Monitoring the volatile and hydrophilic bioactive compounds status of fresh and oxidized Chemlali virgin olive oils over olive storage times

The virgin olive oils (VOOs) under examination were from the main Tunisian cultivar ‘Chemlali’. Olive fruits used for oil production were stored in plastic containers for four weeks at ambient temperature. Hydrophilic bioactive compounds and volatile profiles of the corresponding oils were analyzed. Chemometric analysis showed that VOO obtained from fruits stored during one week is similar to that of freshly harvested fruits. They preserved their bioactive and volatile molecular markers of freshness with the predominance of the secoiridoid aldehydic form of oleuropeine aglycon, and the C6⁠ lipoxygenase products. However, VOO obtained from fruits stored for a long time, showed degradation of the derivatives of oleuropeine and ligstro- side aglycons, a decrease in the lignan, and flavonoid groups, whereas phenolic acids showed a remarkable in- crease. The volatile profile was characterized by a decrease in the LOX products, and biosynthesis of the volatile molecular markers of oxidation C7⁠ -C1⁠ 0 aldehydes (nonanal, decanal, (Z) and (E)-2-heptenal, (E)-2-octenal, and (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal), and hydrocarbons (n-dodecane, and n-tetradecane). Mono and sesquiterpenes showed also an increase over storage time. Consequently, and in order to avoid deterioration of VOO composition, chemometric analysis showed that the olive fruits should be processed as soon as possible after being harvested, with a maximum storage time of one week.