How to Store Olive Oil Properly So It Doesn’t Lose Its Flavor

Olive oil is more than just a kitchen staple—it’s liquid gold. Whether you drizzle it on salads, cook with it, or use it as a dip, high-quality olive oil delivers rich, peppery, and sometimes fruity flavors that can elevate any dish. But without proper storage, those delicate flavors can degrade quickly, turning your premium oil into a bland disappointment.

Here’s how to store olive oil properly to preserve its flavor, freshness, and nutritional value.

1. Keep It Cool (But Not Too Cool)

Olive oil thrives in a cool, stable environment. The ideal temperature range is between 57°F and 70°F (14°C to 21°C).

• Avoid heat sources like stovetops, ovens, or sunny windowsills. Heat speeds up oxidation, which breaks down the oil.
• Do not refrigerate, unless you live in a very hot climate with no air conditioning. Refrigeration can cause condensation inside the bottle and may lead to clouding (though it won’t ruin the oil).

2. Protect It from Light

Light, especially sunlight, degrades olive oil over time by speeding up oxidation.

• Store your olive oil in a dark glass bottle, a tin, or an opaque container.
• If your oil came in a clear bottle, transfer it to a dark container or keep it in a closed cupboard or pantry.

3. Seal It Tight

Air exposure causes olive oil to oxidize and go rancid faster.

• Always close the cap tightly after use.
• Avoid leaving the bottle open or uncapped, even for short periods.

4. Use Smaller Containers

If you buy olive oil in bulk, don’t leave the entire supply in one large bottle.

• Store most of it in a cool, dark place.
• Transfer a small amount to a daily-use bottle—this limits how often you expose the main supply to air and light.

5. Pay Attention to the “Best By” Date

While olive oil doesn’t spoil like dairy, it does go stale.

• Use it within 12–18 months of the harvest date (not just the purchase date).
• Fresher is always better, especially for extra virgin olive oil.

Bonus Tip: Avoid the Countertop Decanter

While countertop decanters can be stylish, they’re often clear and unsealed, which exposes your oil to all three enemies: light, heat, and air. Unless your decanter is dark and airtight, keep your olive oil in its original (or a proper dark) bottle.

Final Thoughts

Storing olive oil properly isn’t complicated—it just takes a little attention. By keeping it cool, dark, and airtight, you’ll preserve the flavor and health benefits of your olive oil for as long as possible. Treat your oil right, and it will reward you with every drizzle.