A staple food for thousands of years for the inhabitants of the Mediterranean region, olive oil is now becoming popular among consumers all over the world. Olive oil differs from other vegetable oils because it is used in its natural form and has unique flavor and other characteristics. More and more research suggests its healthful benefits including reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Olive Oil is a compact and readable text on the most important aspects of chemistry, technology, quality, analysis and biological importance of olive oil. The topics selected have been developing rapidly in recent years, and will provide the reader with a background to address more specific problems that may arise in the future. Readers can expect more contributors and chapters in the 2nd edition, as well as a glossary. Includes the chemistry and properties of olive oils Contains details on the healthful properties of olive oil minor components Extensive informaton on the analysis and authentication of olive oils Features an overview on the economics of olive oil in the world market

Long used in sacred ceremonies and associated with good health, the nutritional and health promoting benefits of olives and olive oils have been proven by an ever-increasing body of science. From cardiovascular benefits to anti-microbial, anti-cancer, antioxidant activity and effects on macrophages and aptoptosis to cellular and pathophysiollogical process, olives and olive oils are proving important in many healthful ways. For example, reactive components in olive oils or olive oil by-products have now been isolated and identified. These include tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid elenolic acid and oleuropein. Oleic acid is the main monosaturated fatty acid of olive oil. These have putative protective effects and modulate the biochemistry of a variety of cell types including those of the vascular system. Some but not all components have been characterised by their putative pharmacological properties. It is possible that usage of these aforementioned products may have beneficial application in other disease. However, in order for this cross-fertilization to take place, a comprehensive understanding of olives and olive oils is required. Finding this knowledge in a single volume provides a key resource for scientists in a variety of food an nutritional roles. Explores olives and olive oil from their general aspects to the detailed level of important micro-and micronutrients Includes coverage of various methodologies for analysis to help scientists and chemists determine the most appropriate option for their own studies, including those of olive-related compounds in other foods Relates, in a single volume resource, information for food and nutritional chemists, pharmaceutical scientists, nutritionists and dieticians Presents information in three key categories: General aspects of olives an olive oils; Nutritional, pharmacological and metabolic properties of olives and olive oil; Specific components of olive oil and their effects on tissue and body systems

Have you recently become enamored with fresh extra virgin olive oil, infused olive oil, and flavored balsamic vinegars, only to take them home and wonder: what exactly do I do with them? With more than 185 recipes that go way beyond salad dressing, Emily Lycopolus provides you with simple but gratifying recipes that use 50 of the most popular and widely available olive oil and vinegar products such as lemon-fused olive oil, basil-infused olive oil, pomegranate balsamic vinegar and many more. Every recipe is guaranteed to take your dish from ordinary to exceptional. Not only will you discover unique ways to amplify the flavor in all kinds of appetizers, salads, soups, main dishes, baked goods, and desserts, but you'll also find inspiration to expand your repertoire once you learn the basic of flavor pairing. With special sections on experimenting olive oil and vinegar in marinades, salad dressings, brines, and even cocktails, you'll never run out of ways to use these amazing products. The Olive Oil and Vinegar Lover's Cookbook provides you with possibilities that are truly endless.

This book examines the latest research in olive oil. Topics included in this book include biomedicinal activities of olive oil phenolic compounds, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardiovascular, endocrine, anticancer and central nervous system effects. Also, some insights related to bioavailability and synergistic activities are presented; a summary and critical analysis of the available information about phenolic compounds in VOO; the beneficial effects of phenolic compounds, contained in extra virgin olive oil, which have been reported in the last few years; an overview of different analytical approaches, including the most recent advances, and the difficulties regarding phenolic compounds determination in olive oil; olive oil wastes (OMW) characteristics, bio-valorisation potentialities and treatment options with regard to the economic feasibility, environmental regulations and challenges of existing waste disposal practices in olive-growing countries are discussed; the health effects of olive oil, including for the liver; a summary of the knowledge of the in vitro and in vivo effects of oleocanthal comparing, where available; the determinant factors that affect Japans olive oil imports; research on oleocanthal and its promising applications as a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for several diseases; and an examination of the organic olive oil sector, demonstrating its importance in terms of wealth and economic impact.

According to European legislation, extra virgin is the top grade of olive oils. It has a superior level of health properties and flavour compared to virgin and refined olive oils. Mediterranean countries still produce more than 85% of olive oil globally, but the constant increase of demand for extra virgin olive oil has led to new cultivation and production in other areas of the world, including California, Australia, China, South Africa and South America. At the same time, olive oil’s sensory properties and health benefits are increasingly attracting the attention and interest of nutritionists, food processors, manufacturers and food services. Progress and innovation in olive cultivation, harvesting and milling technologies as well as in oil handling, storage and selling conditions make it possible to achieve even higher quality levels than those stipulated for extra virgin oils. As a consequence, a new segment – excellent extra virgin olive oils – is increasingly attracting the attention of the market and earning consumers’ preference. The Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Handbook provides a complete account of olive oil’s composition, health properties, quality, and the legal standards surrounding its production. The book is divided into convenient sections focusing on extra virgin olive oil as a product, the process by which it is made, and the process control system through which its quality is assured. An appendix presents a series of tables and graphs with useful data, including conversion factors, and the chemical and physical characteristics of olive oil. This book is aimed at people involved in the industrial production as well as in the marketing and use of extra virgin olive oil who are looking for practical information, which avoids overly academic language, but which is still scientifically and technically sound. The main purpose of the handbook is to guide operators involved in the extra virgin olive oil chain in making the most appropriate decisions about product quality and operating conditions in the production and distribution processes. To these groups, the most important questions are practical ones of why, how, how often, how much will it cost, and so on. The Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Handbook will provide the right answers to these key practical considerations, in a simple, clear yet precise and up-to-date way.

Winner of the World Best Mediterranean Cuisine Book - the Dun Gifford Prize - in the Gourmand Best in World awards, also the National Best Diet Book in the 'for the public' category. 'Useful, attractive and captivating' Olive Oil Times Is it true that two tablespoons of olive oil a day can halve your risk of heart disease and help sustain weight loss? Can olive oil kill cancer cells, fight Alzheimer's Disease, revive a failing heart and even turn off bad genes? The Olive Oil Diet takes an authoritative look at the science behind the headlines. Recent studies have shown that a diet based around olive oil will significantly improve your health, well-being and vitality. It will also help you maintain a healthy weight and avoid heart disease, stroke and diseases such as cancer, diabetes and dementia. All olive oils are not the same, however. This book also explores the effects of diverse varieties of olives, growing techniques and oil-production methods on the health-giving properties - and flavour - of different oils. With over 100 delicious recipes, it points the way to those extra virgin oils and food combinations that are likely to do you the most good. This fascinating journey to the heart of the Mediterranean reveals the extraordinary health secrets of nature's original superfood.