Extra virgin olive oil is one of the most precious foods in our kitchen, loved not only for its unique flavor, but also for its many health benefits. However, to preserve its qualities, it is essential to know how to store it properly, and the choice of the container plays a crucial role.
In this guide, we will explore the different types of containers available for extra virgin olive oil, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, as well as providing some useful suggestions to ensure optimal conservation over time.
Extra virgin olive oil is extremely sensitive to light, oxygen and heat. These factors can cause a deterioration of its organoleptic properties, affecting its flavor, aroma and its health benefits. This is why it is essential to choose the right container, which guarantees optimal protection and conservation.
Glass, especially dark glass, is the most commonly used material for preserving extra virgin olive oil. Its main characteristic is inertia: it does not react with oil, keeping its properties intact. The dark glass protects the oil from light, a factor that can rapidly degrade the product. Glass bottles are available in various sizes, from the smallest of 100 ml to the largest of 1 liter, making it ideal for both home and professional use.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Stainless steel is a robust and hygienic material, perfect for long-term oil storage. It is impervious to light and air, providing complete protection. Stainless steel containers are often equipped with a spout for precise pouring, making them ideal for everyday kitchen use.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
The tin is an economical and lightweight solution, often used for large quantities of oil, such as in 3 or 5 liter cans. These containers are internally coated to avoid direct contact of the oil with the metal, which could otherwise alter their flavor. However, for long-term storage, tin is not always the ideal choice.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Ceramic is an elegant and decorative choice, ideal for those who want to display oil in the kitchen. This material allows light perspiration, promoting micro-oxygenation that can enhance the flavor of the oil. However, ceramic is fragile and does not always guarantee adequate protection from light.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Plastic containers are lightweight and cheap, but they're not an ideal choice for long-term storage. Plastic, especially if it is of low quality, can release substances into the oil and alter its flavor. In addition, it does not effectively protect against light, so it is advisable to choose dark plastic containers and store them in a cool, dark place.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
When choosing the container for extra virgin olive oil, it is important to consider a few key factors:
The amount of oil you intend to store should influence your choice of container. For daily consumption, smaller bottles (250 ml to 1 liter) are ideal, as they facilitate frequent use and help keep the oil fresh. For large quantities, stainless steel or tin containers may be more suitable.
If you store the oil at room temperature, it is essential to choose containers that protect against light and heat, such as dark glass or stainless steel. If you plan to use the oil in a short time, you can also opt for ceramic or plastic containers.
If you want a container that is also a decorative element for your kitchen, ceramic can be an interesting choice. Many ceramic containers are real works of art, but remember to use them only for small amounts of oil to consume quickly.
An innovative and increasingly popular solution for preserving extra virgin olive oil is the Bag-in-Box. This system consists of an airtight inner bag and an outer cardboard box. The inner bag protects the oil from air and light, ensuring prolonged freshness, while the dosing tap allows precise delivery, avoiding waste.
Advantages of the Bag-in-Box:
Choosing the right container for extra virgin olive oil is essential to preserve its quality and flavor. Whether you choose glass, stainless steel, tin, ceramic or an innovative Bag-in-Box, it's important to consider the amount of oil, the storage conditions and the expected lifespan. With the right container, you can always enjoy fresh and delicious extra virgin olive oil.