How to store olive oil

Everything about the conservation of EVO oil

Proper storage of olive oil is important both to keep the quality and flavor of the extra virgin olive oil unchanged over time and to best preserve its organoleptic and nutritional properties.

Here are some useful tips on how to store olive oil after the mill:

Exposure to Light

Store the oil in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

At what temperature to store the oil

The ideal temperature for storing olive oil is between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius, which corresponds to the temperature of cellars or pantries in a normal home. It is important to avoid sudden changes in temperature and high temperatures, as the oil can undergo a rapid degradation and an acceleration of the oxidation process. Too low temperatures can instead cause the oil to solidify, especially if it contains high quantities of saturated fatty acids. Finally, it is important to store the oil in a dry place, as humidity can also speed up the degradation process.

In which container to store the oil

To store the oil, dark glass or tin containers should be used to protect it from light. You must also make sure that the container is hermetically sealed, to prevent air from entering and the oil from oxidizing.

What damage can oil suffer when in contact with oxygen?

Olive oil in contact with oxygen can undergo the oxidation of the unsaturated fatty acids contained in the oil, which can lead to the formation of volatile substances and a reduction in the organoleptic and nutritional properties of the oil. This oxidation process can be accelerated by the presence of light and heat.

Oxidation of extra virgin olive oil can lead to several negative effects, including:

1. Alteration of flavor and aroma, making it less pleasant on the palate
2. Reduction of the content of antioxidants, such as polyphenols and tocopherols, which protect the oil from degradation.
3. Reduction in nutritional value, as unsaturated fats are important for cardiovascular health and the prevention of certain diseases.

Olive Oil Conservation Methods

Let's now look in detail at the two most important conservation systems:

• Nitrogen
• "Always Full"

Preservation of oil with nitrogen

Preservation of oil with nitrogen is a technique used to protect oil from oxidation and extend its shelf life. Oxygen in the air is one of the main causes of oil oxidation, which can lead to the formation of unwanted substances such as free fatty acids, peroxides and aldehydes, which can negatively affect the flavor and quality of the oil.

Nitrogen storage involves using an inert gas, nitrogen, to replace the air inside the oil storage container, thereby eliminating oxygen and preventing oxidation. This technique is often used in the industrial sector, but can also be adopted at a domestic level using a vacuum packaging system.

Oil preserved with nitrogen can maintain its quality for a longer period of time than traditional preservation, however it is important to underline that the use of nitrogen does not completely prevent the oxidation of the oil, but slows down the process.

"Always Full"

The "always full" is a system of preserving extra virgin olive oil which involves keeping the oil level always at maximum inside the bottle or container, without leaving empty space between the oil and the cap. This preservation system is based on the theory that the oxygen present in the air can come into contact with the oil and accelerate the oxidation process, therefore by eliminating the air and always keeping the bottle full, the formation of substances can be prevented unwanted and ensure a longer shelf life of the oil.

However, some experts advise against using the "always full" system, as it may increase the risk of contamination of the oil by bacteria or other substances, especially if the oil is stored for a long period of time.

Additionally, the "always full" system may make it more difficult to understand when the oil was first opened, and therefore it may be more difficult to check its expiration date.

How long does olive oil last?

To guarantee maximum quality and freshness, olive oil must absolutely be consumed within its expiry date. The shelf life of olive oil is 18 months from opening the container, as over time the oil can deteriorate and lose its aroma and flavor.

What happens to the oil after expiration?

The expiry date indicated on the label of extra virgin olive oil refers to the period of time within which the oil is considered to maintain its organoleptic properties (flavour, aroma and colour) and nutritional properties (antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamins, etc.).

In general, high quality and correctly stored EVO oil can maintain its organoleptic and nutritional properties for a period of approximately 18 hours.
months.

After the expiration of 18 months, extra virgin olive oil may undergo some changes in its composition and flavor, depending on the storage conditions and its original quality. In particular, the oil can undergo an acceleration of the oxidation process, which can lead to the formation of unwanted substances such as free fatty acids, peroxides and aldehydes. This can
negatively affect the flavor and quality of the oil, making it rancid or altering its aroma.

Additionally, expired oil may contain higher levels of free fatty acids,
which can be harmful to health if consumed in excessive quantities.
For these reasons, it is advisable not to use expired oil, but to dispose of it
correctly.

How Angimbe Oil is stored

After the mill, before our oil is bottled and arrives in the homes of our customers, it is stored in stainless steel containers at a controlled temperature and under nitrogen, to maintain unchanged both its rich and sumptuous flavor and the nutritional characteristics obtained from the first choice olives that we use to produce it.

By following these tips, it will then be possible to store extra virgin olive oil in an optimal way and enjoy its flavor and beneficial properties for a long period of time.

Have you become curious to taste our oil in its full flavor and with all its organoleptic properties intact? Read the article on how to taste extra virgin olive oil , or visit our online oil shop !