Protected Designation of Origin Extra Virgin Olive Oils Assessment by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Multivariate Statistical Analysis: “Terra di Bari”, an Apulian (Southeast Italy) Case Study

A study on extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) from the 'Terra di Bari' Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in Apulia, Italy, reveals that nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate statistical analysis can distinguish EVOOs based on cultivar and microclimate differences. The research analyzed 102 monovarietal oils from Coratina, Ogliarola Barese, and Cima di Mola cultivars, as well as three geographical mentions within the Bari district (Bitonto, Castel del Monte, and Murgia dei Trulli e delle Grotte). Findings indicate that EVOOs can be classified by their geographical origin and cultivar, with significant differences observed even between oils from the same Bitonto area but different cultivars. Additionally, the Coratina cultivar showed variations linked to microclimate conditions, particularly when comparing Bitonto and Castel del Monte subareas. This study enhances traceability and authenticity verification for 'Terra di Bari' PDO EVOOs, providing a robust method for classifying commercial products based on their declared origin and cultivar.

Del Coco, L., Mondelli, D., Mezzapesa, G. N., Miano, T., De Pascali, S. A., Girelli, C. R., & Fanizzi, F. P. (2016). Protected Designation of Origin Extra Virgin Olive Oils Assessment by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Multivariate Statistical Analysis: “Terra di Bari”, an Apulian (Southeast Italy) Case Study. Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, 93(3), 373–381. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-015-2778-1