreased by ～80% and 100% compared to those of the initial EVOO. As a consequence, the oxidative stability of the recovered oil was ～60% lower than that of the initial EVOO. In conclusion, in the preparation of vegetable preserves, a residual activity of phenol oxidase may adversely affect the quality and shelf life of the extra virgin olive oil used as covering.     

Influence of a new crushing technique on the composition of the volatile compounds and related sensory quality of virgin olive oil

The influence of a new crusher i.e. blade crusher on the quality of virgin olive oil from two different italian cultivars (Coratina and Oliarola) was determined. In addition the quality of this oil was compared with that of olive oil extracted with the traditional hammer crusher. Tests were performed in an industrial oil mill using the two different crushing instruments. Results obtained showed that quality parameters i.e. free fatty acids, peroxide value, UV absorption and total phenols content as well as the phenolic composition of oils were not significantly affected by the two different crushers used. On the contrary, the use of the blade crusher influenced the composition of the volatile compounds. In particular, the oils obtained using the blade crusher showed significant increases of some aldehydes such as 1‐hexanal and trans‐2‐hexenal, esters such as hexyl acetate and 3‐hexenyl acetate and a reduction of alcohols such as 1‐hexanol. Moreover, the identified pigments of the oils produced using the blade crusher were found at concentrations slightly lower than those in oils obtained after using the hammer crusher. Finally, results of the sensory analysis showed an improved organoleptic quality for the oils obtained using the blade crusher due to an increase of the cut‐grass and floral sensory notes.     

Characterization of Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Southern Brazil

Six olive oils extracted from the cultivars Arbequina, Arbosana, Coratina, Frantoio, Koroneiki, and Picual from 2017 and 2018 harvests, cultivated in Pinheiro Machado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, are evaluated for standard oil composition parameters and bioactive constituents (pigments, tocopherols, and phenolic compounds). Multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) and univariate ANOVA and Fisher's LSD test are used to verify the effect of cultivar and harvest year on oil composition. Olive oil composition met extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) standard parameters and is influenced by both cultivar and harvest year. EVOO produced in 2018 has greater chlorophyll, caffeic acid, ligstroside aglycone, hydroxyoleuropein aglycone, syringic acid, and hydroxytyrosol acetate contents than the EVOOs from 2017. Linoleic acid, ferulic acid, ligstroside aglycone, and hydroxytyrosol acetate are the variables whose contents most contributed to the differentiation of oils by cultivar in both harvest years. Chemical characterization analyses allow for the differentiation of oil composition based on harvest year and cultivar. Metabolic quality data obtained here support the establishment of a local EVOO profile and the compounds that most contributed to treatment differentiation may serve as markers that can be utilized in determining origin, cultivar, and harvest year. Practical Applications: Olive production in Brazil is recent and is based on European cultivars which have not been bred for the local environmental conditions. Therefore, the measurement of olive oil metabolic quality will determine cultivar adaptability to local edaphoclimatic conditions as well as assist in the establishment of a standard of identity for the product and promote the development of its market. Olive oil produced in Southern Brazil shows high quality, and is especially rich in phenolic compounds. Although harvest year influences oil composition, oil from both harvests meet EVOO standards and cultivar specific metabolic markers are observed. This study provides the foundation for olive producers in Southern Brazil to seek authentication of the geographical origin of olive oil.     

Impact of Olive Harvesting Date on Virgin Olive Oil Volatile Composition in Four Spanish Varieties

The unique sensory characteristics of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) depend upon its volatile composition. This work investigates the impact of olive fruit harvesting time and growing location on the volatile composition of the obtained EVOO, on four typical Spanish olive varieties (Cornicabra, Picual, Castellana, Manzanilla Cacereña). Several growing locations within the Madrid region (Spain) are studied to assess the natural variability attributed to the environmental factors. Aroma compounds are analyzed by solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas-chromatography and mass spectrometry, and sensory analysis. A considerable different behavior is observed depending on the olive variety and ripening stage. Statistically significant differences are obtained for volatile compounds biosynthesized from the lipoxygenase pathway and other fatty acid metabolism routes, which results in significant differences in their aroma profiles. Practical applications: These results have practical applicability for the olive oil industry and regulatory bodies. For example, for protected designation of origin EVOOs the aroma profile needs to be consistent over different production lots. The outcome of this research is of interest to the olive oil industry to get a better insight into the expected variability and interactions among cultivars, small pedoclimatic differences within the same broader area, and the harvesting date on the sensory and volatile profile of the resulting EVOO.     

A Survey of the Amounts of Oxidized Triglycerides and Triglyceride Dimers in Virgin and “Lampante” Olive Oils

The aim of this work was to ascertain the amount of oxidized triglycerides and triglyceride dimers in virgin and “lampante” olive oils: to this effect, 38 samples were collected from different oil-mills. No data on the above compound classes in ?lampante”? olive oils have ever appeared in literature up to now. However, fat autoxidation is known to imply polymerization reactions; so, low amounts of oligopolymers may be formed in oil at a given state of oxidation. This aspect also applies to virgin olive oils because the very few data reported in literature are mainly related to extra virgin olive oils which are classified as high quality oils. Column chromatography and high-performance size exclusion chromatography were used for oil analysis in this work. Triglyceride dimers were either absent or present in traces in virgin olive oils, but were found in ?lampante”? oils with a mean value of 0.07%. Oxidized triglyceride percentages in ?lampante”? oils were more than twice as high as those present in virgin oils. The data obtained suggest the following consideration: the presence of dimers in vegetable oils reveals a rather high oxidation level and is confirmed by the higher oxidized triglyceride values. This is a reliable index of oxidative degradation in oil.     

