“…In addition, harvest time, determined by sequential physiological and biochemical changes and influenced by several environmental and cultural practices (Conde et al, 2008), has a considerable effect on the VOO phenolic profile (Yousfi et al, 2006;Baccouri B. et al, 2007;Damak et al, 2008;Gómez-Rico et al, 2008). Moreover, water availability, cultivation zone and sanitary status of the olive fruits (mainly infestation by Bactrocera olea) have a large effect on the phenolic profile of VOO (Morelló et al, 2005;Gómez-Rico et al, 2007;Servili et al, 2007;Gómez-Caravaca et al, 2008;Ripa et al, 2008;Tura et al, 2008). On the other hand, the extraction process, mainly crushing and malaxation steps, highly affects the phenolic composition of VOO due to the activity of endogenous enzymes of olive fruits, which are released in the paste during these steps (Servili et al, 1998;Bianco et al, 2001;Ranalli et al, 2001;Gómez-Rico et al, 2009).…”