Effect of region of cultivation, tree age, and harvest time on the quality of Lebanese virgin olive oil

In Lebanon, olive oil plays an essential role at both economic and social levels. However, factors influencing its quality are rarely addressed. This preliminary study is the first analysis to show a comparison between ancient adult virgin trees in Lebanon. Analysis of pedo-climatic conditions physicochemical parameters samples taken from three Lebanese regions (Bechmizine, Kfaraaka, Kawkaba) two different harvest periods showed that these differed significantly among cultivation regions, while tree age time had lower effect. We observed obtained Kawkaba region during period (green reddish stage fruit maturity) best quality, compared all other samples. Oil produced highest polyphenol content, relatively higher composition tocopherols, oleic acid, monounsaturated fatty acids, trans acids C18: 1–C18: 2, with low acidity peroxide values. It was concluded associated chemical composition, result complex interaction several environmental area cultivation, age, time.