Oxidative Stability and Changes in Chemical Composition of Extra Virgin Olive Oils After Short‐Term Deep‐Frying of French Fries

We aimed at investigating oxidative stability and changes in fatty acid and tocopherol composition of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in comparison with refined seed oils during short‐term deep‐frying of French fries, and changes in the composition of the French fries deep‐fried in EVOO. EVOO samples from Spain, Brazil, and Portugal, and refined seed oils of soybean and sunflower were studied. Oil samples were used for deep‐frying of French fries at 180 °C, for up to 75 min of successive frying. Tocopherol and fatty acid composition were determined in fresh and spent vegetable oils. Tocopherol, fatty acid, and volatile composition (by SPME–GC–MS) were also determined in French fries deep‐fried in EVOO. Oil oxidation was monitored by peroxide, acid, and p‐anisidine values, and by Rancimat after deep‐frying. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis was used as a proxy of the quality of the spent oils. EVOOs presented the lowest degree of oleic and linoleic acids losses, low formation of free fatty acids and carbonyl compounds, and were highly stable after deep‐frying. In addition, oleic acid, tocopherols, and flavor compounds were transferred from EVOO into the French fries. In conclusion, EVOOs were more stable than refined seed oils during short‐term deep‐frying of French fries and also contributed to enhance the nutritional value, and possibly improve the flavor, of the fries prepared in EVOO.     

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

Storage 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.     

Characterization and chemometric study of crude and refined oils from table olive by‐products

Table olive processing produces defective fruits and the conditioning operations give rise to solid by‐products which are processed to obtain oil. In this study, the most relevant characteristics of crude oils extracted from table olive by‐products were high average acidity values (4.5%, green olives; 8.1%, ripe olives), ECN42 values of 0.34 (green olives) and 0.10 (ripe olives), while 2‐mono‐palmitin averaged 0.92%. The overall content of sterols was 2257 mg/kg (green olives) and 1746 mg/kg (ripe olives), while the concentration of cholesterol was 36 mg/kg (green olives) and 19 mg/kg (ripe olives). The effect of refining was mainly reflected by a decrease in acidity and sterols. Although most characteristics were in agreement with the established regulation for olive oil, the overall trans fatty acid content, the low apparent β‐sitosterol content, and the relatively high cholesterol content prevented their inclusion into classes of crude or refined lampante or pomace olive oils, not even into the vegetable oil category. Therefore, the oils analyzed should be considered for non‐edible purposes. The physicochemical characteristics used for chemometric discrimination permitted discrimination among types of oils (crude, 100%; physically refined, 90%; chemically refined, 100%), elaboration styles (green and ripe olives, 100%) and cultivars (Gordal, Manzanilla, Hojiblanca and Cacereña, 100%), with the sterol composition being the most useful parameter for discrimination.     

Characteristics and sensory assessment of extra virgin olive oils produced in two different zones of Brazil

The Brazilian olive oil production has been growing in recent decades and largest plantations are on two different zones, from Serra da Mantiqueira (states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo) and Campanha Gaúcha (state of Rio Grande do Sul). The total planted area, in 2022, reached approximately 6500 hectares. The aim of the present study was to characterize the sensory and analytical parameters of extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) from Southwestern (Serra da Mantiqueira) and Southern (Campanha Gaúcha) Brazil regions. Twenty-two EVOO samples were obtained from different cultivars of unlike regions. Quality parameters, oxidative stability, phenolic compounds ortho-diphenols and fatty acids were analyzed and relationships with olive variety or region. From the chemical perspective, the EVOO exhibited all parameters within the necessary to be qualified as extra virgin, according to international standard definitions. All samples showed a good quality of sensory perceptions and a high level of polyphenols, which are varied among samples but was more intense in Campanha Gaúcha olive oils.     

Chemical and sensorial changes of Croatian monovarietal olive oils during ripening

The aim of this investigation was to determine the impact of fruit ripening on chemical and sensorial changes in monovarietal olive oils obtained from two important olive cultivars grown in Croatia, Bu?a and ?rna. In Bu?a oils peroxide value, K₂₃₂ and K₂₇₀ increased during ripening, while no differences among three ripening stages in ?rna oils were observed. Oils of both cultivars at the later ripening stages had higher free acidity level and lower sensory score followed by mild loss in almost all positive sensory characteristics. Total phenols and antioxidant capacity decreased in Bu?a oils during fruit ripening, while in ?rna oils reached maximum level in purple stage and then progressively decreased in the black ripening stage. Oleic acid level slightly increased during ripening in both cultivar oils. Linoleic acid decreased in Bu?a oils obtained from black fruits while palmitic acid decreased in ?rna oils during ripening. In both monovarietal oils chlorophyll and carotenoids concentrations decreased during ripening. The two cultivars had different course of total aldehydes, total esters and total ketones during ripening, while total alcohols were the highest in oils from purple ripening stage and then decreased as ripening progress. Practical applications: During the ripening, the chemical composition of olive fruit changes influencing the quality grade, oxidative stability, sensory characteristics and nutritional value of the obtained products. The cultivars characterized by a similar trend of ripening process could have different course of chemical and sensorial changes in oil during fruit ripening. Therefore, knowledge about these changes is important for determination of proper harvest time of single cultivar to achieve optimum of its potential regarding desirable characteristics of obtained oil.