Biophenolic Compounds Influence the In-Mouth Perceived Intensity of Virgin Olive Oil Flavours and Off-Flavours

Stability of monovarietal Sicilian olive oils under different storage condition: Chemical composition, sensory characteristics, and consumer preference

Monovarietal olive oils, known for their distinct aromatic profiles, face challenges in preserving their initial quality due to variations in stability and susceptibility to oxidative deterioration. This study focused on the storage stability of two Italian cultivars, 'Biancolilla' and 'Cerasuola', from Sicily, chosen for their aromatic complexity and divergent storage stability. Oils, whether filtered or unfiltered, underwent storage at two thermal regimes (18 °C and - 20 °C) over a year. The combination of filtration and low-temperature storage was employed to mitigate oxidative deterioration and hydrolytic processes, as filtration removes suspended particles and emulsified water, while low temperatures slow down enzymatic activities and oxidative reactions, thereby enhancing the overall stability and shelf life of the olive oils. Unfiltered samples at room temperature showed a significant increase in secoiridoid aglycone derivatives (Hydroxytyrosol and Tyrosol) due to hydrolytic processes, along with a decrease in secoiridoid aglycone. Filtration delayed these processes, with a more pronounced effect observed when combined with -20 °C storage. Sensory analysis identified the emergence of the "fusty" defect in the less resilient 'Biancolilla' cultivar after six months, a phenomenon mitigated by filtration and freezing. Consumer tests validated these findings. In summary, the synergistic approach of combining filtration with low-temperature storage emerges as a promising strategy for maintaining high-quality standards, especially for less stable monovarietal extra virgin olive oils. This strategy ensures compliance with EU regulations beyond the conventional 12-month shelf life, offering a practical solution for preserving the nutritional and sensory quality of olive oil.

Phenols and saliva effect on virgin olive oil aroma release: A chemical and sensory approach

The sensory perception of virgin olive oil is complex and produced mainly by phenols and volatiles. These compounds are affected by the interaction with other components of the oil matrix and by biological factors. The aim of the work was to study the saliva effect and/or the presence of phenols on the release of 12 volatiles, using different olive oil matrices and volatile concentrations, and applying Solid Phase Microextration-Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection, Proton Transfer Reaction-Mass Spectrometry and sensory analysis. The volatile concentrations in the headspace showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the different matrices, being easily detected the effect exerted by phenols and biological components from 3.8 mg/Kg. The results showed that the presence of unsaturation in the volatile molecules affect their release, being lower the concentration of saturated volatiles released in presence of phenols. All the compounds were in higher concentration in the headspace of the olive oil-phenol-saliva matrix.

Effect of Flavoring with Rosemary, Lemon and Orange on the Quality, Composition and Biological Properties of Olive Oil: Comparative Study of Extraction Processes

The goal of this work was to investigate the impact of the flavoring of some aromatic plants/spices, including rosemary (R), lemon (L) and orange (O) at the concentration of 5% and 35% (w/w) added by 2 methods (conventional maceration and direct flavoring), on quality attributes, chemical changes and oxidative stability of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Six flavored oils were obtained (EVOO + O, O + O, EVOO + R, O + R, EVOO + L and O + L). The physicochemical parameters (water content, refractive index, acidity and peroxide value, extinction coefficient, fatty acids, volatile aroma profiles, Rancimat test, phenols and pigments composition) of the flavored oils were investigated. Based on the results obtained, it was observed that flavoring with a conventional process provided increased oxidative stability to the flavored oils, especially with rosemary (19.38 ± 0.26 h), compared to that of unflavored oil. The volatile profiles of the different flavored oils revealed the presence of 34 compounds with the dominance of Limonene. The fatty acid composition showed an abundance of mono-unsaturated fatty acids followed by poly-unsaturated ones. Moreover, a high antioxidant activity, a significant peripheral analgesic effect (77.7% of writhing inhibition) and an interesting gastroprotective action (96.59% of ulcer inhibition) have been observed for the rosemary-flavored oil. Indeed, the flavored olive oils of this study could be used as new functional foods, leading to new customers and further markets.

Investigation of the Effectiveness of a Vertical Centrifugation System Coupled with an Inert Gas Dosing Device to Produce Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Recent decades have seen the development of many effective and innovative technologies for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) extraction. Various solutions have been proposed to remove dissolved oxygen from the oil. Given these issues, we have designed and developed a system that can be added to the centrifuges that are already used in the olive oil industry. The system reduces the oxidative impact through the release of a technical gas inside the separator, and consequently delays the onset of defects related to oxidation. The experiment tested different N2 flow rates, directly into the vertical centrifuge, and four levels of N2 were tested–a control level (no N2 injection); low (20 L/min), medium (40 L/min), and maximum (80 L/min)–in order to evaluate the effectiveness of this new technique on EVOO quality. This experiment demonstrates that the objectives have been achieved. The EVOO produced using our system had lower dissolved oxygen content with N2 injection, along with an enriched volatile fraction, and higher biophenol concentrations. The chemical analyses were confirmed by a sensory analysis, with an increase in fruity intensity and bitter taste.

