How to Store Olive Oil Properly
You've invested in a quality Tasmanian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, so it makes sense to store it properly. While Olive Oil is remarkably stable compared to many fresh foods, the way you store it can have a significant impact on its flavour, aroma and nutritional quality.
Heat Is Olive Oil's Biggest Enemy
If there's one thing to remember, it's this: heat is the biggest enemy of olive oil.
Many people keep their olive oil bottle beside the stove for convenience, but this is one of the worst places to store it. Repeated exposure to heat accelerates oxidation and causes the oil to deteriorate more quickly, reducing the fresh herbaceous flavours and peppery finish that make quality extra virgin olive oil so special.
Instead, store your olive oil in a cool, dark place such as:
- A pantry
- A cupboard away from appliances
- A cool section of your kitchen out of direct sunlight
Keeping your oil away from heat sources will help preserve its flavour for longer.
What About Clear Glass Bottles?
One of the most common questions we receive is why our olive oil is packaged in clear glass.
It's true that prolonged exposure to light can accelerate the degradation of olive oil. However, light is only one piece of the puzzle. Heat and oxygen exposure are equally important factors, and simply switching to a dark glass bottle won't protect oil that's sitting beside a hot stove or in direct sunlight.
In reality, a dark bottle left next to a cooktop may age more quickly than a clear bottle stored correctly in a cool pantry.
We chose clear glass because we believe customers appreciate seeing the beautiful colour and clarity of the oil they're purchasing. We also know that most olive oil is consumed over weeks or months rather than years. When stored correctly and used regularly, the impact of the bottle colour is minimal compared to the benefits of keeping the oil cool, sealed and out of direct sunlight.
The key takeaway is simple: regardless of the bottle colour, olive oil should be stored away from heat and sunlight, with the cap tightly sealed between uses.
Fresh Is Best
Unlike wine, olive oil does not improve with age.
In fact, olive oil is at its best when it's fresh. Over time, the vibrant flavours and aromas gradually fade, even when stored correctly. That's why we always encourage our customers to liberally drizzle their olive oil rather than save it for a special occasion.
The sooner you consume your oil after harvest, the more you'll experience the characteristics that make fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oil so enjoyable: grassy aromas, herbaceous notes and that signature Tassie peppery finish.
Keep It Accessible
One challenge many households face is balancing proper storage with convenience. If your olive oil is tucked away at the back of the pantry, you're less likely to use it regularly.
That's why we love using our 2 in 1 Glass Olive Oil Sprayer. Combining both spray and pour functions in one bottle, it makes it easy to use olive oil every day while helping you control portions and reduce waste. The dual-function design allows you to lightly mist vegetables, salads and cookware when needed, or pour larger amounts for roasting and cooking.
Many customers also tell us that using a sprayer helps them get more mileage from their olive oil while still keeping it readily accessible for everyday cooking. If you keep your oil on the bench, choose a location away from sunlight and well clear of the hot stove.
A Few Simple Storage Tips
To get the most from your olive oil:
- Store it away from the stove and other heat sources.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight.
- Ensure the lid is tightly sealed after use. Remember to refill your sprayer to minimize oxidation!
- Buy fresh oil and use it regularly. Enjoy it while it's at its peak of freshness!
At Wattle Hill Olives, we believe olive oil is meant to be enjoyed fresh. Whether it's stored in clear glass, dark glass or stainless steel, the most important thing is protecting it from heat, light and excess air exposure. With proper storage and regular use, you'll experience the vibrant flavours that make Tasmanian Extra Virgin Olive Oil so special.
