ANALYTICAL STUDY OF KALINJOT OLIVE CULTIVAR IN THE SOUTHERN REGIONS OF ALBANIA

Abstract

Olive, a common tree in the Mediterranean landscape, has been cultivated by local communities for a long time for oil extraction and fruit consumption. Albania, a country in the Northern part of the Mediterranean basin, has a favorable geographic position and great potential for olive cultivation and processing, thanks to its favorable climate and the quality of its native cultivars. There are more than 28 olive cultivars grown all over Albania. One of the most important varieties used in the olive oil industry is Kalinjoti, which covers more than 55% of total olive plantations in the country. This study aimed to evaluate the main chemical constituents of extra virgin olive oils from the Kalinjot cultivar, collected over three consecutive harvesting years (2021, 2022, and 2023) in Southern Albania. For quality evaluation, the physical and chemical characteristics and purity criteria were analyzed. The determination of chemical constituents was achieved according to the Regulation EEC/2568/91. The characteristics of the cultivar are  important for the quality and composition of olive oil. One factor that influences these characteristics is the region.