Tunisian “Chemlali” oil variety registered designation of origins predicted by pomological characters, fatty acids composition and organoleptic analysis

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to build a class model to confirm the authenticity of olives from Bi'r al Malluli, Tunisian region, in order to obtain the Designation of Origin (DO).

Design/methodology/approach

In total, ten orchards of Chemlali olive oil variety were chosen, in Sfax region, characterized by the same applied cultural techniques. Pomological characters of olives, fatty acids composition and organoleptic analysis of olive oil were conducted.

Findings

Results showed that the pomological characters were specific of the Chemlali variety: the olive weight ranged from 0.9 to 1.10 g in all studied orchards and the water content (WC) ranged from 41.45 to 57.68 per cent. All analysed oils showed good fatty acids balance. Chemlali olive oil contains high amounts of oleic acid and a smaller amount of linoleic acid. The oleic acid content ranged from 57.96 to 63.52 per cent according to the orchards. All oils having oleic acid higher than 55 per cent are categorized as extra virgin olive oil based on International Olive Oil Council (IOOC) Norma. Based on the organoleptic analysis, all the analysed oils were classified as an extra virgin olive oil. The principal component analysis applied separately on olive characters and fatty acids contents do not indicate any group's structure.

Originality/value

An objective approach based on pomologic, sensory and acidic composition analyses would be used to delimitate Protected Designation of Origin (PDOs) in olive oil from the Bi'r al Malluli area and better protect their markets.

Citation

Feki, M., Hannachi, H., Bou Ali, M., Hamrouni, H., Romano, E., Karray, B. and Hammami, M. (2013), "Tunisian “Chemlali” oil variety registered designation of origins predicted by pomological characters, fatty acids composition and organoleptic analysis", British Food Journal, Vol. 115 No. 6, pp. 821-836. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-Sep-2011-0235