Characterization of Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oils Using ¹H-NMR Spectroscopy

Abstract

High-field (600-MHz) proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy was applied to
\nthe analysis of 55 extra virgin olive oil samples from four Italian regions (Campania, Lazio, Sicily,
\nand Umbria) and obtained from diffrent olive varieties. The multivariate statistical analysis (PCA,
\nhierarchical clustering) performed on the normalized intensities of 1H- NMR resonances due to minor
\ncomponents (â-sitosterol, n-alkenals, trans-2-alkenals, and other volatile compounds) allows a good
\nclassification of oil samples obtained from traditional varieties with respect to the region of origin
\n(96% of oils correctly classified). Samples obtained from one new experimental cultivar (FS-17)
\nwere not correctly classified, indicating a strong contribution of olive variety on the chemical
\ncomposition of virgin olive oils. The potential contribution and limits of NMR in the authentication
\nof virgin olive oil geographical origin and variety are discussed.