How to Store Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 4 Tips to Keep It Fresh

Extra virgin olive oil (EVO) is one of the most beloved and appreciated Italian products in the world, an undisputed symbol of the Mediterranean diet. But do you know exactly how to store it to preserve its flavor and benefits? Storing extra virgin olive oil, if done correctly, can make a huge difference in the kitchen, preserving not only its flavor but also its health benefits.

In this article, you'll discover simple and practical techniques for best preserving your precious EVO oil, avoiding common mistakes that could compromise its quality.

Why is it crucial to store extra virgin olive oil correctly?


Imagine making a delicious Apulian bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil, but using an unpleasant, rancid-tasting oil. It doesn't sound good, does it? This scenario, unfortunately, is not uncommon when oil is not stored properly.

The shelf life of olive oil can vary significantly depending on how it's stored. According to the International Olive Council, EVOO maintains its peak quality within 12-18 months from bottling, provided it's stored in optimal conditions.

Light, Air, and Heat: The Enemies of Freshness


To understand how to best preserve EVO oil, you must first know its main enemies: light, air, and heat.

  • Light : Exposure to light accelerates the oxidation process, causing the oil to deteriorate.

  • Air : Prolonged contact with air promotes rancidity and rapidly alters the flavor.

  • Heat : High temperatures quickly degrade the nutritional and flavor properties of the oil.


For this reason, extra virgin olive oil should be stored in a cool place, away from light and direct heat sources. It's also important to limit contact with air: for this reason, if you purchase 5-liter cans, we at Frantoio D'Orazio recommend dividing the oil into smaller bottles, thus reducing the surface area exposed to oxygen as it is consumed. The ideal solution for protecting the oil from light, heat, and air is the practical bag-in-box system , which best preserves the freshness and quality of the product over time.



Fresh olives being processed on a blue conveyor belt | Frantoio D'Orazio

Practical Tips for Storing Extra Virgin Olive Oil


Here are some golden rules to follow to best preserve EVO oil:

  • Always use dark glass, stainless steel, tin, or ceramic containers, which protect the oil from light.

  • Store the oil in a cool pantry, at a temperature between 14°C and 18°C.

  • Close the bottle tightly after each use to prevent oxidation.

  • Avoid storing oil near heat sources such as ovens, stoves, or on top of the refrigerator.


How Long Can Well-Stored Oil Last?


When properly stored, a quality extra virgin olive oil can maintain its organoleptic properties for up to 18 months. However, beyond this time, while still safe for consumption, the oil may lose its flavor intensity and nutritional benefits.

How Frantoio D'Orazio Preserves Quality


The Frantoio D'Orazio in Conversano uses special techniques to preserve the freshness of its EVO oil:

  • Packaging in opaque containers (tins and dark bottles) to protect the oil from light and prevent photo-induced oxidation.


Use of nitrogen :

  • In storage tanks , to remove oxygen while awaiting bottling.

  • During bottling , both for glass bottles and for tinplate cans, to prolong the freshness of the product.



  • Storage in temperature-controlled environments.


These practices help to preserve the organoleptic and nutritional properties of the oil and to slow down the natural deterioration process.

Want to learn more about the quality of our EVO oil and the production techniques used at Frantoio D'Orazio?

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