Integrated Study of Qualitative Olive and Oil Production from Three Important Varieties Grown in Calabria (Southern Italy)

Olive ripening, climate conditions, geographic area, and cultivar may influence the composition and quality of olive oils. This study aims to identify the optimal harvesting period for qualitative production of three cultivarsgrown in Calabria. The obtained results show that all the olive oils produced in October are classified as extra virgin, and then their quality decreases gradually, in particular in Grossa di Gerace olives, grown in a typical hot-dry area. Oleic acid content in the oil is related to the temperature expositionduring fruit growth. Considering oil yield and quality, the optimal harvesting times are identified in the first part of the month of October (142–158 days after full bloom) for Grossa di Gerace olive and in the second and last week of October (142–165 days after full bloom) for Ottobratica and Sinopolese.Practical Applications: This study investigates with a holistic approach thedevelopment and maturation of drupes and the quality of oils obtained at two harvesting times. The strong correlation between olive ripening index and the other studied parameters prove that it is a valid index for olive growers to identify the optimal harvesting period for the three Calabrian olive cultivars. To obtain high mechanical harvest efficacy, this study suggests the use oftrunk shakers to Grossa di Gerace olives and mechanical beaters to Ottobratica and Sinopolese.