Chemical characterization and nutritional quality investigations of healthy extra virgin olive oil flavored with chili pepper

The production of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) flavored with diverse spices, herbs, fruits, and vegetables or natural aromas is believed to provide advantageous properties considering either the high nutritional value or biological activity in addition to the flavoring and industrial aspects. The biological activities including antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Tunisian EVOO obtained from "Chemlali" variety and mixed with chili pepper were investigated. Molecular analyses, including the detection of twelve olive-infecting viruses and Pseudomonas savastanoi pv savastanoi, were performed to ensure that the samples were obtained from healthy olive trees and EVOO quality was not affected. Quality parameters like free acidity, peroxide number, oxidative stability, and specific absorption at K232 nm and K270 nm were also investigated and no significant variation was revealed. The content of minor compounds such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, and total phenols showed minor changes. However, the profiles of the volatile compounds showed remarkable differences, which appeared to be the main factor for the observed variability in consumer acceptance. The results showed for the first time high quantities of polyphenols and ortho-diphenols. Four colorimetric methods were used for the determination of the antioxidant activity, namely DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and β-carotene test. Compared to the control, a higher level of antioxidant activity was observed for the flavored EVOO. Furthermore, significant results were obtained in the antimicrobial tests. The quality parameters of the mixture showed no alteration compared to the control. Finally, all the measurements and the chemical characterization gave a scientific basis for food technology innovation of new food products.

Anti-Inflammatory Action of Dietary Wild Olive (Acebuche) Oil in the Retina of Hypertensive Mice

Inflammation plays a crucial role in the course of eye diseases, including many vascular retinopathies. Although olive oil is known to have beneficial effects against inflammatory processes, there is no information available on the anti-inflammatory potential of the wild olive tree (namely, acebuche (ACE) for the primitive Spanish lineages). Here we investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of ACE oil in the retina of a mouse model of arterial hypertension, which was experimentally induced by administration of L-NAME (NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester). The animals were fed supplements of ACE oil or extra virgin olive oil (EVOO, for comparative purposes). Retinal function was assessed by electroretinography (ERG), and different inflammation-related parameters were measured in the retina and choroid. Besides significant prevention of retinal dysfunction shown in ERG recordings, ACE oil-enriched diet upregulated the expression of the anti-inflammatory markers PPARγ, PPARα and IL-10, while reducing that of major proinflammatory biomarkers, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and COX-2. This is the first report to highlight the anti-inflammatory properties of an ACE oil-enriched diet against hypertension-related retinal damage. Noteworthy, dietary supplementation with ACE oil yielded better results compared to a reference EVOO.

Virgin Olive Oil Volatile Compounds: Composition, Sensory Characteristics, Analytical Approaches, Quality Control, and Authentication

Volatile organic compounds strongly contribute to both the positive and negative sensory attributes of virgin olive oil, and more and more studies have been published in recent years focusing on several aspects regarding these molecules. This Review is aimed at giving an overview on the state of the art about the virgin olive oil volatile compounds. Particular emphasis was given to the composition of the volatile fraction, the analytical issues and approaches for analysis, the sensory characteristics and interaction with phenolic compounds, and the approaches for supporting the Panel Test in virgin olive oil classification and in authentication of the botanical and geographic origin based on volatile compounds. A pair of detailed tables with a total of approximately 700 volatiles identified or tentatively identified to date and tables dealing with analytical procedures, sensory characteristics of volatiles, and specific chemometric approaches for quality assessment are also provided.

Flavor Chemistry of Virgin Olive Oil: An Overview

Virgin olive oil (VOO) has unique chemical characteristics among all other vegetable oils which are of paramount importance for human health. VOO constituents are also responsible of its peculiar flavor, a complex sensation due to a combination of aroma, taste, texture, and mouthfeel or trigeminal sensations. VOO flavor depends primarily on the concentration and nature of volatile and phenolic compounds present in olive oil which can change dramatically depending on agronomical and technological factors. Another aspect that can change the flavor perception is linked to the oral process during olive oil tasting. In fact, in this case, some human physiological and matrix effects modulate the flavor release in the mouth. The present review aims to give an overview on VOO flavor, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms affecting its production and release during a tasting.