There are certain conditions that can either extend or shorten the shelf life of purchased olive oil. With proper storage conditions, you can preserve the freshness and characteristics of olive oil as of the day you bought it for an average of 2 years. To store olive oil correctly, it is important to keep it away from light, heat, and oxygen. Olive oil that is not stored properly will deteriorate over time, spoil, and develop an unpleasant odor.
1- Protect Olive Oil from Light…
Sunlight and fluorescent lighting negatively affect the quality of olive oil. Store olive oil in a pantry, pantry cabinet, kitchen cupboard, or any dark area with a door, if available. Never leave olive oil on kitchen countertops, windowsills, or in places exposed to light for long periods.
2- Store Olive Oil in Proper Containers…
The chlorophyll content in olive oil makes it sensitive to light. Therefore, olive oil should be stored in stainless steel tins or containers, or in dark-colored glass bottles that protect it from light. Olive oil is usually sold in clear glass bottles; if you do not have another container to transfer it into, wrap the bottle with aluminum foil to protect it from light. Never use reactive metals such as iron or copper, as they can alter the chemical structure of olive oil.
3- Always Seal Olive Oil with an Airtight Cap.
One of the greatest enemies of olive oil is oxygen. Contact with oxygen damages the structure of olive oil. Therefore, make sure the container used for storage is sealed with an airtight lid. Protect your olive oil by tightly closing the cap after each use.
4- Store Olive Oil in a Cool Environment.
The ideal temperature range for storing olive oil is between 14°C and 21°C. If you live in a region with a humid climate and temperatures of 27°C or higher, you may choose to store olive oil in the refrigerator. However, olive oil stored in the refrigerator will solidify and become cloudy, so you will need to wait until it returns to room temperature before use.
5- Bottle Olive Oil Separately According to Usage Frequency…
If you purchase olive oil in large quantities, transferring it into one-liter bottles for daily use will help protect the main supply. Buying olive oil in bulk can help save money; however, proper storage becomes even more important when dealing with large quantities. Transfer the olive oil into suitable storage bottles, seal them tightly, and store them in a dry, cool area away from light.
Note: Olive oil easily absorbs surrounding odors. Therefore, make sure there are no strong or harmful smells in the storage area that could affect the chemical structure of the olive oil.
