How to Store Olive Oil Properly and Keep It Fresh for Longer

Extra virgin olive oil is often treated as a kitchen staple, but in reality, it is a fresh, natural product that deserves proper care. When stored correctly, high-quality olive oil retains its flavour, aroma, and nutritional value for far longer. When stored poorly, even the best olive oil can lose its character surprisingly quickly.

Understanding how to store olive oil properly is essential for anyone who values good food, Mediterranean cooking, or premium ingredients. At Artisan Olive Oil Company, we often remind customers that storage plays just as important a role as sourcing when it comes to enjoying the best extra virgin olive oil.

Why Proper Storage Matters for Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is made using mechanical methods without heat or chemicals. This gentle process preserves natural compounds, but it also makes the oil more sensitive to its environment. Light, heat, air, and time all affect quality.

When exposed to poor conditions, olive oil can oxidise, causing flavour loss and dullness. While it may still be safe to consume, it will no longer deliver the vibrant taste or benefits expected from the best olive oil.

Proper storage protects the oil’s integrity, ensuring every drizzle enhances food rather than detracts from it.

Keep Olive Oil Away from Light

Light is one of olive oil’s biggest enemies. Exposure to sunlight or strong indoor lighting accelerates oxidation, which reduces freshness.

This is why premium producers bottle extra virgin olive oil in dark glass or opaque containers. Once opened, it’s best to:

• Store bottles in a cupboard rather than on a windowsill

• Avoid placing olive oil near cooktops with overhead lighting

• Keep decorative countertop displays short-term only

The same care applies to olive oil included in Italian hampers or Christmas hampers. Once gifted, oils should be moved to a dark storage space to preserve quality.

Control Temperature for Longer Freshness

Heat is another major factor affecting olive oil freshness. Olive oil should be stored at a stable, cool room temperature - ideally between 14-18°C.

Avoid storing extra virgin olive oil:

• Next to ovens or stoves

• Above dishwashers

• In warm pantries or near radiators

Refrigeration is not usually necessary for everyday use. While chilling won’t ruin olive oil, it can cause cloudiness and thickening, which may confuse consumers into thinking the oil has spoiled. Once returned to room temperature, the oil will return to normal.

Limit Exposure to Air

Oxygen slowly degrades olive oil once the bottle is opened. Each time the cap is left off or loosely sealed, air enters and affects freshness.

To protect your oil:

• Always reseal bottles tightly after use

• Avoid transferring oil to open containers

• Choose smaller bottles if you use olive oil infrequently

This is especially important for premium oils used for finishing dishes or serving with bread, where flavour matters most.

Store Olive Oil Separately from Strong Aromas

Olive oil can absorb surrounding smells, particularly if stored improperly. Strong spices, cleaning products, or pungent foods nearby can subtly influence aroma and taste.

For best results, store extra virgin olive oil away from:

• Harissa and spice blends

• Tapenade and strong condiments

• Cleaning supplies

This ensures the oil retains its natural profile rather than picking up unwanted notes.

How Long Does Olive Oil Stay Fresh?

Even when stored well, olive oil is not meant to last forever. Freshness matters more than age.

Most extra virgin olive oils are best enjoyed within 12-18 months of harvest, not bottling. Once opened, aim to use the oil within a few months for peak flavour.

Using olive oil regularly - rather than saving it indefinitely - is part of Mediterranean food culture. Oils are meant to be enjoyed generously and often, whether drizzled over gluten free pasta, vegetables, or tinned tuna.

Special Considerations for Flavoured and Paired Products

Olive oil is often paired with complementary ingredients like balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar. These products have different storage needs.

• Balsamic vinegar and best balsamic vinegar varieties are more shelf-stable and less sensitive to light

• Apple cider vinegar can tolerate wider temperature ranges

• Olive oil remains the most sensitive of the trio

When storing gourmet sets or corporate hampers containing multiple items, keep olive oil in a darker, cooler area and store vinegars separately if needed.

Why Storage Is Especially Important for Gifting

Premium olive oil is increasingly used in Italian hampers and corporate hampers because of its universal appeal and longevity. However, the value of the gift depends on how it is treated after delivery.

Proper storage ensures the recipient experiences the oil as intended - fresh, aromatic, and full of flavour. This makes the difference between a good impression and a memorable one.

Businesses choosing olive oil for Christmas hampers often appreciate that, when stored correctly, it becomes a long-lasting reminder of quality and thoughtfulness rather than a one-time indulgence.

Simple Habits That Protect Quality

Keeping olive oil fresh doesn’t require special equipment - just mindful habits:

• Store in a cool, dark cupboard

• Seal tightly after every use

• Use regularly rather than saving indefinitely

• Respect the harvest date

These small steps ensure that even everyday meals benefit from the flavour and quality of the best extra virgin olive oil.

Final Thoughts

Extra virgin olive oil is more than a cooking ingredient - it is a fresh, natural product shaped by climate, harvest, and craftsmanship. Proper storage protects that effort and ensures you enjoy olive oil at its best.

Whether used daily in home cooking, paired with balsamic vinegar, or received as part of Italian hampers or corporate hampers, caring for olive oil properly allows its quality to shine.

By understanding how to store olive oil correctly, you preserve not just freshness, but the true character of one of the Mediterranean’s most valued foods.

Mediterranean fine foods and some of the world's best olive oils from artisan producers in France, Italy, Spain and Tunisia.