Chemical composition of commercial cornicabra virgin olive oil from 1995/96 and 1996/97 crops

The chemical composition of commercial Cornicabra virgin olive oils (n=65) was studied, as was its relationship with oil quality and the influence of the extraction method and production year. The main characteristics of these olive oils were: oxidative stability 53 ± 24 h, mean polyphenol content 162 ± 57 mg/kg (as gallic acid), oleic acid 80.8 ± 0.9%, linoleic acid 4.6 ± 0.6%, and campesterol 4.3 ± 0.1%, which is peculiar to this variety. No clear differences in composition were observed with respect to the different extraction systems (dual‐phase/triple‐phase decanters and pressure), although oils produced by the dual‐phase decanter showed higher oxidative stability and polyphenol content. There were significant differences in major fatty acids and sterols according to the production year.