Olive oil is one of the key foods of the Mediterranean diet. Tasty, healthy and always used by man. Discover with us how to store olive oil!

This is why it is important to preserve olive oil correctly

Olive oil is the condiment par excellence of the Mediterranean diet, a must on the Italian table for its nutritional and healthy characteristics.

Properly preserving olive oil is therefore essential to preserve all its flavor, while maintaining its characteristics unaltered.

It is not by chance that olive oil is chosen in the kitchen for its undoubted health benefits and for the excellent organoleptic qualities that make it the inevitable “condiment” on the table of Italians, the largest consumers of olive oil in the world.

However, the precious constituents of olive oil are very sensitive to unfavorable environmental conditions that can significantly worsen their organoleptic qualities and start the process of some unwelcome phenomena such as rancidity.

For this reason it is really important to preserve olive oil correctly, to keep it in the most appropriate way to avoid losing its nutritional and health benefits.

Does olive oil have a deadline?

Olive oil does not have a real deadline but rather a “minimum shelf life”, that is a time beyond which it is not recommended to keep the oil in order not to spoil its perfumes and its properties.

The preferred term for the consumption of olive oil is indicated on the bottle label and is generally 12-18 months but may depend on the various cultivars.

According to the International Olive Council, it should never exceed 24 months.

How to store olive oil

Depending on whether the oil is stored at home, in a restaurant, on supermarket shelves or during the storage phase, the way olive oil is stored can vary according to specific needs.

However, there are general rules for preserving olive oil that should always be followed.

Store the olive oil away from light

The quality of olive oil may be compromised by too strong lighting. Therefore avoid direct exposure to the sun or any type of excessively strong lighting. For this reason it is good practice to bottle olive oil in a dark container to protect it from light.

Store the olive oil away from heat

The high temperature irreversibly damages olive oil so never leave the bottle near heat sources such as stove or radiators.

Keep away from impregnating odors

Being a fat the oil has a “sponge effect” towards all volatile substances. It is therefore good to keep it away from highly perfumed detergents or substances with very strong odors.

Avoid temperature changes

Always avoid temperature changes, which negatively affect the quality of the oil. Better a cool temperature but without excesses.

Do not subject to drafts

To avoid the danger of oxidation it is important to close the cap well after use, so as not to leave the olive oil in contact with the air.

To discover all the secrets about the world of oil and the best ways to store olive oil, we are waiting for you in Tuscany at Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort!