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Featured Application: Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF), a non-thermal technology, can assist conventional olive oil extraction with a positive impact on production efficiency, maintaining the extra-virgin classification. This study evaluated the impact of PEF on the "Galega Vulgar" cultivar for the first time on a pilot scale. Its application at the industrial level should be investigated based on the promising results obtained. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) technology in the extraction of olive oil on a pilot scale, using the "Galega Vulgar" olive variety as raw material. The extraction assisted by PEF had a malaxation time of 30 min and was compared with the traditional process of 45 min of malaxation. The main quality parameters of olive oil and the PEF's cost-benefit assessment were performed. The incorporation of PEF in olive oil production reduced the malaxation stage by 33% without compromising the yield or extra-virgin classification. This efficiency leads to a potential 12.3% increase in annual olive oil production, with a 12.3% and 36.8% rise in revenue and gross profit, respectively. For small-scale production, the considerable upfront investment required for PEF equipment may be a challenge in terms of return on investment. In this scenario, opting for a renting scheme is the best economic solution, especially given the seasonal nature of olive oil production. In medium- to large-scale production, the investment in PEF is a sound investment since it is possible to achieve, with an equipment cost of EUR 450,000 and a production output of 5 tons per hour, an annual ROI of 20%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehending the variability in the chemical composition of olive oil from the same olive variety, based on its geographical origin, is essential. This study investigated the chemical composition of Chétoui olive oils from thirteen mills located in Northern Tunisia's Béja region. The chemical composition of olive oil exhibits substantial regional variability. Free acidity ranged from 0.57% to 0.73%, and peroxide values varied between 7.33 and 14.00 meq O2/kg. Total phenolic content varied as well, with values ranging from 906.53 to 1,298.60 caffeic acid eq/kg (oils from Amdoun and Testour II, respectively). Chlorophyll contents ranged from 2.03 to 7.85 mg/kg, and carotenoids from 1.28 to 3.92 mg/kg. Olive oils from Amdoun and Dogga II were the richest in these compounds. In terms of tocopherols, the range extended from 282.88 mg/kg (oil from Tibar) to 416.79 mg/kg (oil from Testour II). DPPH radical scavenging activity of the polar fraction of all olive oils was higher than that of the non-polar fraction. Fatty acid profiles were mostly similar with exception of the oil from Tibar with lower saturated fatty acid content and higher monounsaturated fatty acid content. Substantial differences in polyunsaturated fatty acid content were found. Triacylglycerol compositions differed as well, with the lowest triolein percentage around 13.66% and the highest at approximately 34.98%. In summary, this study reveals significant regional variations in the chemical composition of Chétoui monovarietal olive oil, highlighting the collection region impact on oil quality and nutritional properties.

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION The organoleptic profile of an olive oil is a fundamental quality parameter obtained by human sensory panels. In this work, a portable electronic nose was employed to predict the fruity aroma intensity of 199 olive oil samples from different Spanish regions and cultivar varieties (‘Picual’, ‘Arbequina’, and ‘Cornicabra’), with special emphasis in testing the robustness of the predictions versus cultivar variety variability. The primary data given by the electronic nose were used to obtain two different feature vectors that were employed to fit ridge and lasso regressions models to two datasets: one consisting of all the samples and another just the cv. Picual samples.The results obtained showed mean average error (MAE) values below 0.88 in all cases, with an MAE of 0.67 for the ‘Picual’ model. These MAE values and the similarities in the model parameters fitted for the different data folds are in agreement with the results obtained in previous studies.The large number of samples analyzed and the results obtained show the robustness of the approach and the applicability of the methods. Also, the results suggest that better performance can be obtained when specific models are fitted for particular cultivars. Overall, the proposed methods are capable of providing useful information for a fast screening of the fruity aroma intensity of olive oils. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of investigating the effect of bruising and its development during the postharvest time, olive fruits (Frantoio and Moraiolo), manually and mechanically harvested, were stored in climatic chambers at two different temperatures (5 °C and 18 °C) for five days. Visual observations highlighted changes in the olive peel with discoloration in the damaged areas and tissue bruising. Olive fruit polyphenols, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other oil quality parameters (phenolic content, free acidity and peroxide index) and sensory assessment were evaluated. Analyses were carried out on fruits and experimental extra virgin oils at harvesting and after 5 days of fruit storage. The results highlight that low-temperature storage (5 °C for 5 days) may contribute to the maintenance of high olive oil quality, and the quality of olives stored at room temperature drastically decreases after 5 days of storage. Moreover, mechanical harvesting, compared to manual harvesting, does not seem to affect the final oil quality, at least at harvesting, but seems to determine differences in the long-term storage period. Finally, the samples stored at 18 °C showed a quality deterioration with the development of sensorial defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Tunisia, olive growing and olive oil production represent a key element of the agricultural and economic sectors. Furthermore, olive producing areas are mostly located in semi-arid and arid regions with low water availability. On the other hand, olive oil industry generates high liquid effluent volumes (olive mill wastewater (OMW)) that represent a major environmental concern, and therefore must be appropriately managed. Accordingly, spreading OMW on agricultural lands in water scare areas may help to sustain dry lands productivity. In this study, we investigated the long-term effects of OMW spreading to an olive orchard in a semi-arid region. Physicochemical and biological properties of soil as well as olive oil quality were monitored. OMW was applied, after the end of the olive milling season, at annual dose of 50 m3 ha−1 y−1 every 2 years. The findings revealed that the OMW application increased soil water content. Moreover, OMW positively affected soil fertility, and increased, soil organic matter and biological activity. The overall results of this study indicate that OMW spreading at doses of 50 m3 ha−1 y−1 in a semi-arid region improves soil physicochemical properties and does not have a negative impact on olive oil quality. Additionally, direct spreading of OMW, if applied every 2 years, could be a sustainable practice in olive orchards under semi-arid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehending the variability in the chemical composition of olive oil from the same olive variety, based on its geographical origin, is essential. This study investigated the chemical composition of Chétoui olive oils from thirteen mills located in Northern Tunisia's Béja region. The chemical composition of olive oil exhibits substantial regional variability. Free acidity ranged from 0.57% to 0.73%, and peroxide values varied between 7.33 and 14.00 meq O2/kg. Total phenolic content varied as well, with values ranging from 906.53 to 1,298.60 caffeic acid eq/kg (oils from Amdoun and Testour II, respectively). Chlorophyll contents ranged from 2.03 to 7.85 mg/kg, and carotenoids from 1.28 to 3.92 mg/kg. Olive oils from Amdoun and Dogga II were the richest in these compounds. In terms of tocopherols, the range extended from 282.88 mg/kg (oil from Tibar) to 416.79 mg/kg (oil from Testour II). DPPH radical scavenging activity of the polar fraction of all olive oils was higher than that of the non-polar fraction. Fatty acid profiles were mostly similar with exception of the oil from Tibar with lower saturated fatty acid content and higher monounsaturated fatty acid content. Substantial differences in polyunsaturated fatty acid content were found. Triacylglycerol compositions differed as well, with the lowest triolein percentage around 13.66% and the highest at approximately 34.98%. In summary, this study reveals significant regional variations in the chemical composition of Chétoui monovarietal olive oil, highlighting the collection region impact on oil quality and nutritional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) technology in the extraction of olive oil on a pilot scale, using the “Galega Vulgar” olive variety as raw material. The extraction assisted by PEF had a malaxation time of 30 min and was compared with the traditional process of 45 min of malaxation. The main quality parameters of olive oil and the PEF’s cost-benefit assessment were performed. The incorporation of PEF in olive oil production reduced the malaxation stage by 33% without compromising the yield or extra-virgin classification. This efficiency leads to a potential 12.3% increase in annual olive oil production, with a 12.3% and 36.8% rise in revenue and gross profit, respectively. For small-scale production, the considerable upfront investment required for PEF equipment may be a challenge in terms of return on investment. In this scenario, opting for a renting scheme is the best economic solution, especially given the seasonal nature of olive oil production. In medium- to large-scale production, the investment in PEF is a sound investment since it is possible to achieve, with an equipment cost of EUR 450,000 and a production output of 5 tons per hour, an annual ROI of 20%.

In this work, the quality parameters of the oils of seven different varieties of olives (Olea europaea cvs, "Arbequina", "Arbosana", "Cobrançosa", "Cornicabra", "Koroneiki", "Cacereña", and "Chiquitita") grown in hedgerow under cold conditions during three consecutive seasons were analyzed in order to evaluate their adaptation to this growing system. For this purpose, virgin olive oils (VOOs) were extracted, and, in addition to evaluating the indices of hydrolytic, oxidative, and sensory deterioration of the oils, their content in photosynthetic pigments and their composition in fatty acids and phenolic compounds were determined. The correlation between oxidative stability and the parameters evaluated has been studied, with the highest correlation coefficients found for the ratio MUFA/PUFA (0.871) and the content of secoiridoid phenolic compounds (0.816). Furthermore, principal component analysis was performed with the phenolic composition data from each season, which demonstrated the major influence of genetic factors in the phenolic composition of VOO. None of the VOOs presented hydrolytic, oxidative, or sensory deterioration, so all of them remained in the "extra" category. However, it should be noted that the mean ultraviolet absorbance values were significantly higher in "Cornicabra" and significantly lower in "Cacereña" oils. In spite of this, the oxidative stability was significantly higher in "Cornicabra" oils (125 h), which also had the highest mean phenolic content (1035 mg kg−1 oil), while the lowest phenolic content values were found in "Arbequina" and "Chiquitita" (58 and 52 h, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In commercial terms, Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is considered an exceptional food with excellent sensory and nutritional quality due to its taste, odor, and bioactive compounds; as such, it is of great health interest. This quality can be affected by the oxidative degradation, both chemical and enzymatic (the activity of oxidative, endogenous enzymes from the polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase olive fruit type), of essential components during the extraction and conservation of EVOO. In the bibliography, oxygen reduction during the malaxation process and oil storage has been studied in different ways. However, research concerning oxygen reduction in the crushing of the olive fruit or the malaxation of the paste, or both, in the "real extraction condition" is scarce. Oxygen reduction has been compared to control conditions (the concentration of atmospheric oxygen (21%)). Batches of 200 kg of the olive fruit, 'Picual' cultivar, were used and the following treatments were applied: Control (21% O2 Mill–21% O2 Mixer), "IC-NM": Inerted crushing -Normal malaxation (6.25% O2 Mill-21% O2 Mixer), "NC-IM": Normal crushing-Inerted malaxation (21% O2 Mill-4.39% O2 Mixer) and "IC-IM": Inerted crushing -Inerted malaxation (5.5% O2 Mill-10.5% O2 Mixer). The parameters of commercial quality covered by regulation (free acidity, peroxide value and absorbency in ultra-violet (K232 and K270)) did not suffer any change concerning the control, and so the oils belong to the commercial category of "Extra Virgin Olive Oil". The phenolic compounds of the olives involved in the distinctive bitter and pungent taste, health properties, and oxidative stability are increased with the downsizing amounts of oxygen in the IC-NM, NC-IM, and IC-IM treatments with an average of 4, 10, and 20%, respectively. In contrast, the total amount of volatile compounds decreases by 10–20% in all oxygen reduction treatments. The volatile compounds arising from the lipoxygenase pathway, which are responsible for the green and fruity notes of EVOO, also decreased in concentration with the treatments by 15–20%. The results show how oxygen reduction in the milling and malaxation stages of olive fruit can modulate the content of phenols, volatile compounds, carotenoids, and chlorophyll pigments in the EVOO to avoid the degradation of the compound with sensorial and nutritional interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

初榨橄榄油生产环境相对开放，榨取橄榄油的原料、环境及设备中的微生物群都可能进入初榨橄榄油，对油脂品质产生影响。为全面认识初榨橄榄油中微生物群以及从微生物层面控制初榨橄榄油品质，从食品微生物学研究的视角，综述了初榨橄榄油中酵母菌、细菌和霉菌等主要微生物群，分析了油橄榄枝叶、果实和初榨橄榄油中的微生物群对油脂品质的影响，介绍了采后储存的油橄榄果实及储存期的初榨橄榄油品质与微生物群之间的关系，探讨了对有害微生物群影响初榨橄榄油品质的防控措施。研究认为酵母菌对初榨橄榄油储存期间的品质起主要的影响作用。通过避免采摘和储存过程中油橄榄果实的损伤，保证加工过程中清洗用水和设备的洁净，控制储存环境温度、光照和氧含量等措施，可以有效防控有害微生物对橄榄油品质的负面影响。 The production environment of virgin olive oil (VOO) is relatively open, and the microbiota in the raw materials, environment and equipment of extracting olive oil may enter VOO,which may have effects on the quality of VOO. In order to fully understand the microbiota in VOO and control the quality of VOO at the microbial level, the main microbial species in VOO, including yeasts, bacteria and moulds were reviewed from the perspective of food microbiology research. The influence of microbiota in olive branches, leaves, fruits and VOO on the quality of VOO was analyzed. The relationship between the VOO microbiota and the quality of postharvest olive fruits and oil products during storage was introduced, and the measures to prevent harmful microbiota affecting VOO quality were discussed. Overall, yeasts play a major role in the quality of VOO during storage. The negative effects of harmful microbiota on the quality of VOO can be prevented and controlled by avoiding the damage of the olive fruit during pickings and storage, by ensuring the clean of the water used to wash the olive fruit and processing equipment, and by controlling external factors such as temperature, light and oxygen content of the storage environment.

The olive oil sector is undergoing a technological transformation promoted by high international competitiveness. This transformation must be aligned with the concepts of industry 4.0 that are already well defined and implemented in other sectors. The integration of advanced sensorics in the process phase in which the quality of the manufactured product is inspected is key to responding in the shortest possible time to deviations in the desired quality. In this work, the results of the experimentation carried out with an e-tongue voltammetric sensor are presented to evaluate its potential in the detection of two of the organoleptic defects that appear more frequently in olive oil (musty and vinegary). This sensor has been built in the research group's laboratory and is made up of three metals in the measurement probe (nickel, silver and copper). Three classification algorithms (Support Vector Machines, Naïve Bayes and Classification Trees) were used and musty-type defect was identified with a success rate of 72%, while the vinegary-type defect was detected with a success rate of 84%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under climate change threats, there is a growing need to adapt the conventional agronomic practices used in rainfed olive orchards by sustainable practices, in order to ensure adequate crop yield and olive oil quality and to preserve soil health. Therefore, for two years, the effects of conventional tillage practice (T) and two sustainable soil management strategies, a leguminous cover crop (LC) and its combination with natural zeolites (ZL), on the yield, fatty acid composition, polyphenolic profile and quality indices of olive fruits and oil were evaluated. Crop yield was significantly increased by LC and ZL in the first year. Although in the second year no significant differences were verified, the cumulative yield increased significantly by 31.6% and 35.5% in LC and ZL trees, respectively. LC enhanced the moisture and size of olives, while ZL increased, in general, the concentrations of oleuropein, verbascoside, caffeic acid and epicatechin, as well the oleic/linoleic ratio in fruits and the levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol, tyrosol, verbascoside and caffeic acid in olive oil. Despite the higher concentration of total phenols in the fruits and oil from T trees in the warmer and dryer year, the quality of the oil decreased, mainly when compared with ZL, as evidenced by the peroxide value and K232 and K270 coefficients. In short, both sustainable soil management strategies appear to be promising practices to implement in olive orchards under rainfed conditions, but the innovative strategy of combining zeolites with legume cover crops, first reported in the present study, confers advantages from a nutritional and technological point of view. Nevertheless, studies subjected to the long-term use of these practices should be conducted to ensure the sustainability of the crop yield and olive oil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to a sustainable economic and environmental management of olive oil sector needs to be implemented in both national and regional territories through the introduction and development of innovative growing systems and variety. In this study, the olive oil quality parameters of local and allochthonous varieties cultivated in different orchards located in the Abruzzo region (Italy), using traditional and super high-density systems, were analyzed. Frantene, Lecciana, Koroneiki, and a mix of Arbequina and Lecciana provided olive oils rich in flavonoids and secoiridoids compounds with respect to the local varieties Frantoio, Leccino, and a mix of Dritta, Leccino, and Pendolino. Oleic/linoleic ratio was influenced by cultivar and training systems with super high-density olive oils rich in oleic acid. Frantene showed a peculiar fatty acid profile different from cultivars grown in the same location; moreover, interesting similarities were found between Frantene and the mix of Dritta, Leccino, and Pendolino in terms of health-related compounds. The potential development of innovative sustainable training system to improve olive oil quality was highlighted. The study's results identify olive varieties suitable for super high-density systems spread in the Abruzzo region, representing a valid alternative for the olive growers to improve both the quality of the olive oil, as well as the company's income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate damage rate and impact of Bactrocera oleae on olive oil quality on the ‘Cyprus Local’ and ‘Gemlik’ cultivars in Northern Cyprus. This study included 11 olive groves which were located in two different districts. A total of 11 olive groves from two separate cities (Güzelyurt and Girne) were selected during the maturity time where cvs, ‘Cyprus Local’ and ‘Gemlik’ are grown intensively. Two hundred and fifty fruits (25 fruits/10 trees) were randomly selected from each orchard and the damaged fruits were counted. These data were compared with the environmental conditions to determine relationships among the damage rates and environmental conditions.The results showed that the damage rate of olive fruit fly had a moderate correlation with the temperature, while the temperatures above 20°C were found to provoke the highest damage rate on both cultivars. Moreover, the results showed that cv. ‘Cyprus Local’ is more sensitive to olive fruit fly damage, especially at higher temperatures. An important result of the current work is that an increase in the damage rate raises the acidity ratio of the fruits and reduces the fruit quality.

Cross‐batch contamination in a decanter centrifuge during virgin olive oil production cannot be avoided using current technology. The extent of this contamination is investigated using industrial‐scale tests, by measuring the volatile profile and color on three consecutive oil batches, collected at the decanter outlet at different extraction times. The extent of contamination varied, pointing out qualitative consequences, as defective molecules are found. The latter are often active at low concentrations, and the measured cross‐batch contamination can lead both to the downgrading of large batches of virgin olive oils and to the adulteration of monovarietal and certified productions. An innovative method, based on the direct determination of the color (L and a* coordinates) of oil at the outlet of the decanter is able to identify the same compositional change point indicated by gas chromatography, and could be successfully used to mitigate the effects of cross‐batch contamination. Practical applications: An in‐line colorimetric system can be implemented at the decanter outlet to detect the point of change between different olive batches. Otherwise, the virgin olive oil exiting from the decanter at the beginning of one batch can be collected separately in order to avoid the contamination due to the previous batch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterocera oleae is the most common olive fruit pest in Jordan. The high incidence of olive fruit infestation with fruit fly in its stages of larvae and pupa is a common problem in olive oil production. Although not detected by simple means, it is believed to impart a “Grubby” taste that is detected only by experts and results in lowering the value of the oil from infested fruits. The effect of damage caused by B. oleae depends on the degree of infestation which is manifested in the presence of exit holes (EH) produced by the full-grown larvae which destroy the fruit skin and expose it to oxygen and other destructive factors like fungi. This results in the acceleration of hydrolytic and oxidative types of rancidity which can be estimated by measuring oil acidity (FFA) and peroxide value (PV). This review covers the literature related to the effect of olive fruit fly infestation on the quality of olive fruits and oil and the methods used in its control and detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of kaolin foliar treatments in olive growing is a well-established approach that aims at protecting crops from the negative impacts of environmental stresses and from insect pests. The use of zeolite particle films is a far more recent technique. The experimentation was carried out on Correggiolo cv. cultivated in the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy). Foliar treatments were performed in summer until olive harvest. Ripening index, weight, and the oil content of olives were measured. Acidity, peroxide numbers, K232, K270 and total phenols were evaluated as well as fatty acid profiles, determined via GC-FID and phenolic compounds; vitamins and pigments were determined via HPLC-DAD. Quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) sensory analysis and taint tests were performed. Olives treated with zeolite showed higher oil contents, and the oil obtained exhibited higher contents of total phenols, tyrosol and deacetoxy oleuropein aglycon with respect to the oils produced with kaolin and the control oil. Oils produced from kaolin-treated olives showed sensory profiles characterized by notes of berries (that are not typical of the Correggiolo cultivar). In the scenario of environment-friendly oil production, treatments employing zeolitite particle films represent both a valid alternative to chemical insecticide against olive fly attack and a practice that has a positive influence on the overall oil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of investigating the effect of bruising and its development during the postharvest time, olive fruits (Frantoio and Moraiolo), manually and mechanically harvested, were stored in climatic chambers at two different temperatures (5 °C and 18 °C) for five days. Visual observations highlighted changes in the olive peel with discoloration in the damaged areas and tissue bruising. Olive fruit polyphenols, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other oil quality parameters (phenolic content, free acidity and peroxide index) and sensory assessment were evaluated. Analyses were carried out on fruits and experimental extra virgin oils at harvesting and after 5 days of fruit storage. The results highlight that low-temperature storage (5 °C for 5 days) may contribute to the maintenance of high olive oil quality, and the quality of olives stored at room temperature drastically decreases after 5 days of storage. Moreover, mechanical harvesting, compared to manual harvesting, does not seem to affect the final oil quality, at least at harvesting, but seems to determine differences in the long-term storage period. Finally, the samples stored at 18 °C showed a quality deterioration with the development of sensorial defects.

