Storing olive oil well means protecting it.
A great extra virgin olive oil does not require complicated care. It simply needs to be protected from light, heat, oxygen and the passing of time.
Olive oil continues to evolve after milling.
Its aromas, freshness and complexity gradually change over time. Proper storage does not stop this evolution, but it can slow it down and preserve for longer the qualities for which the oil was selected.
Protect it from light.
Light accelerates oxidation. Keep the bottle in a closed cupboard or, at the very least, away from direct sunlight.
Dark glass and opaque containers help, but they do not replace proper storage.
Keep the temperature stable.
Olive oil prefers a cool and, above all, stable environment. A temperature of around 15–20°C is generally suitable for domestic storage.
Keep it away from ovens, hobs, radiators, sun-exposed windows and significant temperature fluctuations.
Limit contact with air.
Oxygen is one of the main factors responsible for the ageing of olive oil.
Always close the bottle carefully after use and store it upright. Once opened, it is best not to leave it unused for months.
Respect time.
Extra virgin olive oil does not improve with age. Its quality is expressed above all through freshness, aromas and aromatic integrity.
Once a bottle has been opened, the simplest advice is to use it regularly rather than keeping it unnecessarily for too long.
Cold does not necessarily mean deterioration.
At low temperatures, olive oil may become cloudy or develop natural crystals. This is a reversible physical phenomenon and does not, by itself, indicate a problem with quality.
As the bottle gradually returns to room temperature, the oil will normally return to its original appearance. It is still best to avoid repeated cycles of cooling and warming.
Four simple habits are enough.
- 01 Close the bottle carefully after every use.
- 02 Keep it away from light and sources of heat.
- 03 Store it upright and at a stable temperature.
- 04 Use it regularly while its aromas and freshness are still at their best.
