How to Store Extra Virgin Olive Oil Properly (and Avoid Common Mistakes)

Buying & Storing Olive Oil
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Luca here again :waving_hand:

Today I want to cover something that’s surprisingly overlooked - even by people who buy excellent extra virgin olive oil:

How you store your EVOO massively affects its flavor, freshness, and health benefits.

Here’s what you need to know (and a few myths to bust along the way):

The Enemies of Olive Oil

Olive oil’s biggest enemies are:

  • Heat
  • Light
  • Oxygen
  • Time

When EVOO is exposed to any of these for too long, it starts to degrade. That means dull flavors, loss of antioxidants (like polyphenols), and in the worst cases, rancidity.

Best Practices for Storing Olive Oil

Keep it cool—but not cold
Ideal storage temperature is between 14°C–18°C (57°F–64°F).
Avoid leaving it near the stove, in a sunny window, or in a hot pantry. (I know, it’s tempting!)

Use dark bottles, tins, or opaque containers
Light triggers oxidation. Dark glass, metal tins, or newer BPA-free, UV-blocking plastic bottles protect the oil better than clear glass.

Seal it tight
Always close the cap tightly after each use. Oxygen exposure speeds up degradation.

Don’t refrigerate unless necessary
Fridge temps can cause condensation inside the bottle, which isn’t good. Refrigeration is only recommended if your house gets very hot for long periods.

Buy smaller quantities
If you don’t go through EVOO quickly, buy smaller bottles. Freshness matters more than bulk discounts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Decanting into clear fancy bottles — Looks nice, kills the oil.
  • Storing next to the oven — Warm spots kill antioxidants fast.
  • Stockpiling for years — Olive oil is not like wine. It doesn’t improve with age.

Bonus Tip: Modern Packaging Matters!

Today, many top producers are using UV-blocking plastic or nitrogen-flushed bags inside boxes (“bag-in-box” EVOO) to preserve freshness longer.
Plastic used to be seen as lower quality, but modern food-grade plastics are now recognized as a smart, protective choice—especially for keeping air and light out.

(Just make sure the bottle is from a reputable producer and BPA-free!)

How About You?

  • How do you store your EVOO?
  • Have you noticed a flavor difference after a few months?
  • Anyone here tried bag-in-box EVOO yet?

Would love to hear your tips and experiences! :backhand_index_pointing_down:

Luca

Tags:

tag:olive-oil-storage tag:extra-virgin-olive-oil tag:proper-storage tag:evoo-tips tag:preserving-flavor