Extra virgin olive oil is known for its incredible health benefits and delicious flavor. However, in order to enjoy all its properties, it is essential to store it correctly. Unlike other oils, olive oil is sensitive to light, heat, and air, which can degrade its quality over time. In this article, we will show you how to store olive oil properly to prolong its freshness and maximize its flavor and benefits.

1. Factors Affecting Olive Oil Quality

Olive oil is a delicate product that can lose its flavor and nutritional value if not stored correctly. The main factors affecting its quality are:

• Light: Prolonged exposure to light, especially direct sunlight, can oxidize olive oil, making it rancid.
• Heat: High temperatures accelerate the oxidation and decomposition of the oil, reducing its quality.
• Air: When olive oil is exposed to oxygen, its beneficial components, such as polyphenols, degrade over time.
• Time: Like any natural product, olive oil loses freshness over time, especially if not stored correctly.

2. Choose the Right Container

The type of container in which olive oil is stored plays a crucial role in its preservation. Here are some recommendations on the best containers to maintain the oil's freshness:

• Dark glass bottles: Dark glass, such as brown or green, is ideal for protecting olive oil from light. These containers block ultraviolet rays that can accelerate the oxidation process.
• Metal cans: Stainless steel or aluminum cans are another excellent container for olive oil. These cans do not allow light to enter and protect the oil from exposure to air.
• Dark plastic (although less recommended): While some brands opt for dark plastic bottles, this material is not as effective as glass or metal. Additionally, plastic can release chemicals when exposed to heat, which could affect the oil's flavor in the long run.

3. Store in a Cool, Dark Place

The place where you store your olive oil is also important. Prolonged exposure to heat and light can degrade the oil, so it is essential to store it in a cool, dark place. Here are some practical tips:

• Avoid direct sunlight: Never place olive oil near a window or in a place where it receives direct light. Instead, store it in a cupboard or pantry that does not receive natural light.
• Appropriate temperature: The ideal temperature for storing olive oil is between 14°C and 18°C. It is not recommended to store olive oil in the refrigerator, as cold temperatures can cause it to solidify and change its texture.
• Away from heat sources: Do not place olive oil near the stove, oven, or any other heat source, as high temperatures accelerate its degradation.

4. Keep Olive Oil Well Sealed

Air is another main enemy of olive oil, as oxygen accelerates the oxidation process and causes the oil to become rancid more quickly. To prevent this, make sure to:

• Close the bottle tightly: Whenever you use olive oil, make sure to close the bottle or container tightly after each use. This will prevent air from coming into contact with the oil.
• Small containers for daily use: If you use olive oil frequently, consider transferring it to a smaller container for daily use. This way, the amount of oil exposed to air will be less, keeping it fresh for longer.

5. The Myth of Storing Olive Oil in the Fridge

It is a common myth to think that olive oil should be stored in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Although refrigeration can prolong the shelf life of some foods, this is not the case for olive oil. When chilled, olive oil can solidify and form clumps, affecting its texture and making it harder to use. Additionally, low temperatures do not fully protect the oil from oxidation once exposed to air.

• Tip: If you live in a place with extremely hot weather and do not have a cool place to store olive oil, you may consider storing it in the fridge, but make sure to take it out a few minutes before using it to regain its liquid texture.

6. Do Not Buy More Than You Need

Olive oil is best when fresh, so it is not recommended to buy large quantities if you do not plan to consume it quickly. It is ideal to buy smaller bottles or cans that you can finish within three to six months. This way, you ensure that the oil you use is at its peak freshness and flavor.

• Tip: If you find a deal and decide to buy olive oil in large quantities, store what you are not going to use immediately in a cool, dark place, and transfer it to smaller containers as needed.

7. Check the Packaging and Best Before Date

When buying olive oil, always check the packaging and best before date. Olive oil has a shelf life of approximately 18 months from packaging, but it is best consumed within 6 to 12 months after purchase to enjoy its full flavor and properties.

• Tip: Always choose olive oils with a more recent packaging date. Also, look for on the label if the oil comes from a single harvest, which ensures that all the contents of the bottle are from the same season.

8. Signs that Olive Oil is Rancid

Olive oil can become rancid if exposed to light, heat, or air for a long time. To know if your olive oil has lost its properties, pay attention to these signs:

• Smell: Rancid oil will have an unpleasant odor, similar to old candle wax or paint.
• Taste: Rancid olive oil loses its fresh and fruity flavor and can have a sour or bitter taste.
• Texture: Although not always noticeable, olive oil that has been exposed to heat may become thicker or more viscous.

If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the oil and buy a new one.

9. Recycling Olive Oil Containers

When you finish using a bottle of olive oil, make sure to recycle the container properly. Dark glass bottles are recyclable in most recycling systems. If you have used a metal can, you should also be able to recycle it, as long as it is clean. It is not recommended to reuse plastic containers to store new oil, as plastic can deteriorate over time and affect the quality of the new oil.

Olive oil is an incredibly versatile and beneficial product, but to fully benefit from its properties, it is essential to store it properly. By following these simple storage tips, you can ensure that your olive oil stays fresh, delicious, and full of nutrients for longer. Remember, olive oil is best when fresh, so only buy what you need and store it in a cool, dark, and tightly sealed place.