How to Store Olive Oil Properly | Keep Your Extra Virgin Olive Oil Fresh

Did you know that extra virgin olive oil is technically a fruit juice? Olives grow on trees and are classified as a fruit, so the oil extracted from them is simply the natural juice of the olive.

Unlike many fruit juices, extra virgin olive oil is shelf stable and does not need refrigeration. However, just like fresh juice, olive oil is best enjoyed while it is fresh and does not improve with age.

At Great Southern Groves, the best before date on our extra virgin olive oil is two years from harvest, but the closer you enjoy it to pressing, the more vibrant the flavour and the greater the health benefits.

Understanding how to store olive oil properly will help preserve its flavour, aroma and nutritional value.

The Three Enemies of Olive Oil

Three main factors can cause olive oil to deteriorate over time:

Oxygen
Exposure to air gradually oxidises the oil.

Heat
High temperatures can break down flavour compounds and beneficial antioxidants.

Light
Light exposure accelerates oxidation and can quickly reduce the quality of olive oil.

To protect your olive oil, follow three simple rules:

• Keep the lid tightly sealed

• Store it away from heat sources

• Keep it in a dark location

Can You Keep Olive Oil on the Kitchen Bench?

Many people like to keep a bottle of olive oil on the kitchen bench for convenience. This is perfectly fine if you choose the right bottle and location.

A small, dark glass or ceramic bottle (around 500ml or smaller) is ideal. Dark glass helps protect the oil from light while the smaller size ensures the oil is used while still fresh.

Our decorative bottles from Great Southern Groves were chosen specifically for this purpose. Their thick, dark glass provides an extra layer of protection against light exposure.

If you keep your olive oil on the bench, avoid placing it directly next to the stove. While this location may be convenient, heat can cause the oil to lose both flavour and nutritional value more quickly.

If you only use a small amount of olive oil each week, consider refilling your bottle with only what you need for the week to maintain freshness.

It is also good practice to wash your bottle every two to three months, or whenever you open a new tin of olive oil.

Storing Olive Oil When Buying in Bulk

Buying olive oil in larger containers such as 3L tins or 15L bag-in-box packaging is an excellent way to keep your kitchen stocked with high-quality oil.

The best approach is to decant the oil into a smaller bottle for everyday use, then store the larger container in a cool, dark cupboard.

When using a 3L tin, make sure the lid is replaced tightly after each use and aim to consume the oil within six months of opening for optimal freshness.

Our bag-in-box olive oil is especially effective for long-term storage because the packaging protects the oil from both light and oxygen exposure. This helps preserve flavour and quality for longer periods.

Fresh Olive Oil is Always Best

Extra virgin olive oil is a natural product and like most fresh produce, it is best enjoyed while fresh. By protecting your oil from oxygen, heat and light, you can ensure every drizzle delivers the full flavour and health benefits that quality olive oil is known for.

Shop our full range of Australian extra virgin olive oil here > https://www.greatsoutherngroves.com.au/shop-now/

Looking for the convenience of a 3L olive oil subscription? > https://www.greatsoutherngroves.com.au/product/extra-virgin-olive-oil/

15L bag-in-box olive oil - Keeping bulk olive oil fresher for longer. Shop here > https://www.greatsoutherngroves.com.au/product/15litre-box/