1H NMR Metabolic Profile Discrimination of Three Monovarietal Olive Oils from Cultivars of the “Dauno” PDO Including Peranzana Young and Secular Tree Comparisons

: Olive oil represents a precious resource for the agri-food sector, not just economically but also for its health properties due to the presence of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study is to evaluate the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR)-based metabolomics profiles of monovarietal olive oils from Coratina, Ogliarola garganica and Peranzana, which are typically included in the "Dauno" PDO. Analysis by 1H NMR metabolic profiling was carried out to develop a strategy for understanding the differences based on cultivar. NMR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical analysis (MVA) revealed significant differences in fatty acid profiles and phenolic compounds according to cultivar. In particular, Coratina oils were higher in squalene, oleic acid and polyphenols than Ogliarola garganica and Peranzana. Conversely, the latter two showed higher contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids and lower levels of phenolic compounds. Furthermore, as the olive oils were influenced by several factors, in addition to cultivar, the effects of tree age on the chemical composition of Peranzana olive oils were investigated. MVA revealed different fatty acid and polyphenol contents between secular and young trees. These results may contribute to expanding the literature data on the 1H NMR-based chemometric approach as a powerful tool for quality and authenticity control of olive oil.