NMR Studies on Italian PDO Olive Oils and their Potential in Olive ‐Tree‐Derived Products Characterization

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) is used to discriminate Italian Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) extra ‐virgin olive oils (EVOOs) from EVOOs of other countries, Italian PDO EVOOs of different restricted area within the same Italian region, and EVOOs obtained from different cultivars. The chemical constituents of olive‐tree‐derived products are also determined. Results strongly support the use o f NMR by control agencies and regulatory authorities. In Italy, 42 PDO extra virgin olive oil (EVOOs) are present to date, with the chronologically first one registered in late 1996. PDO EVOOs are broadly distributed along Italy with a higher concentration in the central and southern regions due to the optimal pedoclimatic conditions for olive growth (Olea europaea L.). In this review, NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) studies focused on Italian PDO EVOOs and the application of NMR spectroscopy in the analysis of other olive ‐tree‐derived products are reported. NMR is historically known as the principal analytical technique useful for structural characterization of single molecule in solution. In the past few years, NMR evolved to cover a pivotal role for the analysis of different chemical compounds present in a mix ture, without the need of any chemical derivatization of sample. Concerning the1H NMR spectrum of a typical EVOO sample, the dominant signals due to acylglycerols, together with other minor components like aldehydes, sterols, and terpens, can be ...
Source: European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology - Category: Lipidology Authors: Tags: Review Article Source Type: research