Effect of oxygen reduction during malaxation on the quality of extra virgin olive oil (Cv. Carboncella) extracted through “two-phase” and “three-phase” centrifugal decanters

•The type of oil extraction plant markedly affected the level of phenolic compounds.•Reduction of O2 in the malaxing chamber significantly affected the volatile profile.•High O2 levels in malaxing chamber positively impacted the perceived flavour profile.

Quality and composition of virgin olive oil (VOO) are strictly dependent on complex processes that take place during the olive fruit crushing and malaxation of the olive paste. In this work, modulation of O2 levels within malaxation chambers (R1: unmodified atmosphere; R2: oxygen: 12.73-4.64 kPa from the beginning to the end of malaxation; R3: 10.46-2.27 kPa; R4: 9.87-0.69 kPa) in two continuous “two-phase” and “three-phase” oil extraction plants was performed. Combined effects on the biosynthesis of nutritionally bioactive molecules and aroma volatiles and on the resulting sensory properties of the produced oils were investigated. Results showed that the type of oil extraction plant markedly affected the level of the phenolic compounds in the oil (and the related sensory attributes of bitter, pungency, astringency and bitter and pungency persistence). Reduction of O2 concentration in the malaxing chamber, while having a minor impact on the presence of phenolic compounds, significantly affected the formation of all the examined volatiles. Particularly, lowered levels of oxygen hindered the formation of lipoxygenase derived volatiles weakening odours and flavours of artichoke, fresh fruity, and fresh cut grass.