How to Store Olive Oil and Protect It from Light

Store olive oil in a tightly closed, dark-colored bottle in a cool cabinet away from light and heat. Light, air, and warmth speed up rancidity, so keep the bottle away from hot spots such as the area beside the stove. Olive oil becomes rancid over time mainly because its fatty acids react with oxygen and oxidize. Light and heat speed up this reaction, so oil left on the counter in a clear or light-colored bottle can spoil more quickly. Olive oil has its fullest aroma and nutritional value when fresh, so it is better to buy an amount you can use soon rather than a large tin.

How Should You Store Olive Oil?
Limit its exposure to light, heat, and air to preserve freshness and aroma:

• Store it in a dark glass or stainless-steel container that blocks light.
• Close the cap tightly after each use to minimize air exposure.
• Keep the oil in a cool cabinet away from heat sources such as the stove and oven.
• For daily use, transfer oil from a large tin or canister to a smaller bottle.
• Do not leave olive oil in direct sunlight, such as on a windowsill.

Common Olive Oil Storage Mistakes
Some common mistakes speed up rancidity and loss of aroma. Leaving olive oil in a clear bottle on a counter or windowsill exposes it to light and speeds oxidation. Keeping the bottle right beside the stove in a warm place can make the oil spoil faster. Leaving the cap loose increases ongoing air exposure and speeds rancidity. Leaving a large amount open when it will not be used for a long time can cause it to lose its aroma and freshness.

Should You Store Olive Oil in the Refrigerator?
Refrigeration is not required; a cool, dark cabinet is adequate for most homes. In the refrigerator, the oil may become cloudy or partly solid because of the cold, but it will turn clear again at room temperature, and this does not affect its quality. Refrigeration may be an option for oil stored for a long time in a very hot climate, but a cool cabinet is more practical for everyday use.

Can You Use Rancid Olive Oil?
Rancid olive oil does not pose a serious health danger, but its taste and smell are noticeably affected, so it generally is not recommended for use. Rancid oil may taste sharply bitter and leave a burning sensation in the throat, and it may have a stale smell; it can negatively affect a dish's flavor. If the oil has a suspicious smell or taste, do not consume it. The packaging also affects storage: oil sold in dark glass or a light-blocking tin is better protected than oil in clear packaging. Check the harvest or expiration date when choosing a fresh product. At home, transferring some oil to a small serving bottle while keeping the main container closed in a cool, dark place can make daily use easier and slow oxidation of the larger amount.

Store olive oil in a tightly closed, dark container in a cool place away from light and heat. Limiting air exposure and using it while fresh helps preserve its aroma and nutritional value. Dividing a large amount among smaller bottles is a practical way to slow oxidation.