Natural olive oil is considered one of the most valuable products. It contains many vitamins, minerals and other biologically active substances, which are very useful for the human body. But if stored incorrectly, a significant proportion of these components can be destroyed. So, how to store olive oil?
. The basic rules of
First of all, it should be said that olive oil is a perishable product. For this reason, after opening the contents of the bottle should be used as soon as possible - ideally for several months. If the storage is extended, then with each next week it will gradually lose its basic qualities.
Next we will tell you how to properly store olive oil to keep it fresh and good for as long as possible.
- The product should be purchased, which was distributed a maximum of six months ago. This applies to absolutely all varieties and species, including the most expensive - "Olea Europaea".The taste of the "young" oil will have a small bitterness.
- The main "enemies" are light and air, and after prolonged contact with them, the olive oil quickly oxidizes. As a result, a pleasant unobtrusive bitterness is transformed into a pronounced rancid taste.
- It must not be frozen in any case, since after exposure to extremely low temperatures the product will lose its aroma and a significant proportion of its useful properties.
Which containers should I choose?
Storage of olive oil is allowed only in a certain container, but not necessarily in the factory container. For these purposes, glass, tin or ceramic containers can be used. This condition becomes especially relevant in those cases where a large volume of the product was purchased and it will not be possible to use it in a few days.
Glass
A bottle of darkened glass is an ideal option. Plus, it must be tightly closed, which will prevent oxidation. It is desirable that the capacity was small, therefore if you bought a lot of oil, it is better to pour it on small bottles immediately after opening, than to store it in "native", but large.
Note! If the volume of the container is modest, then the area of contact of oil with air will be minimal!
The unopened glass bottle is capable of preserving all the properties of this valuable product for two years. However, it is not out of place to look at the storage period of the olive oil purchased, which must be indicated on the label.
Dark glass is good in that it does not allow sunlight to affect the quality of the content. For this reason, many manufacturers pour their product into this kind of packaging. As a rule, it has a dark green. Some make the glass completely black to completely eliminate the product's contact with light.
Tin-cups
It is customary to pour a cheaper product into tin jars, however, despite this, its quality is also at an altitude. How much olive oil is stored in tin cans? About a year, but again, provided that after each use you will carefully clog the container. And if it is equipped with a special "jib", then it will be absolutely not difficult.
But despite the fact that such a container is able to retain all the quality of the content long enough, it is quite inconvenient to use. Therefore, often oil is poured into other bottles immediately after opening.
Ceramics
On sale you will not find olive oil, poured into ceramics. This container is not used by any manufacturer. However, these bottles are quite actively used as containers, in which it is very convenient to store olive oil after its opening.
Ceramics do not let sunlight and prevents the penetration of foreign odors. Typically, these vessels have a special spout, with which it is very convenient to dose the contents without overfilling excess.
Important! Storage of natural olive oil in plastic containers is unacceptable. No self-respecting manufacturer will use such material to spill a really high-quality product. In the sale of such containers are found, but their contents are often a cheap forgery - as a rule, this is ordinary sunflower oil with a small share of olive!
Storage Area
Where to Store Olive Oil? This issue is no less important, since the right place is very important, because it also helps to maintain the basic qualities of the product. Quite often you can see how the housewives put it directly at the stove. And despite the fact that it is convenient, they make a mistake. Being in constant contact with high temperatures, it quickly loses its original flavor and aroma. You can eat it, then you will not get any more pleasure from it.
There may be a counter question - is it possible to store olive oil in the refrigerator? And it will be quite appropriate, since this subject of household appliances is used directly in order to keep the food fresh. However, this does not apply to olive oil. When stored in a refrigerator, a white precipitate appears in the form of flakes, and after two weeks its taste will be hopelessly spoiled.
Note! By the way, the formation of a thick sludge when stored in a refrigerator is an extra proof that you have acquired a really high-quality product!
It is best to store it as follows:
- in a kitchen cabinet with opaque doors;
- at an air temperature of not more than + 25 ° C;
- when buying oil in a transparent container before you send it for storage, the container should be wrapped with thick paper or foil.
These simple rules will help you maintain the quality of olive oil and enjoy its unrivaled taste and aroma throughout its shelf life.