The Only Way to Store Olive Oil, According to a California Olive Oil Farmer

Where should you keep your olive oil bottle?

The most important points:

• Store olive oil bottles in a cool, dark place such as a pantry.
• Make sure the bottles are completely sealed.
• Use the open bottle in 1 to 2 months.
• Replace olive oil if you notice a change in its smell or taste towards rancidity.

The importance of proper storage of olive oil

Mary Murray, vice president of quality and products at California Olive Ranch, says storing olive oil properly is essential to maintain its flavor and quality. She explains that there are four main enemies of olive oil to watch out for:

1. The time

Although a bottle of olive oil may seem to last forever, its shelf life is usually 18 to 24 months. Mori asserts:

“Unlike wine, olive oil doesn't improve over time.”
After opening the bottle, the taste gradually deteriorates, so it is best to consume it within one or two months of opening.

2. The light

Olive oil bottles are often colored to protect them from light. Prolonged exposure to lighting reduces the antioxidants in the oil, leading to loss of flavor and rancidity.

3. The heat

It is best to keep olive oil in a cool and dark place such as a pantry. Although placing it near the stove may seem practical while cooking, the high heat speeds up the deterioration of the oil.

4. oxygen

When olive oil is exposed to oxygen, its flavor changes gradually. Therefore, it should be stored in an airtight package and the bottle should not be left uncovered.

Should olive oil be refrigerated?

Chilling olive oil may seem like a suitable option if you are not going to consume it quickly, but this may affect its flavor.
According to the North American Olive Oil Association, cooling the oil causes crystals to form. When the oil returns to a liquid state at room temperature, some flavors may settle to the bottom, speeding up the rancidity process.

Therefore, Mori recommends simply storing olive oil in the cupboard or pantry away from heat and light.

The best container for storing olive oil

It is preferable to keep olive oil in its original bottle. Colored bottles help protect it from light and the tight cover protects the oil from oxygen.

Some people like to transfer oil to small tabletop bottles with a pouring spout, but Murray warns:

“We like pouring nozzles for ease of use, but we don't recommend them unless the oil is going to be consumed quickly, as they allow oxygen to enter and accelerate oil degradation.”

When should I replace olive oil?

Only buy the amount you know you'll consume in a short period of time. If you use olive oil regularly, it may make sense to buy a two-liter can. If your consumption is slow, choose a smaller pack.

Murray says:

“Like all fruits, olive oil should taste fresh and herbal. The good taste of extra virgin olive oil should be floral, fruity, and nutty, and like the smell of freshly cut grass.”

If you notice that the oil has become stagnant or tastes like plastic or paste, it may have rancid.

To discover the damaged taste, Mori suggests smelling crayons or medical patches, or tasting old nuts or chips, as their stagnant taste results from the rancidity of the oils in them.

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Source: simplyrecipes