In this work, the quality parameters of the oils of seven different varieties of olives (Olea europaea cvs, “Arbequina”, “Arbosana”, “Cobrançosa”, “Cornicabra”, “Koroneiki”, “Cacereña”, and “Chiquitita”) grown in hedgerow under cold conditions during three consecutive seasons were analyzed in order to evaluate their adaptation to this growing system. For this purpose, virgin olive oils (VOOs) were extracted, and, in addition to evaluating the indices of hydrolytic, oxidative, and sensory deterioration of the oils, their content in photosynthetic pigments and their composition in fatty acids and phenolic compounds were determined. The correlation between oxidative stability and the parameters evaluated has been studied, with the highest correlation coefficients found for the ratio MUFA/PUFA (0.871) and the content of secoiridoid phenolic compounds (0.816). Furthermore, principal component analysis was performed with the phenolic composition data from each season, which demonstrated the major influence of genetic factors in the phenolic composition of VOO. None of the VOOs presented hydrolytic, oxidative, or sensory deterioration, so all of them remained in the “extra” category. However, it should be noted that the mean ultraviolet absorbance values were significantly higher in “Cornicabra” and significantly lower in “Cacereña” oils. In spite of this, the oxidative stability was significantly higher in “Cornicabra” oils (125 h), which also had the highest mean phenolic content (1035 mg kg−1 oil), while the lowest phenolic content values were found in “Arbequina” and “Chiquitita” (58 and 52 h, respectively).

Among the various parameters affecting olive oil quality, ripening stage is one of the most important. Optimal harvest time ensuring target quality for the final product varies in relation to the effect of many intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Therefore, its determination necessitates thorough examination of each case. The present study explores the impact of six harvest times on volatile profile and quality attributes of olive oils from "Chondrolia Chalkidikis" Greek cultivar. All samples examined were classified "Virgin Olive Oils" (VOOs) according to findings of acidity, peroxide, and K values. The low values for the principal official quality indices, the high oleic acid percentages (76–78%), the high oxidative stabilities (up to 36 h induction period), and phenols content (606–290 mg/kg) were considered nutritionally promising. Total phenols, carotenoids and chlorophylls contents, as well as oxidative stability (induction period values) decreased with ripening. Harvest time had a strong impact on HS-SPME–GC–MS volatile fingerprint. Optimal volatile profiles were related to intermediate examined ripening stages. Fatty acid composition did not show remarkable trends. Chondrolia Chalkidikis VOOs perform as interesting candidates of high quality. Findings of the study may support existing databases with scientific records for Chondrolia Chalkidikis VOOs, boost their competitiveness in the global market, and encourage worldwide exploitation of VOOs from similar cultivars (table olives oriented). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of virgin olive oil (VOO) is largely determined by the technology used in the industrial process of extracting the oil. Technological innovations within this field aim to strike a proper balance between oil yield and the optimal chemical composition of VOO. The application of pulsed electric fields (PEF) that cause the electroporation of the plant cell membranes favors a more efficient breakage of the olive fruit tissue, which in turn could facilitate the extraction of the oil and some of its key minor components. Pilot-scale and industrial extraction tests have been conducted to assess the effect of PEF technology on the oil extraction yield and on the organoleptic and functional quality of VOO. The best results were obtained by combining the PEF treatment (2 kV/cm) with short malaxation times and a low processing temperature. Under these conditions, PEF technology could decisively improve the oil yield by up to 25% under optimal conditions and enhance the incorporation of phenolic and volatile compounds into the oils. The PEF treatment neither affected the physicochemical parameters used to determine the commercial categories of olive oils, nor the tocopherol content. Similarly, the sensory evaluation of the PEF-extracted oils by means of a panel test did not detect the appearance of any defect or off-flavor. In addition, the intensity of positive attributes (fruity, bitter and pungent) was generally higher in PEF oils than in control oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkey is considered the homeland of olives and is one of the important olive oil producers of the world. With the increasing number of trees, the necessity to complete olive harvest in a short time, like 3-4 months, makes mechanization necessary. The use of mechanical devices during olive harvest causes an increase in the number of leaves, shoots, and branches in the harvested product. Leaf separation systems used in cleaning non-olive materials in olives are generally inadequate in cleaning olives containing dense leaves obtained due to the use of new generation harvesting machines. For this reason, to develop an innovative sorting/cleaning prototype to provide more efficient cleaning, it is necessary to determine the machine efficiency, oil efficiency, olive oil quality and composition of machines. Total phenolics, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, induction period and DPPH antioxidant activity values of olive oil obtained after traditional suction fan system (TSFS) application were higher than olive oils obtained after new generation blown and drum sieve system (NGBDSS) application. However, the a-tocopherol content of olives was low in the samples obtained by TSFS. The fatty acid composition of olive oils obtained from both applications was similar. Our study determined that there were 13 volatile compounds in the olive oil obtained after applying the TSFS, and there were 6 volatile compounds in the olive oil obtained with the application of NGBDSS. When the sensory properties of olive oils were analyzed, it was found that olive oils obtained from both applications were similar to the fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency of olive oils obtained after applying NGBDSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The olive tree, an iconic symbol of the Mediterranean basin, is the object of growing international interest in the production of olive oil for the world food market. In Tunisia, which is the fourth-largest producer of olive oil in the world, the production of olives and olive oil is of great socio-economic importance. Cultivation is widespread from north to south, but it is carried out using traditional techniques that results in extremely irregular production levels. To maintain their competitiveness on the international market, Tunisian producers must improve the quality of the oil through breeding plans that enhance the rich genetic heritage that is still not adequately exploited. The objective of this review is to present the state of olive breeding in Tunisia, illustrating the opportunities available for a better use of the rich Tunisian genetic heritage, the challenges it must face, and the need to multiply the efforts for sustainability, even in the light of the challenges posed by climate changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil degradation processes and climate change threaten the sustainability of Mediterranean rainfed olive orchards, with repercussions on crop yield and quality of olives, olive oil and olive by-products. Using soil amendments can enhance soil fertility for sustained environmental quality and plant performance. For two years, we evaluated, under rainfed conditions, the effects of a fertilizer compound (FC) and its combination with zeolites (ZL) and biochar (BC) amendments on soil moisture, yield, fruit and oil polyphenols and quality indices. The polyphenolic composition was strongly influenced by treatments, although no effects were observed on crop yield. ZL improved soil moisture (average increase of 26.3% compared to FC), fruit fatty acid composition (increase of 12.4% in oleic/linoleic ratio in 2018) and oil quality, BC enhanced the concentrations of polyphenols with high nutritional value (average annual increase of 25.6, 84.8 and 11.6% for 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol, oleuropein and rutin, respectively). In contrast, olive oil from FC fruits showed the poorest quality, with oxidation and hydrolytic breakdown signals. The applied soil amendments appear to be a promising sustainable strategy to implement in olive rainfed orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review sought to describe the role played by some components of the microbiota of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), particularly yeasts, in structuring the physicochemical and sensorial quality of freshly produced olive oil. Yeasts can survive during the entire storage period of the product. To date, approximately 25 yeast species isolated from oil produced in more than six countries have been identified, eight of which are classified as new species. Some yeast species improve the health qualities of oil, whereas many others improve the chemical composition and sensory characteristics based on β‐glucosidase and esterase enzymes, which are involved in the hydrolysis of the bitter glucoside known as oleuropein. However, some species, which are typically favoured by the high water content in the oily matrix, such as lipase‐producing yeasts, can worsen the initial chemical characteristics of EVOO oil during storage. Some physical treatments that are compatible with the EVOO production specification affect the biotic component of the oil by reducing the concentration of yeasts. The possibility of minimizing the invasive action on the biotic component of the oil by appropriately selecting the physical treatment for each oil is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In olive oil extraction processes, different operating methods used for the preparation of olive pastes significantly affect their rheological characteristics, as well as the extraction yields and qualitative characteristics of the oils. To enhance and improve the characteristics of high-quality EVOOs (Extra Virgin Olive Oils), milling technologies have implemented olive pitting in the preparation of olive pastes to be processed for olive oil extraction. Commonly used pitting machines employ the percussion and centrifugal projection of drupes, which often involve the heating of pastes, breaking of kernels, and emulsion of oils. Aiming to improve olive oil pitting processes, the CREA Research Centre for Engineering and Agri-food Processing in Treviglio, Italy, has conceived an alternative method, which is based on the low-speed constriction and mutual abrasion of drupes inside a rotative working chamber. This paper describes the process that led to the hypothesis of an innovative pitting method and to the validation of the hypothesis through the development of a lab-scale pitter prototype. The development steps and the assessment of the results of the prototype trials are reported.

