Authors: Dimitrios Boskou, Georgios Blekas, Maria Tsimidou

Olive Oil, Chemistry and Technology, 2^nd Edition, 2006, Pages 41-72

The composition of olive oil is primarily triacylglycerols (~99%) and secondarily free fatty acids, mono- and diacylglycerols, and an array of lipids such as hydrocarbons, sterols, aliphatic alcohols, tocopherols, and pigments. A plethora of phenolic and volatile compounds are also present. Some of these compounds contribute to the unique character of the oil. Fatty acids present in olive oil are palmitic (C16:0), palmitoleic (C16:1), stearic (C18:0), oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2), and linolenic (C18:3). Myristic (C14:0), heptadecanoic, and eicosanoic acids are found in trace amounts. This chapter discusses some classes of minor constituents that are present only in the crude oil. Filtration reduces the initial levels to a great extent whereas refining results in their removal.

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