Factors affecting the contents of iridoid oleuropein in olive leaves (Olea europaea L.).

In this study, for the first time, the impact of the genetic factor on the contents of oleuropein in olive leaves was not only evaluated but the influence exerted by the color/age of leaves (green, green-yellowish, and yellow) and the collecting period (spring or autumn) was also evaluated. A repetitive high-resolution gas chromatographic quantitation method and an accurate high-performance liquid chromatographic method were developed. These analytical methods gave results showing a highly linear relationship.

Characterization of carrot root oil arising from supercritical fluid carbon dioxide extraction.

Carrot root oil (SCO), obtained by supercritical fluid carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction, was characterized and compared to a commercial carrot oil (MCO) and a virgin olive oil (VOO) (cv. Coratina). SCO showed much higher contents of carotenes, phenolics, waxes, phytosterols, and sesquiterpene and monoterpene volatiles.

Antioxidizing potency of phenol compounds in olive oil mill wastewater.

The antioxidizing potency of phenol compounds contained in olive oil mill wastewater (OOMWW) has been elucidated. Commercially available phenol standards at varying concentrations and the Rancimat oxidation test have been used. Refined purified olive oil was utilized as an oxidation lipid substrate.

Improving virgin olive oil quality by means of innovative extracting biotechnologies.

Three major virgin olive oil varieties (Dritta, Leccino, and Coratina) extracted by a modern centrifugation system aided with a new plant enzyme preparation (having prevalently pectolytic activity) were characterized. These oils showed a clearly enhanced quality standard, owing to higher levels of some important minor components (phenolics, volatiles, tocopherols, carotenes, and chlorophylls) and to frequently lower concentrations of oxidized triglycerides and diglycerides. The oils were therefore characterized by lower susceptibility to oxidation and longer shelf life, and their flavor, aroma, and color features appeared to be significantly improved.

Acylglycerol and fatty acid components of pulp, seed, and whole olive fruit oils. Their use to characterize fruit variety by chemometrics.

The contents of triacylglycerols and diacylglycerols in three kinds of olive fruit oils (pulp, seed, and whole fruit) were determined. The fatty acid composition and the quality ratios 1,2-diacylglycerols/1,3-diacylglycerols and 1,2-diacylglycerols/total diacylglycerols were also assessed. Seven major Italian olive varieties were considered.