In commercial terms, Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is considered an exceptional food with excellent sensory and nutritional quality due to its taste, odor, and bioactive compounds; as such, it is of great health interest. This quality can be affected by the oxidative degradation, both chemical and enzymatic (the activity of oxidative, endogenous enzymes from the polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase olive fruit type), of essential components during the extraction and conservation of EVOO. In the bibliography, oxygen reduction during the malaxation process and oil storage has been studied in different ways. However, research concerning oxygen reduction in the crushing of the olive fruit or the malaxation of the paste, or both, in the “real extraction condition” is scarce. Oxygen reduction has been compared to control conditions (the concentration of atmospheric oxygen (21%)). Batches of 200 kg of the olive fruit, ‘Picual’ cultivar, were used and the following treatments were applied: Control (21% O2 Mill–21% O2 Mixer), “IC-NM”: Inerted crushing -Normal malaxation (6.25% O2 Mill-21% O2 Mixer), “NC-IM”: Normal crushing-Inerted malaxation (21% O2 Mill-4.39% O2 Mixer) and “IC-IM”: Inerted crushing -Inerted malaxation (5.5% O2 Mill-10.5% O2 Mixer). The parameters of commercial quality covered by regulation (free acidity, peroxide value and absorbency in ultra-violet (K232 and K270)) did not suffer any change concerning the control, and so the oils belong to the commercial category of “Extra Virgin Olive Oil”. The phenolic compounds of the olives involved in the distinctive bitter and pungent taste, health properties, and oxidative stability are increased with the downsizing amounts of oxygen in the IC-NM, NC-IM, and IC-IM treatments with an average of 4, 10, and 20%, respectively. In contrast, the total amount of volatile compounds decreases by 10–20% in all oxygen reduction treatments. The volatile compounds arising from the lipoxygenase pathway, which are responsible for the green and fruity notes of EVOO, also decreased in concentration with the treatments by 15–20%. The results show how oxygen reduction in the milling and malaxation stages of olive fruit can modulate the content of phenols, volatile compounds, carotenoids, and chlorophyll pigments in the EVOO to avoid the degradation of the compound with sensorial and nutritional interest.

The transition to a sustainable economic and environmental management of olive oil sector needs to be implemented in both national and regional territories through the introduction and development of innovative growing systems and variety. In this study, the olive oil quality parameters of local and allochthonous varieties cultivated in different orchards located in the Abruzzo region (Italy), using traditional and super high-density systems, were analyzed. Frantene, Lecciana, Koroneiki, and a mix of Arbequina and Lecciana provided olive oils rich in flavonoids and secoiridoids compounds with respect to the local varieties Frantoio, Leccino, and a mix of Dritta, Leccino, and Pendolino. Oleic/linoleic ratio was influenced by cultivar and training systems with super high-density olive oils rich in oleic acid. Frantene showed a peculiar fatty acid profile different from cultivars grown in the same location; moreover, interesting similarities were found between Frantene and the mix of Dritta, Leccino, and Pendolino in terms of health-related compounds. The potential development of innovative sustainable training system to improve olive oil quality was highlighted. The study’s results identify olive varieties suitable for super high-density systems spread in the Abruzzo region, representing a valid alternative for the olive growers to improve both the quality of the olive oil, as well as the company’s income.

