5 Tips to Prevent Olive Oil Oxidation

Want to keep your olive oil fresh and flavorful for longer? Oxidation, caused by light, heat, and air exposure, can ruin olive oil’s taste, nutrients, and shelf life. Here’s how to prevent it:

• Protect from light: Use dark glass, ceramic, or opaque metal containers.
• Limit air exposure: Seal tightly and transfer to smaller containers as you use it.
• Store at the right temperature: Keep it cool (57°F–70°F) and avoid heat sources.
• Choose antioxidant-rich oils: Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is best.
• Buy fresh, high-quality oil: Look for recent harvest dates and proper packaging.

Storing Olive Oil

1. Protect Olive Oil from Light

Exposure to light is a major factor that causes olive oil to degrade. When olive oil is exposed to light, it speeds up oxidation, breaking down the oil's compounds and leading to rancidity ^[1][3]. This is especially problematic for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), which can lose its quality after even brief exposure to bright light ^[4].

To keep your olive oil in top condition, use containers that block light effectively. Here are some options:

Steer clear of clear glass or plastic containers. If your oil is in a clear bottle, transfer it to a light-blocking container or wrap it in foil. Store olive oil in a dark cabinet, away from sunlight and heat sources like the stove. Brands such as Big Horn Olive Oil package their products in light-blocking containers to ensure better preservation.

2. Reduce Air Contact

Exposure to air is one of the main reasons olive oil goes bad. When oxygen gets into the bottle, it starts a process called oxidation, which harms both the oil's flavor and its nutrients ^[1]. Every time you open the bottle, air enters and speeds up this process. To slow it down, make sure to seal the bottle tightly after each use. A cap that's not properly closed allows air to keep flowing in, which accelerates spoilage ^[2].

Here are some tips to help keep your olive oil fresh:

• Check the cap: Ensure it's tightly sealed and threaded correctly.
• Downsize the container: As the oil gets used up, transfer it to a smaller container to reduce the amount of air inside.
• Choose the right containers: Use bottles or jars that can create a tight seal ^[2][3].

Big Horn Olive Oil puts these practices into action with their Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils. Their containers come with airtight caps specifically designed to keep the oil fresh and maintain its quality.

For regular olive oil, freezing small amounts in airtight containers is another way to limit air exposure ^[2][3]. While keeping air out is crucial, don't forget that temperature also plays a big role in preserving olive oil's quality.

3. Store at the Right Temperature

To keep olive oil fresh, aim for a storage temperature between 57°F and 70°F (14°C and 21°C) ^[2][3]. Heat can quickly ruin olive oil, affecting its flavor, aroma, and nutrients ^[2]. This is why storing it near stoves or ovens, though convenient, is a bad idea.

Frequent temperature changes can also speed up deterioration ^[1]. Here's how different storage spots affect olive oil:

While refrigeration can slow down spoilage, it isn't necessary if the oil is stored correctly ^[2]. Keep in mind that condensation from refrigeration, like air exposure, can harm the oil's quality ^[1][2].

For best results, place olive oil in a cool, dark cabinet, away from heat sources like stoves, windows, or sunlit walls ^[5][3]. Consistent temperatures are key to maintaining its quality.

Additionally, olive oils high in natural antioxidants can better resist oxidation, offering extra durability.

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4. Choose Oils with Antioxidants

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) stands out for its high levels of natural antioxidants like polyphenols and vitamin E. These compounds help slow down oxidation, keeping the oil fresh and maintaining its quality for longer periods ^[1][3].

Here’s a quick comparison of antioxidant levels in different oils:

To find oils rich in antioxidants, check for fresh harvest dates, high polyphenol content, or certifications like Ultra Premium ^[1][2]. For instance, Big Horn Olive Oil's Ultra Premium EVOOs are known for their freshness and high levels of protective compounds.

Proper storage is just as important. Keep your olive oil in a cool, dark place to retain its antioxidants ^[2][4]. Even the best oils can lose their quality without proper care. When stored correctly, antioxidant-rich oils generally stay fresh for 18-24 months from the bottling date ^[1][3].

Selecting antioxidant-packed oils is key, but maintaining their freshness and quality is just as vital to getting the most out of your olive oil.

5. Buy Fresh, High-Quality Olive Oil

Choosing fresh, high-quality olive oil is one of the best ways to protect its flavor and shelf life. Fresh oils naturally have more antioxidants, which help slow down spoilage.

Here’s what to focus on when shopping for olive oil:

Freshness matters - oils harvested within 12-18 months are ideal. Brands like Big Horn Olive Oil clearly list harvest dates and process olives quickly to minimize oxidation. Experts also stress the importance of light-resistant packaging to keep your olive oil in top condition ^[1].

Premium oils last longer and are worth the investment. Here are some practical tips for buying:

• Stick to Ultra Premium or Extra Virgin certifications for quality assurance.
• Avoid clear plastic or glass bottles, as they let in damaging light.
• Buy only what you can use within 6-12 months.
• Make sure you have a cool, dark spot for storage before purchasing.

If you're buying a large quantity, refrigerate a portion to extend its life. Keep in mind, refrigeration might cause temporary cloudiness, but it won’t affect the quality ^[5].

Conclusion

Keeping olive oil fresh and flavorful comes down to smart storage and thoughtful purchasing. Factors like light, heat, and air exposure can break down its quality, but a few simple steps can help maintain its taste and nutrients ^[1][2].

Producers like Big Horn Olive Oil prioritize freshness by cold-pressing olives within just 2 hours of harvesting. This quick process helps reduce oxidation and keeps natural antioxidants intact.

Here’s how you can extend your olive oil’s shelf life:

FAQs

Choosing the right storage container is key to keeping olive oil fresh and preventing oxidation. Here are answers to some common questions.

Should olive oil be stored in glass or ceramic?

Both glass and ceramic containers are good options, but ceramic provides better protection. Dark-tinted glass bottles can block light effectively, but ceramic containers go a step further. Their thick walls shield against temperature fluctuations and completely block light, reducing the risk of light-induced oxidation. This makes ceramic containers especially suitable for long-term storage ^[2][3].

What is the best container to store olive oil long term?

For long-term storage, ceramic containers are the best choice. They offer excellent light protection, keep temperatures stable, and prevent contamination ^[2][3]. To maintain freshness, clean ceramic containers thoroughly before refilling to avoid rancidity. Dark-tinted glass bottles can also work well, as long as they block UV rays effectively.

Regardless of the container type, proper storage conditions are critical. Keep olive oil in a cool, dark place and ensure containers are tightly sealed after each use ^[2]. Some premium brands, like Big Horn Olive Oil, use specially designed containers to preserve their products.

"Long exposure to heat can cause the evaporation of the various components that are in extra virgin olive oil, deteriorating its texture and making it lighter." - Laudemio Frescobaldi ^[6]

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