Endogenous Enzymes Involved in the Transformation of Oleuropein in Spanish Table Olive Varieties

The main Spanish table olive varieties supplied by different olive cooperatives were investigated for their polyphenol compositions and the endogenous enzymes involved in their transformations during two growing seasons. Olives of the Manzanilla variety had the highest concentration in total polyphenols, followed by the Hojiblanca and Gordal varieties. The Gordal and Manzanilla cultivars showed the highest polyphenol oxidase activities. The Gordal cultivar presented a greater beta-glucosidase and esterase activity than the others. An important influence of pH and temperature on the optimal activity of these enzymes was also observed. The polyphenol oxidase activity increased with temperature, and peroxidase activity was optimal at 35 degrees C. The beta-glucosidase and esterase activities were at their maximum at 30 and 55 degrees C, respectively. The oxidase and beta-glucosidase activities were at their maximum at the pH of the raw fruit. These results will contribute to the knowledge of the enzyme transformation of oleuropein in natural table olives.