How and where to properly store olive oil

Olive oil and, especially, extra virgin olive oil, is a high-quality product, but very delicate and full of nuances. Like a liquid treasure, it requires special care.

At Olivarte we know that to enjoy it to the fullest, it's not enough to choose a good EVOO (although that's important too), but it's just as important to know how to store olive oil properly from day one. Because, when it is not stored correctly, the oil may lose aroma, flavor, and properties much sooner than expected.

That's why we want to explain how and where to store olive oil, why it is so important, and what steps you should follow to keep it in perfect condition at all times.

¿Why is it so important to store olive oil properly?

Olive oil is the result of a very careful process, from the field to the bottle. Understanding how olive oil is made and the role of the oil mill helps to understand why proper storage is key.

Once produced, the oil begins a natural aging process. If it is not stored properly, this process accelerates, negatively affecting its organoleptic properties and the many benefits of olive oil.

¿What is olive oil preservation?

Before giving you the tips we've prepared, it's important to be clear about what olive oil preservation is. Well, it is the set of measures aimed at protecting the oil from its main enemies and dangers:

• Light.
• Heat.
• Air.
• Time.

Proper olive oil preservation aims to slow down oxidation and keep its quality intact for as long as possible.

¿How to store olive oil correctly?

If you want to know how to store EVOO, take note because these are the keys:

1. Protect it from light

Light is one of the biggest enemies of oil. That's why the best oils are packaged in dark bottles or cans. Exposure to light causes oxidation and loss of aroma.

2. Keep it at a stable temperature

The ideal temperature for storing olive oil is between 15 and 20ºC . Heat accelerates deterioration, while extreme cold can cause the oil to solidify (without spoiling, but temporarily altering its texture).

3. Avoid contact with air

Oxygen oxidizes the oil. That’s why it’s important to close the bottle tightly after each use and avoid containers that are too large if consumption is slow.

¿How to store extra virgin olive oil once opened?

Knowing how to store extra virgin olive oil after opening it is especially important. We recommend that, once the bottle is opened:

• Keep it tightly closed.
• Do not leave it near the stove or heat sources.
• Do not expose it to direct light.

These small actions can make a big difference in the final quality of the oil.

¿Where to store olive oil?

Just as important as the “how” is the “where.” If you’re wondering where to store olive oil, the answer is clear: in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as:

• A closed cupboard.
• A pantry.
• A cellar.

More and more enthusiasts are choosing to create a small oil library at home. If you don’t know what an oil library is, it is a space specifically designed to store and care for quality oils. We explain everything on our blog.

¿What is olive oil storage?

So, what is olive oil storage? It is the process of keeping oil in optimal conditions to preserve its qualities from bottling to final consumption.

Good olive oil storage takes into account:

• The type of container.
• The location.
• The storage time.

This is especially important when we talk about EVOO, since it is a natural, unrefined product. Therefore, it is important to be clear about what EVOO is and why it needs more care than other oils.

Common mistakes when storing olive oil

To avoid risks, let's go over some of the most common mistakes you should avoid:

• Storing it next to the cooktop.
• Leaving the bottle open.
• Using transparent containers.
• Buying large quantities without having a good place to store them.

These mistakes directly affect the quality of the oil, even if it is of excellent quality.

Tips for Keeping Olive Oil in Perfect Condition

To finish, here are some tips for preserving olive oil that make a difference:

• Buy quality oil in suitable containers.
• Consume opened bottles first.
• Avoid transferring the oil unnecessarily.
• Do not store it in the fridge except in specific cases.

At Olivarte we believe that properly preserving oil is a way to respect all the work behind it, from the olive tree to the oil mill. Likewise, knowing how to store olive oil and where to keep it is essential to enjoy its flavor, aroma, and benefits to the fullest.