Colour Characterization of the virgin olive oils of Catalan cultivars

Abstract

Colour variation of virgin oil from 34 olive cultivars growing in Catalonia (Spain) was analysed by the ABT (Bromthymol Blue) modified method. In addition, the preferences of consumers in the Denomination of Origin Siurana (Tarragona) were studied, in relation to coloration. The results obtained show that varietal differences exist in the colour index studied and that the commercial preferences vary according to the oil markets.