How clarification systems can affect virgin olive oil composition and quality at industrial scale

• Published in: European journal of lipid science and technology Vol. 119; no. 10
• Main Authors: Gila, Abraham, Beltrán, Gabriel, Bejaoui, Mohamed Aymen, Aguilera, María Paz, Jiménez, Antonio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.10.2017
• Subjects: Centrifugation; Edible oils; Food quality; Impurities; Moisture; Natural settling; Oils & fats; Olive oil; Olive oil clarification; Olive oil quality; Phenolic compounds; Phenols; Preservation; Sedimentation tanks; Sensory properties; Settling; Settling tanks; Shelf life; Systems analysis; Vertical centrifugation; Virgin olive oil; Wastewater; Water consumption; Water tanks
• ISSN: 1438-7697; 1438-9312
• DOI: 10.1002/ejlt.201600479

The effect of two different clarification systems, vertical centrifugal separator (VCS) with minimal water addition, and conical bottom settling tank (CBST), on virgin olive oil (VOO) composition and quality was studied at industrial scale for three crop years. In general, for the studied clarification systems, higher clarification values were reached for horizontal screw solid bowl (HSSB) oils with higher moisture and solid content. VCS showed higher clarification efficiency for HSSB oils with higher moisture and solid content. No notable differences were observed on the quality indices between evaluated clarification systems. Phenolic compounds showed a significant decrease when the HSSB oils were clarified by CBST. In general, a better sensory score was observed when the oils were clarified by VCS. Practical applications: The VCS with a minimal water addition could result a better option to produce VOO of improved quality, since is an efficient and quick operation that reduces the contact between oil and the remaining water and impurities content during the storage stage. This leads to prolong VOO shelf‐life and conservation of positive sensory notes, due to preservation of the quality indexes and minor components. Besides, this clarification system reduces the water consumption and generated wastewater regarding to conventional vertical centrifugation, and therefore can be considered more environmentally friendly. Effect of two different clarification systems (vertical centrifugal separator with minimal water addition and conical bottom settling tanks) on the virgin olive oil quality parameters, composition, and sensory characteristics. Effect of two different clarification systems (vertical centrifugal separator with minimal water addition and conical bottom settling tanks) on the virgin olive oil quality parameters, composition, and sensory characteristics.