~1H NMR METABOLIC PROFILING OF APULIAN EVOOS: FINE PEDOCLIMATIC INFLUENCES IN SALENTO CULTIVARS

摘要

Extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) are characterized by countless factors including their cultivar, terroir, milling systems and last but not least the dedication of the producer. Apulia Region is the leader within Italy and one of the main Southern Italian regions producing extra virgin olive oil. However, differences in microclimatic, pedoclimatic and ecological conditions contribute to induce differences in taste and nutritional properties of the extra virgin olive oils [1]. EVOO beneficial effects on human health, such as the reduction of coronary heart disease risk factors, the prevention of several types of cancer and the modification of immune and inflammatory responses, are well known [2,3]. Benefits are mainly due to both the elevated oleic acid content and the antioxidant properties of EVOO minor components [4], such as phytosterols, carotenoids, tocopherols and hydrophilic phenols. Among the others, antioxidant phenolic compounds play an important role in the olive oil blending [5], since they are related not only to the nutraceutical but also to the sensory EVOO qualities [6].