Progetto Regione Liguria per il Miglioramento qualitativo dell'olio di oliva ligure. Risultati di due anni di sperimentazione (1997-98 e 1998-99)

Virgin olive oils from different areas of Liguria were analysed. They were obtained from 1997-1998 and 1998-1999 olive crops. The former was realised in a season characterised by adverse climatic conditions and wide-spreading Dacus oleae infestation. In 1998-1999, on the contrary, climatic conditions were quite favourable to a good quality crop and infestation was lower particularly compared to the previous year. For each sample acidity and peroxide values, U.V. absorbance, fatty acids composition, tocopherol and minor polar compounds contents were determined. In 1997-1998 several samples didn't comply with extra-virgin characteristics reported in EC 2568/91, and few extra-virgin olive oils comply also with the limits reported in D.P.O. (denomination of protect origin) regulation for the detected variables. In 1998-1999, on the contrary, almost all the analysed samples agreed both with EC Regulation and D.P.O Regulation; moreover their antioxidative fraction was significantly higher respect to the previous year and some peculiar features of Liguria oils, such as the high oleic and low linoleic acid content, stood out more clearly. The results of this study make evident that the properties of Liguria extra-virgin olive oils may be safeguarded with a constant and careful assistance to olive farmers and oil producers. In fact, the adverse climatic and agronomic conditions may induce to incorrect behaviours, such as using fallen or over-ripened olives, and/or long olive storage time, which may affect virgin oil quality.