Antioxidant activity of dried green olives (Carolea cv.)
This study evidenced the influence of thermal drying process on table olive quality. The observed depletion of antioxidant compounds was balanced at higher temperatures by an increased antioxidant capacity compared to the untreated sample, due to the Maillard reaction products, as showed by the HMF formation. The applied higher drying temperature (70 °C), promoted the new formation of antioxidants, while the temperature of 50 °C was negative for the depletion of endogenous ones. Brining reduced the total antioxidant composition of olives, in particular for phenol amount. Moreover the Maillard reaction did not develop in brined olives probably as a result of the low sugar availability in these partially fermented olives.
In conclusion, dried olives could be rationally considered for “ready-to-eat” use or as ingredients in food formulations with an added value derived by their increased functional property.