Under climate change threats, there is a growing need to adapt the conventional agronomic practices used in rainfed olive orchards by sustainable practices, in order to ensure adequate crop yield and olive oil quality and to preserve soil health. Therefore, for two years, the effects of conventional tillage practice (T) and two sustainable soil management strategies, a leguminous cover crop (LC) and its combination with natural zeolites (ZL), on the yield, fatty acid composition, polyphenolic profile and quality indices of olive fruits and oil were evaluated. Crop yield was significantly increased by LC and ZL in the first year. Although in the second year no significant differences were verified, the cumulative yield increased significantly by 31.6% and 35.5% in LC and ZL trees, respectively. LC enhanced the moisture and size of olives, while ZL increased, in general, the concentrations of oleuropein, verbascoside, caffeic acid and epicatechin, as well the oleic/linoleic ratio in fruits and the levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol, tyrosol, verbascoside and caffeic acid in olive oil. Despite the higher concentration of total phenols in the fruits and oil from T trees in the warmer and dryer year, the quality of the oil decreased, mainly when compared with ZL, as evidenced by the peroxide value and K232 and K270 coefficients. In short, both sustainable soil management strategies appear to be promising practices to implement in olive orchards under rainfed conditions, but the innovative strategy of combining zeolites with legume cover crops, first reported in the present study, confers advantages from a nutritional and technological point of view. Nevertheless, studies subjected to the long-term use of these practices should be conducted to ensure the sustainability of the crop yield and olive oil quality.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the key quality characteristics of olive oil with a main focus on the biophenolic content, its beneficial effects on health and the contribution of various quality characteristics to its health claims, as well as its influence from various parameters. Samples from different traditional oil-producing regions of Greece were initially examined for the most important quality parameters, such as the percentage of free acidity, the number of peroxides and the spectrophotometric investigation in the ultraviolet. The samples were then tested for their biophenolic content, expressed in milligrams of tyrosol, and its derivatives per 20 g of olive oil using the analytical technique high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Then, the biophenol contents of the analyzed samples were compared based on the presented intensities in terms of the variety and the area of cultivation, the altitude, the type of cultivation, the extraction system in the mill and the time interval from olive harvest to oiling. Finally, according to the results, the content of biophenols in olive oil and its health claims were found to be influenced by the various parameters with which they were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive oil mills and enterprises demand fast and low-cost detection of adulteration from vegetable and seed oils, such as hazelnut, sunflower, soybean, cannabis, corn and almond oil, according to their food fraud mitigation plans. This study describes a method for the detection of adulteration using the k232 and k268 (specific extinctions at wavelengths 232 nm and 268 nm, respectively), and the Δk (the variation of the absolute value of the extinction) values as independent variables in chemometric approaches. Different percentages of seed oils were added to the extra virgin olive oil and the results showed that vegetable and seed oil adulteration above 7.5% (w/w) was easily detected. The developed methodology is low cost, rapid, and simple for adoption by olive oil enterprises in comparison to other techniques. This is the first time that such an easy method may be applied for the olive mills for the protection of consumers using a well-organized food fraud mitigation plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of kaolin foliar treatments in olive growing is a well-established approach that aims at protecting crops from the negative impacts of environmental stresses and from insect pests. The use of zeolite particle films is a far more recent technique. The experimentation was carried out on Correggiolo cv. cultivated in the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy). Foliar treatments were performed in summer until olive harvest. Ripening index, weight, and the oil content of olives were measured. Acidity, peroxide numbers, K232, K270 and total phenols were evaluated as well as fatty acid profiles, determined via GC-FID and phenolic compounds; vitamins and pigments were determined via HPLC-DAD. Quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) sensory analysis and taint tests were performed. Olives treated with zeolite showed higher oil contents, and the oil obtained exhibited higher contents of total phenols, tyrosol and deacetoxy oleuropein aglycon with respect to the oils produced with kaolin and the control oil. Oils produced from kaolin-treated olives showed sensory profiles characterized by notes of berries (that are not typical of the Correggiolo cultivar). In the scenario of environment-friendly oil production, treatments employing zeolitite particle films represent both a valid alternative to chemical insecticide against olive fly attack and a practice that has a positive influence on the overall oil quality.

Olive growing in Palestine plays an important role at social and economic levels. Nevertheless, the quality of olive oil produced in the country has not been fully addressed. This study examined oil content, peroxide values, acid values, fatty acid profile, and total phenolic content for old olive trees located in different climatic regions in Palestine during the years 2008-2010. Oil content was determined using both Soxhlet and Abencor systems. Acid and peroxide values were determined using standard methods. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-spectrophotometric method. Gas chromatography was used to analyze the main fatty acids found in olive oil e.g., palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic. Different ratios indicating olive oil quality were also determined e.g., sum ratio of unsaturated fatty acids to the sum of saturated fatty acids; ratio between the sum of monounsaturated fatty acids to the sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the ratio between the oleic to linoleic fatty acids. Significant differences were found between geographic regions for the overall studied oil parameters. Wide variation ranges were obtained for fatty acids in the different West Bank locations in the three years. The major fatty acids in the olive oil samples were found to be oleic, palmitic, stearic, linoleic, and palmitoleic acids. The oil samples were found to contain more oleic acid and less linoleic and linolenic acids that is, more monounsaturated than polyunsaturated fatty acids. Total phenolic content was found to range from 125.0-978.0, 207.4-763.8, and 103.0-747.6 mg/kg in 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. The acidity percentage was in the range of 0.10%-1.05%, 0.11%-1.29%, and 0.10%-1.91% in 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. Peroxide values ranged from 2.26-13.1, 2.94-14.95, and 2.49-17.21 in 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In olive oil extraction processes, different operating methods used for the preparation of olive pastes significantly affect their rheological characteristics, as well as the extraction yields and qualitative characteristics of the oils. To enhance and improve the characteristics of highquality EVOOs (Extra Virgin Olive Oils), milling technologies have implemented olive pitting in the preparation of olive pastes to be processed for olive oil extraction. Commonly used pitting machines employ the percussion and centrifugal projection of drupes, which often involve the heating of pastes, breaking of kernels, and emulsion of oils. Aiming to improve olive oil pitting processes, the CREA Research Centre for Engineering and Agri-food Processing in Treviglio, Italy, has conceived an alternative method, which is based on the low-speed constriction and mutual abrasion of drupes inside a rotative working chamber. This paper describes the process that led to the hypothesis of an innovative pitting method and to the validation of the hypothesis through the development of a lab-scale pitter prototype. The development steps and the assessment of the results of the prototype trials are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Irrigation is very remarkable mainly in the reduction of the pigments, alpha tocopherols, oleic acid, and total phenol compound contents. • Oil composition and quality can be directly affected by irrigation. • Qualitative and quantitative compositional analysis showed that several oil parameters significantly decreased in the freshwater irrigated plot more than the rainfall plot. Water scarcity is a real challenge in the Mediterranean countries such as Tunisia. Currently, in Tunisia, about 80% of the resources are allocated to the agricultural sector. The irrigated areas are estimated at 420000 ha, consist of 220000 ha of public perimeters and 200000 ha of private perimeters. In arid and semi-arid regions of central and southern Tunisia, the cultivation of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is an important widespread activity, mainly due to its great adaptability to the conditions of water deficit and its nutritional value. Olive oil is a susceptible product, its quality and organoleptic characteristics can be influenced by several factors from harvest to storage, such as irrigation. The results obtained in the present study allowed classifying the monovarietal oils samples in the extra virgin category. In general, the impact of irrigation is very remarkable, mainly in the reduction of the pigments, alpha tocopherols, oleic acid, and total phenol compound contents. This decrease recorded in these various parameters is found in olive oil produced from trees grown under daily irrigation in Ksar Ouled Debbab. The data registered in this present work revealed that oil composition and quality could be directly affected by irrigation. Our results can give useful indications for explaining more the relation between irrigation strategies and olive oil quality: Qualitative and quantitative compositional analysis showed that several oil parameters significantly decreased in the freshwater irrigated plot more than the rainfall plot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of water and content of solid particles, taken together as well as separately, on stability of veiled olive oil. The following oil samples were obtained through four different separation treatments: veiled, filtered, 'solid-only', and 'water-only'. Changes in chemical, microbial, and sensory characteristics were evaluated during storage (240 days). A significant effect of hydrolysis was shown in veiled and 'water only' oils; in 'solid-only' oils, a slow increase of phenols was observed. A notable microbial activity, with resulting formation of volatile metabolites and sensory defects, was observed in veiled samples. Filtered oils underwent less significant changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil degradation processes and climate change threaten the sustainability of Mediterranean rainfed olive orchards, with repercussions on crop yield and quality of olives, olive oil and olive by-products. Using soil amendments can enhance soil fertility for sustained environmental quality and plant performance. For two years, we evaluated, under rainfed conditions, the effects of a fertilizer compound (FC) and its combination with zeolites (ZL) and biochar (BC) amendments on soil moisture, yield, fruit and oil polyphenols and quality indices. The polyphenolic composition was strongly influenced by treatments, although no effects were observed on crop yield. ZL improved soil moisture (average increase of 26.3% compared to FC), fruit fatty acid composition (increase of 12.4% in oleic/linoleic ratio in 2018) and oil quality, BC enhanced the concentrations of polyphenols with high nutritional value (average annual increase of 25.6, 84.8 and 11.6% for 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol, oleuropein and rutin, respectively). In contrast, olive oil from FC fruits showed the poorest quality, with oxidation and hydrolytic breakdown signals. The applied soil amendments appear to be a promising sustainable strategy to implement in olive rainfed orchards.

