Evaluation of the Genuineness of Cold-pressed Bergamot Oil

The evaluation of purity and quality of bergamot oil has always been one of the objectives of the Experimental Station for the Citrus Essences and Derivatives Industry in Reggio Calabria, Italy. The results of studies carried out over the years have allowed determination of certain parameters of the variability intervals within which bergamot oils must fall, in order to be considered genuine. The parameters laid down by international regulations, such as the Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), have the same objective. Moreover, in regulating “Denominazione di Origine Controllata, Disciplinare per la Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP; Protected Designations of Origin)—Bergamot of Reggio Calabria—Essential Oil,” specific variability intervals are laid down within which the essential oil must fall in order to be sold with this name.

This article aims to provide elements for evaluation of the genuineness of bergamot oil. It presents recent data regarding the traditional physicochemical parameters, percentage composition of the volatile fraction and the distribution of the main chiral compounds determined in six samples collected from six genuine lots of cold-pressed oil each weighing 1 metric tonne.

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