Age: 1 year
Plants 1 new Olive tree
CO2 absorbed: 150 kg/year
Evo oil included:
INTRODUCTION – How to Store Olive Oil
In this article , we’ll reveal the secrets to storing olive oil, ensuring that every drop is perfect, from the very first use to the very last.
Extra virgin olive oil is a valuable ingredient, rich in flavor and health benefits. However, to preserve all its qualities over time, it is essential to know and apply the proper storage techniques.
Let’s discover them together!
Temperature and Light
“Keep away from light and heat”is the warning you’ll find on all olive oil containers.
To preserve its flavor and nutritional properties, it is important to store the oil at a temperature between 12°C and 20°C.
Higher temperatures and light (especially sunlight) can accelerate the oxidation process, compromising the flavor, color, and quality of the product.
So, our advice is to keep the oil away from heat sources, such as stoves, radiators, or windows exposed to sunlight, and to store the oil in dark containers, such as green glass bottles or steel cans (these materials protect the oil from exposure to light and preserve its quality over time).
Oxygen
Oxygen is another enemy that should not be overlooked. When oil comes into contact with air, an oxidation process begins that compromises its freshness, causing it to go rancid.
It is therefore essential to always keep the bottle cap tightly closed and, if possible, to use containers with airtight closures.
Another tip? Avoid transferring the oil too many times from one container to another, since every time it comes into contact with air, it spoils faster (a tip that applies to all types of oil).
The container makes all the difference
Not all materials are suitable for storing extra virgin olive oil. Dark glass, as mentioned earlier, is one of the best options, as are stainless steel cans.
Instead, avoid plastic containers, which not only let light through but can also release chemicals that alter the oil’s flavor.
Glazed ceramics can be an elegant option, as long as they provide an airtight seal and are opaque.
How to Store Oil Over Time: Is It Possible?
Extra virgin olive oil is a fresh product, and for this reason, it should be consumed within 18 to 24 months of pressing to fully enjoy its organoleptic properties. However, if stored properly, it can retain its quality for a longer period of time.
We recommend buying oil in moderate quantities, based on your consumption, and storing it in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, away from sources of light and heat.
What to Avoid: The Most Common Mistakes
Often, for convenience, oil is left near the stovetop or in clear bottles on shelves exposed to light. These are among the most common and dangerous mistakes when it comes to storing oil.
Another mistake is thinking that the refrigerator is a good solution: even excessive cold can alter the oil’s consistency, causing it to solidify. If this happens, simply let it return to room temperature, but avoid putting it back in the refrigerator.
