How to Properly Store Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is more than just an ingredient—it’s a delicate, high-quality product that deserves proper care. Many people unknowingly store their olive oil incorrectly, causing it to lose flavor, aroma, and nutritional benefits much faster than it should.
To ensure every drop stays fresh and full of antioxidants, follow this guide on how to store olive oil correctly—and what mistakes to avoid.
✅ The Best Way to Store Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1. Keep It Away from Light
✔ Why? Light exposure breaks down polyphenols (the healthy antioxidants in EVOO) and can cause rancidity over time.
✔ Best Practice:
- Store olive oil in a dark glass bottle or tin (like all Dell’Orto oils)
- Keep bottles in a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight
- If using a clear glass bottle, make sure it’s inside a dark cabinet
📌 Pro Tip: This is why Dell’Orto only bottles EVOO in dark glass or tins—to naturally protect it from light exposure.
2. Store in a Cool, Dark Place
✔ Why? Heat speeds up oxidation, causing the oil to degrade faster.
✔ Best Practice:
- Keep EVOO at 57-70°F (14-21°C)—a cool, room-temperature range
- Avoid storing it near stoves, ovens, or sunny countertops
📌 Pro Tip: The best place to store olive oil is a cool pantry or inside a kitchen cabinet away from appliances.
3. Keep It Tightly Sealed
✔ Why? Oxygen exposure leads to oxidation, which deteriorates the oil’s quality and shortens its shelf life.
✔ Best Practice:
- Always close the cap tightly after each use
- If transferring to a new bottle, use one with a secure, airtight seal
- Never leave the bottle open for long periods
📌 Pro Tip: Dell’Orto olive oils come with securely sealed caps to maintain freshness from first pour to last drop.
4. Use It Within the Right Timeframe
✔ Why? Unlike wine, olive oil does not get better with age—freshness matters.
✔ Best Practice:
- EVOO is best consumed within 12-18 months of harvest
- Always check the harvest date (Dell’Orto labels all bottles with this for transparency!)
- Once opened, use within 2-3 months for peak flavor
📌 Pro Tip: Avoid bottles that only show an expiration date—it doesn’t tell you when the oil was actually made!
❌ What NOT to Do When Storing Olive Oil
🚫 Do NOT refrigerate it. (It may solidify and cause condensation, which can degrade the oil.)
🚫 Do NOT store it near your stove or oven. (Heat speeds up spoilage.)
🚫 Do NOT buy clear glass bottles. (Light exposure ruins the oil.)
🚫 Do NOT buy in bulk unless you’ll use it quickly. (Larger bottles oxidize faster once opened.)
🥇 Why Dell’Orto Olive Oil Stays Fresher for Longer
At Dell’Orto, preserving quality is our priority. That’s why we:
✔ Use dark glass bottles & tins to prevent light exposure
✔ Label every bottle with the harvest date for full transparency
✔ Cold-press our olives immediately after harvest for peak freshness
✨ Final Thoughts: Store It Right & Enjoy the Best Flavor
Olive oil is best when it’s fresh, flavorful, and full of nutrients—but only if it’s stored correctly. Follow these simple storage tips and enjoy Dell’Orto Extra Virgin Olive Oil at its absolute best.
👉 Taste the difference of properly stored, premium EVOO! Shop now at DellOrtoOil.com and bring the best of Italy to your table.