Increasing the stability of Empeltre olive oils by aromatization with rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and garlic (Allium sativum)

A strategy to increase shelf life of Empeltre olive oils could consist in the incorporation of flavoring agents (rich in antioxidant compounds). The aim of this study was to describe the quality of Empeltre olive oils flavored with rosemary and garlic at different concentrations and methods (maceration and co-processing during malaxation). The incorporation of garlic during malaxation increased total phenol content and antioxidant capacity. Aromatization with rosemary (added during malaxation) increased total phenol content more than 50%. Changes in individual phenols were observed after garlic and rosemary aromatization. Slight increases in alpha-tocopherol were also observed at 5 and 7% concentration. Pigment content increased with rosemary concentration. As a consequence, antioxidant capacity and oxidative stability increased. Aromatization with rosemary by co-processing during malaxation was more effective in increasing antioxidant compounds than the maceration method. Empeltre olive oils aromatized with garlic achieved a greater sensory acceptance and better scores than with rosemary.

Automated summary

Adding garlic and rosemary during processing can enhance the antioxidant capacity and oxidative stability of Empeltre olive oils. Co-processing with rosemary during malaxation is more effective in increasing antioxidant compounds compared to maceration method. Garlic aromatized Empeltre olive oils achieved better sensory acceptance and scores than rosemary aromatized ones.