Determination of fat and moisture in olives by near-infrarred reflectance spectroscopy.

A near-infrarred reflectance (NIR) equipment with optical based on interfer ence filters was used. Lineal combination of these filters were obtained fo r measuring oil content and moisture in olives. A good correlation in the i nterval 15.70% to 33.00%, between olive oil content predicted by near-infra rred and data obtained with the Soxhlet method has been obtained (correlati on coefficient r=0.9908 and estandar error of prediction SEP=0.811). For mo isture, a good correlation, in the interval 36.5%-65.0% between measures ob tained by near-infrarred prediction and the reference dry-oven method was a lso observed (r=0.9939 and SEP=0.928). With a near-infrarred technique meas urement of both parameter can be takes concurrently and in a few seconds. C hemical reagents and complex sample preparation are not required, only mill ing of drupes by a hammer crusher.