The quality of virgin olive oil (VOO) is largely determined by the technology used in the industrial process of extracting the oil. Technological innovations within this field aim to strike a proper balance between oil yield and the optimal chemical composition of VOO. The application of pulsed electric fields (PEF) that cause the electroporation of the plant cell membranes favors a more efficient breakage of the olive fruit tissue, which in turn could facilitate the extraction of the oil and some of its key minor components. Pilot-scale and industrial extraction tests have been conducted to assess the effect of PEF technology on the oil extraction yield and on the organoleptic and functional quality of VOO. The best results were obtained by combining the PEF treatment (2 kV/cm) with short malaxation times and a low processing temperature. Under these conditions, PEF technology could decisively improve the oil yield by up to 25% under optimal conditions and enhance the incorporation of phenolic and volatile compounds into the oils. The PEF treatment neither affected the physicochemical parameters used to determine the commercial categories of olive oils, nor the tocopherol content. Similarly, the sensory evaluation of the PEF-extracted oils by means of a panel test did not detect the appearance of any defect or off-flavor. In addition, the intensity of positive attributes (fruity, bitter and pungent) was generally higher in PEF oils than in control oils.

The olive tree, an iconic symbol of the Mediterranean basin, is the object of growing international interest in the production of olive oil for the world food market. In Tunisia, which is the fourth-largest producer of olive oil in the world, the production of olives and olive oil is of great socio-economic importance. Cultivation is widespread from north to south, but it is carried out using traditional techniques that results in extremely irregular production levels. To maintain their competitiveness on the international market, Tunisian producers must improve the quality of the oil through breeding plans that enhance the rich genetic heritage that is still not adequately exploited. The objective of this review is to present the state of olive breeding in Tunisia, illustrating the opportunities available for a better use of the rich Tunisian genetic heritage, the challenges it must face, and the need to multiply the efforts for sustainability, even in the light of the challenges posed by climate changes.

The objective of this study is to assess the effects of installation and operation of a high-power ultrasound machine (HPU) for the treatment of olive paste by using ultrasound technology in order to evaluate the best way installation and the best definition of the operating conditions of the machine. The study was conducted installing in an industrial olive oil mill a continuous processing ultrasound machine, which used a frequency of 20 kHz able to work at 3200 kg h−1 as feed capacity. Checking of performance has been carried out by the assessment of the different operating and process conditions, assessing in particular the impact of the ultrasound treatment before and after the malaxation phase on performance indicators of the continuous olive oil plant (plant extractability, olive paste rheological characteristic) and on selected chemical properties of the olive oil extracted (quality parameters, antioxidant content, and volatile profiles). In the tested conditions, high-power ultrasound treatment did not produce significant effect on the legal parameters (free acidity, peroxide index and spectrophotometric indexes), while a significant increase in the content of phenolic compounds was generally observed; higher enhancements were more evident when the high-power ultrasound treatment was carried out before the malaxation phase.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the key quality characteristics of olive oil with a main focus on the biophenolic content, its beneficial effects on health and the contribution of various quality characteristics to its health claims, as well as its influence from various parameters. Samples from different traditional oil-producing regions of Greece were initially examined for the most important quality parameters, such as the percentage of free acidity, the number of peroxides and the spectrophotometric investigation in the ultraviolet. The samples were then tested for their biophenolic content, expressed in milligrams of tyrosol, and its derivatives per 20 g of olive oil using the analytical technique high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Then, the biophenol contents of the analyzed samples were compared based on the presented intensities in terms of the variety and the area of cultivation, the altitude, the type of cultivation, the extraction system in the mill and the time interval from olive harvest to oiling. Finally, according to the results, the content of biophenols in olive oil and its health claims were found to be influenced by the various parameters with which they were compared.

