You've been storing your olive oil wrong all along—here's what experts say you must stop doing!
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Mistakes in every day habits can often go unnoticed, yet they might have surprising consequences that impact quality and longevity.
One such routine, commonly practised in households everywhere, has caught the attention of experts, sparking widespread concern.
What follows is a closer look at the issue and the simple changes that could make all the difference.
Experts have revealed that olive oil, a staple in kitchens worldwide, is often stored incorrectly, potentially ruining its quality.
While many keep it by the stove for convenience, this could actually cause the oil to spoil faster.
According to advice from Which?, olive oil should be kept in a cool, dark place.
They explained: ‘Keeping your olive oil in a cupboard away from light, heat and oxygen will help to prolong its life and prevent it going off too quickly.’
Contrary to popular belief, storing olive oil in the fridge isn’t ideal either.
‘Don’t store it in the fridge,’ they cautioned.
‘You might have heard that keeping your olive oil in the fridge will help it last longer, but our experts don’t recommend this.’
Packaging also plays a role in preserving olive oil’s quality. Which? advised: ‘Avoid oil sold in clear plastic bottles, which can negatively impact the flavour of the oil. Ideally, opt for a tin or a dark-coloured glass bottle rather than a clear one.’
The shelf life of olive oil is limited, especially once opened.
‘Once the bottle is opened it’s exposed to oxygen, which causes the oil to deteriorate,’ the experts noted.
‘For maximum taste and health benefits, use within a couple of months.’
This advice comes amidst a sharp rise in olive oil prices, with shoppers calling the cost increases ‘disgusting’.
Research found the average price of a 500ml bottle jumped from approximately AUD 6.80 in 2021 to AUD 18.20 in April 2024—a rise of over 168 per cent.
Some supermarkets offered more affordable options, with ALDI selling a 500ml bottle for approximately AUD 8.80, while Iceland’s single variety averaged AUD 10.55.
The most expensive option was approximately AUD 42.20 for 500ml at Waitrose, costing more than a bottle of Whispering Angel Provence Rosé.
The pressing of olives for oil dates back to at least 3000 BC, originating in the Middle East before spreading across the Mediterranean.
Ancient figures like Homer and Hippocrates revered olive oil, dubbing it ‘liquid gold’ and ‘the great healer’, respectively.
Throughout history, olive oil has held religious significance in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
It symbolised purity, protection, and health, while the olive tree represented life, renewal, and peace in numerous cultures.
With simple changes to how you store your olive oil, you can ensure it stays fresh and flavourful for longer.
But here’s something to ponder—how many of us unknowingly let habits ruin the quality of everyday essentials? What’s the most surprising storage tip you’ve learned?
Let us know your thoughts! in the comments.[/caption]
One such routine, commonly practised in households everywhere, has caught the attention of experts, sparking widespread concern.
What follows is a closer look at the issue and the simple changes that could make all the difference.
Experts have revealed that olive oil, a staple in kitchens worldwide, is often stored incorrectly, potentially ruining its quality.
While many keep it by the stove for convenience, this could actually cause the oil to spoil faster.
According to advice from Which?, olive oil should be kept in a cool, dark place.
They explained: ‘Keeping your olive oil in a cupboard away from light, heat and oxygen will help to prolong its life and prevent it going off too quickly.’
Contrary to popular belief, storing olive oil in the fridge isn’t ideal either.
‘Don’t store it in the fridge,’ they cautioned.
‘You might have heard that keeping your olive oil in the fridge will help it last longer, but our experts don’t recommend this.’
Packaging also plays a role in preserving olive oil’s quality. Which? advised: ‘Avoid oil sold in clear plastic bottles, which can negatively impact the flavour of the oil. Ideally, opt for a tin or a dark-coloured glass bottle rather than a clear one.’
The shelf life of olive oil is limited, especially once opened.
‘Once the bottle is opened it’s exposed to oxygen, which causes the oil to deteriorate,’ the experts noted.
‘For maximum taste and health benefits, use within a couple of months.’
This advice comes amidst a sharp rise in olive oil prices, with shoppers calling the cost increases ‘disgusting’.
Research found the average price of a 500ml bottle jumped from approximately AUD 6.80 in 2021 to AUD 18.20 in April 2024—a rise of over 168 per cent.
Some supermarkets offered more affordable options, with ALDI selling a 500ml bottle for approximately AUD 8.80, while Iceland’s single variety averaged AUD 10.55.
The most expensive option was approximately AUD 42.20 for 500ml at Waitrose, costing more than a bottle of Whispering Angel Provence Rosé.
The pressing of olives for oil dates back to at least 3000 BC, originating in the Middle East before spreading across the Mediterranean.
Ancient figures like Homer and Hippocrates revered olive oil, dubbing it ‘liquid gold’ and ‘the great healer’, respectively.
Throughout history, olive oil has held religious significance in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
It symbolised purity, protection, and health, while the olive tree represented life, renewal, and peace in numerous cultures.
With simple changes to how you store your olive oil, you can ensure it stays fresh and flavourful for longer.
But here’s something to ponder—how many of us unknowingly let habits ruin the quality of everyday essentials? What’s the most surprising storage tip you’ve learned?
Let us know your thoughts! in the comments.[/caption]
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