1H NMR characterization of virgin olive oils from Basilicata

1H NMR analysis of seven samples of virgin olive oils from Basilcata was performed. We can obtain a direct measurement of the linolenic acid level from a characteristic signal at 0.99 ppm. Two samples showed a value higher than 1%. Using the methyl group at 0.90 ppm, we can obtain an indication of the global amount of saturated, monounsaturated fatty acids. and linoleic acid. These data confirm that this way we can consider most of the fatty acids present in the oil. The amount of monounsaturated fatty acids and linoleic acid is in the range 49-74% and most of the samples showed a value of 66%. Saturated fatty acids (mainly palmitic and stearic acid) can be evaluated and are in the range 25-50%. Some other minor components can be evaluated by using 1 H NMR spectra. We examined a signal of β-sitosterol, the presence of volatile organic compounds, and the presence of aldehydic compounds. We showed that in this oil we have a low content of linolenic acid, a high amount of volatile organic compounds, and a low content of aldehydic compounds.