Several factors affect the volatile fraction of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). In this work, three advanced breeding selections and "Picual" cultivar are evaluated in comparative fields under different climatic conditions, to test and quantify the effect of genetic (G) and environmental (E) factors and their interaction (GxE). Significant differences between genotypes and environments are found for EVOO's volatile composition, except for C5/linoleic (LA) and terpenes. Genetic factor influences the volatile profile, mainly C6/linolenic (LnA) and C5/LnA compounds for which genotype represents up to 46% and 45.2% of the total variation, respectively. The environmental factor represents the 62% of the variation in total volatile content. On the contrary, significant GxE interaction is only found for C6/LA and esters. In qualitative terms, EVOOs from "Picual" and "IFAPA111‐2" differentiate from those of "IFAPA117‐117" and "IFAPA117‐120" genotypes due to their volatile profiles. In quantitative terms, EVOO from "IFAPA111‐2" genotype show the highest total volatile content. Practical Applications: The results reveal a qualitative and quantitative differentiation among olive genotypes regarding their EVOOs' volatile fractions, demonstrating that breeding selections can be a suitable alternative for cultivar diversification in olive orchards and extend the commercial offer of EVOOs regarding to aroma characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stone recovery in the olive oil extraction process can be an opportunity to increase both incomes and environmental sustainability. To this aim a new partial de‐stoning machine (called Moliden) is installed at the first stage of an olive oil extraction plant to investigate its influence on the quality and sustainability of the extraction process. Quantitative and qualitative results are compared with those achieved using a conventional extraction process. Despite the 60% of stone recovered, no significant differences are registered for oil yield and extractability. A high‐quality biomass is recovered by the partial de‐stoner machine, belonging to A1 class quality when compared to the standard of the wood pellet, with the only exception of the moisture content. The partial de‐stoning also improves the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) quality in terms of hydrophilic phenols resulting in an enhancement of bitter and pungent sensory notes and most of all provides a beneficial effect for human health. Practical Applications: The new concept of partial de‐stoner machine proposed in this work allows reducing the equipment employed in the extraction process of olive oil, since it consists of two sections: crushing and de‐stoning. When compared with a standard unit, which recover pits from pomace, it provides a higher quality stone to be used as a biomass fuel. This leads to economic benefits for the millers and has a significant impact on the environmental sustainability of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical characterisation was carried out on samples of virgin olive oil obtained from three different cultivars, which were cultivated in three geographic areas of the Albanian territory. Two cultivars were typical of Albania (Kalinjoti and UBT Tiranë), while the third was originally from Spain (Arbequina). The olives, that came from three different geographical areas (in Albania) were obtained during the 2016-2017 harvesting season. Several evaluations have been carried out in order to determine qualitative parameters (free acidity, peroxide value and UV spectrophotometric indices), chemical composition of three classes of compounds (fatty acids, phenols and tocopherols) and genuineness (ΔECN42) of the analysed olive oils. The obtained results showed the Arbequina and UBT Tiranë cultivars characterised by significantly higher acidity values than those observed in Kalinjoti cultivar, which showed lower values also regarding the number of peroxides. No variations were instead evidenced in the UV spectrophotometric indices. Regarding the fatty acid profiles, the Arbequina cultivar grown in the Albanian territory resulted poorer of w9 isomer of oleic acid but, at the same time, showed greater concentrations of the w7 isomer. The UBT Tiranë was instead characterised by a lower content of linoleic acid compared to the other two cultivars. A further parameter worthy of attention concerned the total content of polyphenols, which are present at particularly higher concentrations in the Kalinjoti cultivar, whereas tochopherols seem to be more represented in the UBT Tiranë. This work, as a whole, has highlighted the undoubted strengths of Kalinjoti cultivar, which has been characterised by parameters that should guarantee superior health properties, and therefore should be of more interest for the consumer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is one of the main waste streams of olive processing and its disposal can represent a relevant environmental issue in Mediterranean countries. OMW is characterised by high pollutant load, salinity and phytotoxic levels of polyphenols, but also by a high amount of organic compounds and plant mineral nutrients. This study aimed to investigate the OMW reuse as a whole effluent for its soil conditioner and fertilizer potentialities in agriculture, in the frame work of circular economy. Methods: For this purpose, OMW was applied at three doses (50, 100 and 200 m3 ha−1 year−1) over three successive years in olive field. Soil physico-chemical characteristics, enzymes activities and microbial properties, olive yield and olive oil quality were analysed. Results: The findings revealed that the electrical conductivity, organic matter, total nitrogen, sodium, and potassium soil contents increased proportionally with OMW concentration and application frequency in the soil OMW-treated layers. Compared to their control soil counterparts, aerobic bacteria and fungi increased in proportion with the OMW spreading rates. Furthermore, all the soil enzyme activities tested (dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase and urease) were enhanced in the OMW-amended soils compared to the control. Vegetative activity and olive yield showed improvement according to the OMW level spread. With the only exception of the phenol content, which was significantly higher in the oils extracted from OMW treated olive trees than the control, the oil quality parameters did not show any significant difference. Conclusions: OMW agronomic application constitutes a suitable practice to better manage this effluent, with positive effects on olive production and oil quality. Consequently, OMW could be considered as a useful and low cost fertilizer in olive orchard requiring the use of suitable doses especially in the Mediterranean area where this practice has been extended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The NIRS demonstrates a good potential for rapid and non-destructive measurement of olive oil quality parameters. • The use of variable selection algorithms helps to reduce complexity and noise. • The selection of the appropriate wavelengths led to a good calibration. • The portable device for olive oil analysis can generate good results with the appropriate approach for calibration. Olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean diet, rich in antioxidants and beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids. As a result, high-quality olive oil is in great demand, with its price varying depending on its quality. Traditional chemical tests for assessing olive oil quality are expensive and time-consuming. To address these limitations, this study explores the use of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in predicting key quality parameters of olive oil, including acidity, K232, and K270. To this end, a set of 200 olive oil samples was collected from various agricultural regions of Morocco, covering all three quality categories (extra virgin, virgin, and ordinary virgin). The findings of this study have implications for reducing analysis time and costs associated with olive oil quality assessment. To predict olive oil quality parameters, chemical analysis was conducted in accordance with international standards, while the spectra were obtained using a portable NIR spectrometer. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was employed along with various variable selection algorithms to establish the relationship between wavelengths and chemical data in order to accurately predict the quality parameters. Through this approach, the study aimed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of olive oil quality assessment. The obtained results show that NIRS combined with machine learning accurately predicted the acidity using iPLS methods for variable selection, it generates a PLSR with coefficients of determination R2 = 0.94, root mean square error RMSE = 0.32 and ratios of standard error of performance to standard deviation RPD = 4.2 for the validation set. Also, the use of variable selection methods improves the quality of the prediction. For K232 and K270 the NIRS shows moderate prediction performance, it gave an R2 between 0.60 and 0.75. Generally, the results showed that it was possible to predict acidity K232, and K270 parameters with excellent to moderate accuracy for the two last parameters. Moreover, it was also possible to distinguish between different quality groups of olive oil using the principal component analysis PCA, and the use of variable selection helps to use the useful wavelength for the prediction olive oil using a portable NIR spectrometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]