Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), often referred to as “liquid gold”, is arguably the healthiest and finest natural oil, renowned for its exceptional flavors, rendering it rather a culinary delight than a cooking ingredient. While EVOO is at peak quality and flavor profiles when freshly extracted, its nutritional values, health properties and great taste can degrade over time compromised by unfavorable environmental conditions.
The adverse conditions
EVOO is highly sensitive to external factors. Typically, prolonged air exposure, light exposure and temperature fluctuations, gradually cause its quality to wear out and its zing to fade away. Simple storage best practices have been found to be particularly effective against such hazards.
The right storage container
To preserve its quality, EVOO is to be stored in a protective container with a:
- Light-resistant material: opt for dark glass or stainless steel containers, that shield from light exposure; avoid clear glass or plastic containers.
- Tight seal: opt for a container with an airtight seal to protect from air exposure; keep it tightly closed at all times.
Tip: EVOO is best stored in small recipients; if stored in large recipients, it is recommended to transpose it into smaller containers once opened, to minimize air exposure.
The optimal storage conditions
Maintaining the right storage conditions is crucial for EVOO longevity:
- Temperature: store EVOO in a cool place, within a temperature range of 15°C to 22°C, and away from heat sources; avoid placing it near a stove oven, microwave, toaster oven…
- Light: store EVOO in a dark place, away from direct light; typically in a dark closet, cupboard, or pantry.
- Humidity: store EVOO in a dry place, away from humidity; avoid placing it near sinks, dishwashers or in attics..
Tip: A dry, cool, dark cupboard is an excellent storage choice.
In conclusion, while proper storage is vital to preserve EVOO quality, adopting the recommended measures is within everyone’s reach!
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