# Comprehensive Assessment of Harvesting Method Effects on FAEE, Waxes, Fatty Acids, Phenolics, Volatiles, and Sensory Characteristics of Buža Virgin Olive Oil

## TL;DR

This study compares mechanical and manual harvesting methods on the quality of Buža virgin olive oil, finding minimal differences when olives are quickly processed.

## Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence that mechanical harvesting methods do not significantly compromise Buža olive oil quality when processing is prompt.

## Key findings

- Mechanical harvesting caused more fruit damage than manual harvesting.
- Prompt processing of olives minimized quality differences across harvesting methods.
- Sensory attributes remained high with only minor reductions in odor for one mechanical method.

## Abstract

Increasing competition in the olive oil market and labor shortages have accelerated the use of mechanical harvesting, raising concerns about potential fruit damage and its impact on oil quality. This study examined how three harvesting methods: manual using hand-held combs (B-HH) and two mechanical, hand-held shaker rake (B-MH-1) and self-propelled trunk shaker (B-MH-2), affect the quality and composition of Buža variety virgin olive oil. The greatest damage to the fruits occurred in B-MH-1, whereas the least was observed in B-HH. Olives were processed within 24 h, and oils were analyzed for basic quality parameters, fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), waxes content, fatty acid composition, volatile and phenolic profiles, and sensory attributes. Harvesting method did not significantly affect acidity, peroxide value, UV indices, FAEE, waxes, and fatty acids. Analyses of volatile and phenolic compounds revealed only slight differences. Nevertheless, sensory assessment detected no defects, with only minor reductions in positive odor attributes in B-MH-1. Taste attributes remained unchanged, consistent with similar total phenolic content. Overall, when olives are promptly processed, all investigated harvesting methods result in high-quality Buža olive oil.