How To Store Olive Oil? 4 Common Containers To Use!
How to store olive oil? Olive oil is used more and more by people in cooking and baking these days. This type of oil is among the healthiest choices there is.
Comparing it to common oils such as safflower, canola, and corn, olive oil has the highest monounsaturated fat.
Much more unrefined virgin and extra-virgin olive oil contain potent antioxidants in removing free radicals of the body.
The cold-press process used in producing olive oil is why it maintains the highest phenols levels.
Now, maintaining the maximum quality of your olive oil storage is essential. That is because it can become rancid if exposed to heat, light, and oxygen.
But then again, it can be prevented by proper storage.
Industry experts recommend to store it in areas with temperatures ranging from 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve optimal results.
Keeping at the usual 70 degrees Fahrenheit room temperature is also acceptable, but for kitchens warmer than that, refrigeration is suggested.
Refrigeration is the best method to use for the long-term storage of all types of olive oils. However, this may not be good for premium extra-virgin olive oils. please read here what does virgin olive oil mean.
So it is best to purchase a small portion in a sealed container and store it at room temperature. Such a small amount is just sufficient for your instant needs.
Older Is Not Better
Olive oil does not work like wine that improves with age.
As the oil gets older, it breaks down, forming more free oleic acid, flavour weakens, and the level of acidity rises.
In the case of extra-virgin oil, it tends to get better since they contain a lower acidity level. But you must only use those lower-quality ones for one month.
The acidity level of olive oils rises day by day. Sooner or later, it will not be palatable anymore.
Please note that it's quality and flavour for about 2 to 3 months after the pressing process.
But the more critical issue here is that time tends to degrade the nutrients that olive oil contains.
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4 Common Containers To Store Olive Oil
At some point, you probably have seen olive oils stored either in glass bottles, pantry pouches, stainless steel dispensers, or plastic bottles.
Although most olive oil manufacturers prefer using a glass bottle, some choose to utilize plastic containers that are more cost-effective.
But if you want to maintain the quality, you might want to make a transfer to other containers at home. It is what most oil enthusiasts do.
With that being said, let us consider the upsides and downsides of each container.
Container #1. Glass bottle
Among all other containers of olive oils, a glass bottle is undoubtedly the most prominent one. Learn here what is best olive oil.
Not only because they are pleasing, but it is also easier to handle.
Please note that it is good to store it on dark glass since it can block off the light rays that are harmful, resulting to oil damage.
Provided that these containers are not placed near the heat sources such as ovens or stoves, glass bottles can effectively keep their content at the right temperature.
Container #2. Pantry pouch
Other olive oil containers are good at protecting their contents against heat and light.
However, they cannot effectively guard it against the possible damaging effects of oxygen.
Some innovative and airtight packaging is especially good at preserving the nutrients, flavour, and freshness of the olive oil. Read here how much fresh pasta per person.
You might also check out those that have built-in spout so that you can pour the oil without having to remove the lid and expose then olive oil to oxygen.
Container #3. Dispenser made of stainless steel
If you are also purchasing a bulk of olive oil, it is good to refill them in a stainless steel dispenser.
Large tin cans or bottles would be odd to handle and display on your counter or table.
So it is best to transfer little amounts of olive oil enough for your needs and keep the rest in its original containers.
Stainless steel is excellent for blocking the light and thus keeping the olive oil cool inside.
Other than that, it will not fade over time that results in releasing impurities to the oil, unlike other reactive metals such as iron or copper.
Container #4. Plastic bottle
Although you can store olive oil in plastic bottles, it is not ideal to do this.
Storing it there for a short time can be fine, but it won't be useful anymore after some time.
So if your olive oil lasts longer, the plastic bottle is not the best option for storing them.
That is because chemicals from the plastic container can transfer into the oil. As a result, it will change the flavour of the oil.
Or worse, it will expose you to harmful chemicals.
Now that you know how to store olive oil, I hope you use a container that is safe for you.
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It’s A Wrap!
How to store olive oil? Storing your olive oil is essential in keeping it fresh as possible.
As mentioned earlier, the main culprit that causes olive oils' rancidity is heat, light, and oxygen.
Hence, it is empirical to keep the oil protected from those variables.
Remember that even the best, highest quality olive oil will rapidly degrade without adequately storing them.
Most people are keeping the oil in a serving cruet and place it beside their stove.
Some opt to display them on their kitchen counter, especially when stored inside a beautiful bottle.
Others choose to keep it inside a cool dark place, such as in their pantry or cabinet. They only bring it out whenever there is a need to use them.