Lexicon
Polyphenols
Plant compounds that, among other things, give virgin olive oil its characteristic note.
Definition
What polyphenols are
Polyphenols are a large group of plant compounds. In virgin olive oil they create the slightly bitter, pungent taste and count among the antioxidants.
Their content depends on variety, ripeness, harvest and processing. Gentle cold pressing preserves more of them than heavy refining.
In brief
- Taste: a peppery, bitter catch in the throat in virgin olive oil often signals a higher polyphenol content.
- EU health claim: there is an approved claim for olive oil polyphenols on protecting blood lipids from oxidative stress (subject to conditions).
- Sensitive: heat, light and air break polyphenols down , store dark and cool.
Related terms: Cold pressing.
Source
- Polyphenol , Wikipedia