Integrated Study of Qualitative Olive and Oil Production from Three Important Varieties Grown in Calabria (Southern Italy)

Abstract

Olive ripening, climate conditions, geographic area, and cultivar may influence the composition and quality of olive oils. This study aims to identify the optimal harvesting period for qualitative production of three cultivars grown in Calabria. The obtained results show that all the olive oils produced in October are classified as extra virgin, and then their quality decreases gradually, in particular in Grossa di Gerace olives, grown in a typical hot‐dry area. Oleic acid content in the oil is related to the temperature exposition during fruit growth. Considering oil yield and quality, the optimal harvesting times are identified in the first part of the month of October (142–158 days after full bloom) for Grossa di Gerace olive and in the second and last week of October (142–165 days after full bloom) for Ottobratica and Sinopolese. Practical Applications: This study investigates with a holistic approach the development and maturation of drupes and the quality of oils obtained at two harvesting times. The strong correlation between olive ripening index and the other studied parameters prove that it is a valid index for olive growers to identify the optimal harvesting period for the three Calabrian olive cultivars. To obtain high mechanical harvest efficacy, this study suggests the use of trunk shakers to Grossa di Gerace olives and mechanical beaters to Ottobratica and Sinopolese.

Effects of Climate on Fruit Growth and Development on Olive Oil Quality in Cultivar Carolea

“…During olive maturation, many metabolic reactions take place, with subsequent variations in the physical characteristics and the concentration of some chemical compounds. In particular, advanced maturation involves a decline in positive sensorial attributes owing to the decrease in aromatic compounds, pigments and phenolic compounds, which directly affects the qualitative properties of olives (e.g., average weight, flesh/pit ratio, oil yield) and olive oil [1,2]. The fruit growth and oil accumulation into the drupes are also dependent on agronomical and edaphoclimatic conditions [3,4].…”

Characterization of Olive Oils Obtained from Minor Accessions in Calabria (Southern Italy)

“…[ 15 ], some others grow in more specific areas, such as Grossa di Gerace, Ottobratica, and Sinopolese cv. [ 16 , 17 ], and others grow in limited towns, such as Roggianella [ 18 ]. In previous works, it was evidenced that the cultivation in the different areas of Calabria, where different microclimates are present, significantly impacts the diversification and typical characterization of productions, both from different varieties [ 16 ] and from the same cultivar [ 19 ].…”

“…[ 16 , 17 ], and others grow in limited towns, such as Roggianella [ 18 ]. In previous works, it was evidenced that the cultivation in the different areas of Calabria, where different microclimates are present, significantly impacts the diversification and typical characterization of productions, both from different varieties [ 16 ] and from the same cultivar [ 19 ]. Correlated with these results, the authors have conducted with this study a first investigation on qualitative parameters of olive oils obtained from four minor olive accessions, Ciciarello, Tonda di Filogaso, Ottobratica Calipa, and Ottobratica Cannavà, that are grown in the same area of Calabria.…”

Antioxidant quantification in different portions obtained during olive oil extraction process in an olive oil press mill

“…Olive oil production is very important in Mediterranean countries, with a long tradition in Calabria (southern Italy) where autochthonous and allochthonous olive cultivars are largely cultivated 1,2 . Qualitative olive and olive oil productions are related to different factors, such as cultivars, geographical origin, agronomical practices, harvesting time and extraction plant 3,4 .…”