In this study, we explored the use of novel flavoring agents, including dried fruits (apricot AP, carob CR, date DT, fig FG, prune PR, black grape RN, and yellow grape RJ) and seeds (Nigella NG and linseed LN) at concentrations of 5% (C1) and 15% (C2), to evaluate their impact on the quality and organoleptic properties of flavored olive oil (FOO) extracted from the Chétoui variety. Key quality parameters, including sensory attributes, oxidative stability, phenolic content, and volatile compounds, were evaluated. Flavoring decreased peroxide values but increased chlorophyll and carotenoid content. The addition of flavorings notably enhanced the stability of FOO, particularly AP and DT. This improvement is attributed to the higher phenolic content, with DT-C2 exhibiting the highest value of 859.377 mg/kg. This stability is further supported by an increased resistance to fatty acid oxidation, likely due to elevated levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, as evidenced by the rise in oleic acid from 63.10% in the control to 68.34% in AP-C2. The flavoring process introduced volatile organic compounds, such as aldehydes, terpenes, phenols, and ketones, to extra virgin olive oil, significantly enhancing sensory attributes, especially at a 15% concentration.
Habibi et al. (Tue,) studied this question.