Assessment of virgin olive oil stability during storage by 1H-NMR fingerprintng and chemometrics

Abstract

The quality of virgin olive oil (VOO) is related to its oxidative stability, storage, and sensory and nutri- tional properties. VOO oxidation leads to the formation of off-flavour substances, degradation of its bio- active antioxidants and accumulation of degradation compounds, causing the loss of its sensory and health-promoting qualities, its commercial value and consumer acceptance [1]. VOO resistance to oxi- dation depends on its chemical composition and its exposure to pro-oxidant factors such as oxygen, light and temperature. VOO stability during storage was studied by an untargeted metabolomics ap- proach based on 1H-NMR fingerprinting and pattern recognition simulating normal shelf life conditions throughout its commercialization.