We have been selling more of our 3 Liter bag-in-box extra virgin olive oils lately - an economical way to go when you love your oil. It's also the very best way to ensure that your EVOO retains maximum flavor and freshness over time since the bag does not allow in light or oxygen, both of which negatively affect oil. We have been getting questions about the best container to use in conjunction with the bag-in-box. This brings me to the topic of today's blog - that beautiful EVOO container on your counter - could it be ruining your fresh EVOO? Here are some tips when considering the proper container to ensure your EVOOs stay fresh...
Most importantly - remember that your EVOO will stay at its freshest when it is stored with the least exposure to oxygen, heat and light. With that in mind, there are plenty of good options for small container storage.
Remember this - those clear, artsy bottles, perhaps hand-painted, are not your friend. Light degrades your oil very quickly. The greener your olive oil (meaning the higher the amount of chloropyll), the more quickly it will degrade and turn rancid when exposed to light, sometimes in as little as a couple of hours.
We find that a dark and cool container - preferably a ceramic container - that is opaque, is the best for keeping the EVOO cool and out of the light. It is also important that your container has a sealed top. Not open, or a floppy top, but a nice sealable top. Our first choice is the one pictured on the right. Dark glass bottles with a sealed top are also a good choice.
Be sure that each time you thoroughly clean and dry your container after each time you use it. This is very important so that you don't contaminate the new oil with any sediment from the older oil that was in the container. Wash with soap and water and a bottle brush, and, we suggest you allow to dry for two days. This might seem like a bit of work, but it will pay off on the palate!
And, one last tip - do not store your oils next to your stove or oven. Find a nice place for them out of direct sunlight. Keep them cool and they will stay fresh and scrumptious!
Here are some places that have, what we consider, good containers from Williams Sonoma, Amazon, and Etsy.
Hopes this helps solve any storage questions you have!
Buon Appetito!
We love to talk to you about your favorite extra virgin olive oil uses. Share yours below. Contact us to set up a tasting or tasting party. You can also visit our booth at the upcoming summer farmer’s market in Telluride.