Bergamot flavoured olive oil: Comparison between enrichment processes, evaluation of shelf-life and health properties

Abstract

This study aims to examine the bioactivity of Calabrian extra virgin olive oil enriched with bergamot fruits (Citrus bergamia Risso & Poiteau) harvested in Reggio Calabria province (Italy). To extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), cv Ottobratica 10 and 20 % of fresh fruit was added during crushing of the olives and 2 % by infusion of freeze-dried bergamot (CFVOOB10, CFVOOB20 and IFVOOB samples, respectively) was added. EVOO, bergamot extract and flavoured samples (FVOOs), were analysed throughout a one-year period. Total phenol content (TPC) as well as total chlorophyll (TChlC) and total carotenoid (TCC) contents were spectrophotometrically determined. In addition, the phenolic profile wasstudied by UHPLC. Free acidity (FA), peroxide values (PV), spectrophotometric indices, α-tocopherol, colour, and antioxidant activity were also assessed. The impact of bergamot addition on lipase, α‐amylase, and α‐glucosidase was estimated. Expert panellists evaluated the influence on the sensorial attributes, and CFVOOB10 was found to be the most pleasant. CFVOOB10 also showed the lowest PV and the highest FA after the storage. CFVOOB20 showed good protection against lipid peroxidation. Generally, all the FVOOs maintained a better inhibitory activity against the key enzymes related to obesity, compared to the EVOO. Data analyses confirmed that these FVOOs should be considered to be functional with a good sensory profile.

Keywords

• Citrus bergamia risso & p.
• Functional olive oil
• Beneficial effects
• Phytochemical content
• bioactivity