Best Temperatures for Storing Olive Oil

Want to keep your olive oil fresh and flavorful? Store it between 50°F and 70°F for the best results. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Room Temperature (60-70°F): Perfect for daily use. Keep it in a dark, cool spot away from heat and light.
• Cool Storage (50-60°F): Ideal for long-term storage to maintain flavor and nutrients.
• Refrigeration (35-40°F): Works in hot climates but may cause the oil to solidify. Let it return to room temperature before use.

Avoid temperature fluctuations and consume olive oil within 9 months of its crush date for maximum quality. Always store in tightly sealed, dark containers to protect it from light and air.

Proper storage ensures your olive oil stays flavorful and nutritious longer.

5 Tips for Storing Extra Virgin Olive Oil at Home

1. Room Temperature Storage (60-70°F)

Keeping oil at room temperature, between 60–70°F (15.6–21.1°C), is perfect for everyday use. This range helps maintain the oil's quality, keeping it liquid and preserving its flavors and aromas.

Here are some tips to store your oil properly at room temperature:

• Place it in a dark cabinet or pantry, away from sunlight and heat.
• Use containers made of dark glass or ceramic to reduce light exposure.
• Always seal bottles tightly after use to avoid oxidation.
• Keep it away from ovens or other heat sources.
• Check the storage area's temperature, especially during warmer months.
• Use smaller bottles for daily use and store larger quantities in cooler areas.

Up next, learn about cool storage methods for better preservation.

2. Cool Storage (50-60°F)

Keeping olive oil at a cool temperature between 50–60°F (10–15.6°C) helps preserve its flavor and nutrients. Up next, we'll look at how refrigeration can be another option for storing olive oil while maintaining its quality.

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3. Refrigerator Storage (35-40°F)

Storing olive oil in the refrigerator can help maintain its quality. When refrigerated, olive oil may become cloudy and solidify. This is completely normal and doesn’t impact its quality. Once brought back to room temperature, the oil will return to its usual liquid form, along with its flavor and nutritional properties. Let it warm up slowly before using.

4. Temperature Dangers to Avoid

Beyond storing olive oil at the right temperature, it's crucial to prevent conditions that can speed up its deterioration. One major factor? Temperature fluctuations. High heat or frequent changes between cold and warm environments can break down the oil faster.

Maintaining a consistent temperature is just as important as staying within the ideal range. These fluctuations can lead to a noticeable drop in quality over time.

While olive oil naturally loses freshness as it ages, keeping the temperature steady helps preserve its flavor for as long as possible.

Conclusion

To keep your olive oil fresh and flavorful, it's important to store it at the right temperature. Aim for a range between 50°F and 70°F, with 60°F being ideal. Always store it in a cool, dark place to maintain its taste and quality. For Big Horn Olive Oil's Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils, proper storage is key to preserving their high standards.

Here's a quick storage guide:

Keep in mind that even under the best storage conditions, olive oil is best consumed within 9 months of the crush date. This is especially true for premium oils, which are cold-pressed within hours of harvest to lock in freshness.

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