Stabilization of refined olive oil by enrichment with chlorophyll pigments extracted from Chemlali olive leaves

This paper presents the first investigation on the effect of enrichment refined olive oil by chlorophyll pigment extracted from Chemlali olive leaves during storage (6 months). The changes that occurred in the quality indices, fatty acids, sterol, and phenolic content were investigated during the storage of refined olive oil under RT (20°C) and accelerated conditions (50°C) in the dark. Additionally, the pigments (chlorophyll and carotene) changes during 6 months of oil storage were evaluated. At the end of the storage, more than 90% of chlorophyll pigments decomposed in all samples, while, carotene pigment loss was lower showing up to 60 and 85% loss for oil stored at 20 and 50°C, respectively, at the end of storage. The reduction of total phenolic compounds exhibited similar degradation profiles, being reduced by 5% and up to 60% for the enriched refined olive oil stored at 20 and 50°C in 6 months, respectively. In the fatty acid composition, an increase in oleic acid and a decrease in linoleic and linolenic acids were less significant in enriched than non‐enriched refined olive oil. On the other hand, sterol composition was less affected by storage in enriched oil samples. However, the sterol concentration of the oil samples showed an increase in β‐sitosterol, 24‐methylene cholesterol, stigmasterol, and a decrease in cholesterol, Δ5, 24‐stigmastadienol percentage at the end of storage. Based on the Rancimat method, the oils with added leaf pigment extract had the lowest peroxide value and the highest stability. After 6 months of storage, the oxidative resistance of refined olive oil fell to 0.2 and to zero for enriched refined olive oil stored at 20 and 50°C, respectively.